My Houzz: Clutter-Free Minimalism for a Converted Brick Storefront
Open and bright, this Salt Lake City home exudes calmness, simplicity and comfort
Lucy Call
September 17, 2013
Houzz contributor. I have been working as a freelance photographer for 5 years. I specialize in architecture and food. You can check out my work at www.lucycall.com and follow me on instagram: @lucycall
Houzz contributor. I have been working as a freelance photographer for 5 years. I... More
Amy Tibbals and Kerri Fukui checked off the top three must-haves on their home buying list when they purchased this converted storefront in Utah: open, bright and simple. "We walked in to clean, white walls; high ceilings; unfinished concrete floors and a dynamite kitchen, and we were like, 'OK, yes. Sold,'" says Tibbals.
Developer Geoff Tice remodeled the home, which was once a mom-and-pop grocery store, meat market and bookshop. He added radiant heating and energy-efficient windows, creating an ideal clutter-free decorating canvas for Tibbals, an editor at City Home Collective and Fukui, a manager and buyer at a snowboard shop. "Our excitement right now lies in the fact that we found a structure we love, and that we get to execute all of these ideas that will make it feel like our perfect space," Fukui says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Amy Tibbals and Kerri Fukui
Location: Fairpark neighborhood of Salt Lake City
Size: 1,300 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Developer Geoff Tice remodeled the home, which was once a mom-and-pop grocery store, meat market and bookshop. He added radiant heating and energy-efficient windows, creating an ideal clutter-free decorating canvas for Tibbals, an editor at City Home Collective and Fukui, a manager and buyer at a snowboard shop. "Our excitement right now lies in the fact that we found a structure we love, and that we get to execute all of these ideas that will make it feel like our perfect space," Fukui says.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Amy Tibbals and Kerri Fukui
Location: Fairpark neighborhood of Salt Lake City
Size: 1,300 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
"Neither of us cares for any level of clutter, nor are we drawn to dark spaces, so it works really well," says Tibbals. The floor-to-ceiling frosted glass wall has energy-efficient, low-emissivity, argon-gas-filled windows. "The space is pretty much flooded with natural light, so we sorta lucked out there," she says. "Really, the home was designed in such a way that not only speaks to an organic, minimalist style, but sort of demands it; there aren't many corners or nooks to fill in this home, and we much prefer it that way."
"Facing east, it's absolutely full of bright sunlight in the mornings, which gets pretty toasty but is a lovely thing to wake up to," says Tibbals. "It's a great room to read in or have a cup of coffee."
Couch: Milan 2-Piece Sectional, Lofgren's; arc lamp: Green Ant; round table: Teak Side Table, Brook Farm General Store; windows: Serious Windows, Heliocentric
Couch: Milan 2-Piece Sectional, Lofgren's; arc lamp: Green Ant; round table: Teak Side Table, Brook Farm General Store; windows: Serious Windows, Heliocentric
Tibbals and Fukui worked through several possibilities in the layout of the main living space. "With the kitchen lining the entire south wall, we had some questions over whether we should divide the space into kitchen and living in a more obvious way — say, with a long, narrow table that could also serve as additional counter space," says Tibbals. "Ultimately we hated that idea, as the kitchen is really an art piece of its own — with the wood and the apron-front farm sink. It's a good view to have from the couch."
Tibbals and Fukui's friend, Laura Naylor, photographed this large black and white portrait of a man who worked at the Great Wall of China. "He was laughing at her attempt to speak Chinese, which is kind of cool to know. He definitely adds an authentic bit of happiness to the room," says Fukui.
Tibbals says they are still deciding on the best spot for a dining table. "We want to avoid having too many large pieces in the one space, so it's kind of a practice in visualization," she says. For now they typically eat outside if the weather is nice or at the coffee table in the living room.
The flooring is concrete and has radiant heating.
The flooring is concrete and has radiant heating.
Previous owners had completely remodeled the home before Tibbals and Fukui moved in. The developer, Geoff Tice, is behind the layout and finishes.
"We're newbies in the space — it hasn't even been a year since we purchased it — so we're still waist deep in ideas and eventual additions that will put a more personal stamp on it," says Tibbals. "That said, it certainly feels like ours, since the design speaks so nicely to the way we want to live and serves as a daily practice in simplicity and function." The main bedroom exemplifies that philosophy.
Bedspread: Cotton Sheet, Brook Farm General Store; bed: custom, Patrick Davis Design
Bedspread: Cotton Sheet, Brook Farm General Store; bed: custom, Patrick Davis Design
Tibbals and Fukui believe that everyone should feel a sense of calm and comfort at home, and they are excited about all they can do to their space to continually achieve that feeling. The guest bedroom is outfitted in mostly neutral colors and another black and white art piece.
Office desk: Tyler Millard Tuft, Walger and Millard Design
Office desk: Tyler Millard Tuft, Walger and Millard Design
The bedroom doubles as an office. A golden pothos vine sits on the clerestory window sill. The frosted glass door leads to a patio and a detached two-car garage.
"A big want for us in finding a home was a garden and yard of our own, so we're thrilled to have it," says Fukui (at left). She and Tibbals (at right) credit their close friend Cody Derrick, Realtor, designer and founder of City Home Collective, for helping them find this home.
"A barbecue and glass of wine in the backyard with friends is a top-shelf evening for us, and growing our own food was vastly important. We'd ultimately like for our entire yard to be shrouded in green, be it plants, veggies, trees or vines," says Tibbals.
Exterior paint: Evening Hush, Behr
Browse more homes by style:
Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Eclectic Homes |Modern Homes | Contemporary Homes
Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes| Barn Homes
Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Vacation Homes
"A barbecue and glass of wine in the backyard with friends is a top-shelf evening for us, and growing our own food was vastly important. We'd ultimately like for our entire yard to be shrouded in green, be it plants, veggies, trees or vines," says Tibbals.
Exterior paint: Evening Hush, Behr
Browse more homes by style:
Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Eclectic Homes |Modern Homes | Contemporary Homes
Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes| Barn Homes
Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Vacation Homes
Related Stories
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Boston Pied-à-Terre Designed for Evenings
By Becky Harris
A designer found on Houzz infuses a condo with a sultry vibe inspired by supper clubs and luxe boutique hotels
Full Story
Guesthouses
Houzz Tour: Light-Filled 704-Square-Foot Modern Cottage
By Becky Harris
An architect and a designer create a light and airy feel, cozied up by layers of textures
Full Story
Outbuildings
Family Gatherings in Argentina Inspire a Pavilion and Guesthouse
By Becky Harris
A new yard adds room for hosting, swimming and bringing part of one homeowner’s culture to her family’s Seattle home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Organic Style on an Avocado Ranch
By Becky Harris
A designer uses a soft neutral palette, handmade tile and reclaimed wood to update a 1980s contemporary home
Full Story
Transitional Homes
Houzz Tour: Elegant, Earthy Ranch House for an Empty-Nest Couple
Design styles, warm neutral colors and special details blend in a Minnesota ranch-style house with a finished basement
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Colorado Forever Home Is a Family Affair
By Becky Harris
The mountain home was designed for gatherings and to make the most of views of Pikes Peak and surroundings
Full Story
Contemporary Homes
Houzz Tour: Open and Inviting Mountain Home Near Lake Tahoe
By Becky Harris
A designer creates a warmly minimalist California getaway that can stand up to snow and mud
Full Story
Homes Around the World
Houzz Tour: Period Home Gains Color and Character
By Kate Burt
Before-and-after photos show how a bold palette and restored features bring warmth and personality to this English house
Full Story
Modern Homes
Houzz Tour: New Home Gets a Midcentury Modern Makeover
By Julie Sheer
A designer in Boston reworks the kitchen and primary suite and adds style with furnishings, lighting and more
Full Story
Barn Homes
Houzz Tour: Old Barns Become an Airy, Modern-Rustic Home
A barn home in Devon, England, sits lightly on the land and offers simple, relaxing spaces for an extended family
Full Story
Very creative ideas, I love them.
I love when people think outside the box, and create something wonderful.