DIY

Inspired by HGTV’s DIY and renovation programming—particularly Love It or List It’s Hilary Farr—I approach home projects with an emphasis on efficient design, structural integrity, and maximizing usable space.

During my time in Arizona, I completed multiple residential improvement projects after purchasing a 1,750-square-foot home in 2019. With a family of four, space optimization was critical.

The Heart Of The Home

The kitchen serves as both the gathering place and focal point of the home. Shortly after purchasing the residence, it became the first priority for renovation. The original Formica countertops were replaced with granite, and each cabinet was meticulously stripped to bare wood using Citristrip before receiving three coats of white paint. Black hardware was selected to enhance both visual contrast and everyday functionality.

STORAGE WARS

The second project involved designing and installing a garage storage system that added approximately 160 SQFT of overhead storage for seasonal items. Using a primary beam sourced from Lowe’s for under $200, supported by 4×6 posts anchored to existing studs, I engineered a compact framing solution with custom-fabricated 2×4 micro-beams with ripped plywood creating joists. This design delivered the required load strength while preserving vertical clearance and functional workspace below.

The project was executed with a strong emphasis on planning, safety, and efficient use of materials.

MOBILE

Following completion of the garage storage system, I identified the need for a dedicated workspace. I designed and built a multi-use workstation that integrates a table saw and compound miter saw while also functioning as a bar, effectively extending the garage into usable living and work space.

The mobile design allows the workstation to be rolled onto the driveway for cutting tasks, keeping dust and debris outdoors while maintaining a clean and efficient garage environment.

HOMEWORK

The desk area was designed to visually and functionally tie into the kitchen. I sourced two unfinished kitchen base cabinets from Lowe’s, finished them to match the existing kitchen cabinetry, and installed black hardware for continuity. A 7′ × 4′ granite slab—previously used as a dining table—was repurposed to form a three-piece desktop surface.

The space served as a dedicated area for creative work, photography processing, and enjoying vinyl, blending utility with thoughtful residential design.

COVID CONVERSION

To accommodate a wide-open floor plan while supporting my wife’s work-from-home needs, I designed and built a flexible home office solution that preserves an open feel while allowing the space to be enclosed when required.

The room also functions as a guest sleepover area, incorporating a hideaway sofa to maximize versatility without compromising aesthetics or usability.

OPEN 24 HOURS

I completed a weekend renovation to bring the laundry room in line with the home’s overall design direction. The project focused on reclaiming wasted space between the washer and dryer, refinishing existing cabinetry, and installing black hardware to match the rest of the house.

Galvanized metal accents were added to mirror the garage bar finishes, reinforcing a cohesive farmhouse aesthetic throughout the home.

PULL UP A SEAT

The home’s wide entryway offered a welcoming first impression but lacked functional purpose. To better utilize the space, I counterbalanced the adjacent desk area and designed a built-in bench with integrated storage below. This solution enhanced daily usability, provided concealed storage, and improved traffic flow while maintaining an open, inviting entry experience.

OPEN

To fully utilize every square inch of the home, I returned to the garage to address tool and equipment storage. Ladders, paint, and frequently used tools—previously scattered—were consolidated into concealed, purpose-built storage.

While the redesign effectively created a “one-and-three-quarter” garage, functionality was preserved. With the bar/workstation removed, the space still accommodates a compact vehicle. For everyday use, the mobile workstation stores flush against the wall beneath the TV, with a golf cart and scooters parked alongside, allowing a vehicle to be parked without compromise.

INTERIOR

EXTERIOR