Guest House Design

A guest house can add square footage to your home. It can also make the task of hosting guests much more pleasant for you and your guests. Further, the more self-contained the guest house, the more independent your guests can be, which takes a lot of stress off the hosts. Many homeowners will build a guest house as new construction. However, the majority of guest houses utilize existing, unused spaces and this is by far, the least expensive way to go. In this case, the homeowners had a large workshop above their three car garage that was not being used. They sectioned off a small area and remodeled this space into a smaller workshop with a half bathroom. A few years later, they decided to take the remaining space, which was being used for storage, and convert it into a guest house complete with kitchenette, laundry room and propane fireplace. The usable attic above the storage area was converted into a loft bedroom and full bath. The secret to a successful guest house is smart utilization of all available space. In this case, there is now a full bath in the loft bedroom but the tastefully designed ½ bath in the workshop can be used by guest on the main floor of the guest house. Furniture should also be selected carefully in order to maximize not only seating but to add furniture that converts to a bed if needed for guests. This can be accomplished with couches that convert to beds as well as Murphy beds. These homeowners were able to easily provide beds for five people without compromising the ambiance or casual seating of the guest house.

This small guest house attached to the main house had few windows and one outside door. It was remodeled with french doors to the outside and additional windows in both the living room and bedroom. It is now bright and airy. The guest house includes master bath, powder room, kitchenette and laundry room. Note the newly installed large river rock fireplace to look like it was already part of the structure.

About Spaces by Design

Catherine Dishion is a Space Planner/Archetectural Designer who has been handling new construction and remodeling projects from design stage to completion since 1998. She has completed projects in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley as well as Portland, Oregon and surrounding areas. Prior to starting her own business, she worked for a California state wide Real Estate Company for ten years and designed all of their offices located from Southern California to Northern California. Many of the remodels were transforming vintage houses into beautiful office spaces complete with restored fireplaces, some of which had been hidden for years by walls. She has relationships with reputable local vendors who can supply quality services and merchandise needed to complete any project. Catherine is a Space Planner and Architectural Designer. She can prepare computerized floor plans including 3D views. She prefers to not do structural plans thus an Architect will be needed for that phase. However, she can coordinate between you and the Architect as well as work with the architect during the construction phase on your behalf so you receive the product you want.

Call Catherine Dishion cell 805 705-5773

Spaces by Design Services

Because of her construction expertise and experience, Catherine can help her client select the licensed Contractor and Architect who is right for her clients, assist in the building permit process, and act as a liaison with the Contractor or Architect during the entire construction phase. Catherine’s projects and expertise include residential, income property and commercial offices. She listens to her clients She has personal hands on experience with plumbing, electrical, roofing, insulation, carpentry, tile, constructing hardscapes, painting and staining. She can produce what is desired for the project. She will transform an unworkable floor plan into one that flows. Every detail including colors, fabrics, and lighting will all tie in. If the plan calls for adding a window, she will make sure the window enhances the exterior view of the property as well. She handles projects in Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara area.