And so the planning began.
They also wanted ascreened porch.
After a few years, the list stacked up.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“It wound up being about 10 typed pages of notes,” Michelle says.
When the time came to build their new house, the Spivas turned to their list.
They recruited architectRon Farristo help build a new house that looks like it’s been on this street forever.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Read on for eight smart design ideas used by thisdownsizing duo.
Size It Just Right
“We wanted very clean lines, nothing ornate,” Michelle says.
Michelle wanted to have awhite cottage, so they painted the exteriorBenjamin Moore’s Simply White(OC-117).
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“This is not just an off-the-shelf door,” he says.
“It’s larger, which entices people to come in.”
It also helps expand the foyer.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“How do you make a small entry hall feel bigger?
Use a large door to get into it,” he says.
A Bevelo lantern is centered over the door.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
“I wanted it to feel like they didn’t buy everything at once,” says Halvorson.
When it comes to salvage, you might not find exactly what you’re looking for.
“When the windows take up all of your storage space, you have to put it somewhere else.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
It even includes a doggy door for the family pooch to coma and go through.
They found the perfect alcove in the living room.
No messy bar here.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Let No Space Be Wasted
Michelle felt that having a single, comfortable family area was key.
“A TV room can look really nice if you hide the electronics.”
Everything is hidden behind doors built into the light oak paneled wall.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
One of Halvorson’s favorite pieces is the coffee table.
She found an old Spanish door and had sleek iron legs made.
“Even in the peak heat of summer, guests take their coffee on the porch.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
I honestly think we use it 12 months of the year.”
“She wanted it to be light and freshnot heavy,” Halvorson says.
Here, the designer paired an antique dining table with new skirted chairs.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Carve Out A Feminine Workspace
Michelle wanted a feminine, calm space for her home office.
To Halvorson, feminine doesn’t have to mean frilly, floral ruffles.
She also added layers with texture and small accessories, which softened the space even more.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
She suggested using the antique dresser as the vanity in the powder room.
The top was removed and replaced with a sink.
“I wanted ours to feel cozy.”
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
To achieve that, the couple settled on a small space with direct access to a private porch.
Michelle and Halvorson focused on using a warm, neutral palette to create a comfortable retreat.
Because it looks into the neighbors house, they opted for Bremuda shutters.
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
She wanted a space where they could hang out and crash at night.
She also mentioned,hint hint, maybe future grandkids.
Tour The Home
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
Credit: Laurey W. Glenn
