I am planning to retire from a career in electronics in or around September of 2011. in the early years of my career, I started to collect wood working tools and made furniture, knickknacks, and remodeled or constructed rooms in the two houses we live in. The main house is where I and my wife, Deanne, live. We both work for a large electronics firm and after 15 years or so we decided to look for a piece of property that we could build a retirement home on. We both liked the water so we looked for a place close to or on the water. Eventually we decided on a lake in Iowa that suited us and family we both have in Iowa. We built a single level house with a walkout basement that opens up to the lake. When we built we had the contractors complete the main floor , but we left the walkout for me to construct. Over the years I have spent weekends and vacation time completing the lower level to add a second bathroom, a tv/entertainment room, and a large gathering area we have dubbed the Bull Pen and bar. I completed these rooms this year (2009) and we will add furniture as time and money permit.
My Steampunk page and interests come from the combination of my electronics background and my interrest in wood working. This probably will not be my only hobby, but I think Steampunk art will probably keep me busy for the majority of my foreseeable spare time.
The TV room was designed to resemble a Victorian library and smoking room. I've seen movies where the men retire to a room with wood paneling, coffered ceilings, leather wing back chairs, and a cart with brandy and cigars. This was the look I was shooting for with a slight change, the room would be for TV veiwing.
More TV Room Photos
|
The kitchenette and Bull Pen extend the full width of the lower level and is the access point to main deck on the lake side. This started out as a wet bar but, "Creeping Elegance" tranformed it into what is seen here. The frig. was going to be an under counter type , but was deamed too small when company shows up. The range was needed to keep food, brought by visitors, warm before some massive feed. The cabinets were extended to add the peninsula to set food on for guests. It is handy for storing extras of everything to supply larger crowds. All in all it seems to be functional.
Lower Level Walk Out
The lower level bathroom design started with the idea that it needed to be a large room where you could dress for Summer fun as well as refresh yourself. I made all of the cabinetry in this room and installed an 8' X 6' Sauna. This is great for those winter days when you just can't warm up.
More Photos
|
