January 2025 Home of the Month
10233 Clary Drive
When downsizing to my two-bedroom home, I struggled to find space for everything from my previous house. The garage was in poor shape, awkward for parking, and crammed with leftover items. Knowing a carport would suffice for Texas weather, I decided to combine it with a crafting studio and storage space—and so, my project began.
This idea, however, was well beyond my DIY capabilities. I reached out to Lou Simmons, a local architect, to bring my vision to life. Lou asked thoughtful questions and quickly came back with preliminary drawings that perfectly captured what I had in mind. Next, I needed a contractor—a much trickier task. Contractors are often swamped with larger jobs, and my small project wasn’t particularly enticing. Thankfully, Lou introduced me to Cody Iles of Meticulous Woodworks, a trusted acquaintance of his. Cody’s attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship made him the perfect choice for this project.
The process started with demolishing the old garage. We had hoped to salvage some of the lumber, but most of it was too aged to be reused. Despite the challenges, Cody worked diligently, both independently and alongside skilled tradespeople he brought in as needed.
After about a year of planning, permits, and construction, my carport and studio were complete—and the results exceeded my expectations.
The highlight of my new studio is the natural light that streams in through the upper windows, creating an airy and inspiring atmosphere. The space is thoughtfully designed with cubbies for yarn storage, a worktable salvaged from my old home, and cozy seating.
It’s the perfect environment for the Knitting Divas, a group I started to share my love of knitting with others. We meet on the fourth Friday of every month, and I send out an email beforehand to let participants know if they’ll need any special equipment. Currently, we have about ten wonderful women who attend regularly, but we’re always open to welcoming new faces. If you’re interested in joining, feel free to reach out to me via email, and I’ll make sure you’re included in the monthly announcements.
In addition to hosting our knitting sessions, the studio has become a place where I can immerse myself in my hobbies or simply relax with friends. With a dedicated A/C unit, custom closet with full bath and a hot water heater, it truly feels like an extension of my home rather than a converted garage.
What started as a practical solution to park my car has become a beautiful, multifunctional space that brings me endless joy.
For anyone curious about the space or considering a similar project, I’d be delighted to give you a tour of the studio. Just send an email to the OLH Home of the Month team, and we’ll arrange a time.