A Darling Desert Escape Seeks $445K Near Joshua Tree
Once a homestead cabin with no bedroom or bath, this revamped retreat now has all the essentials—plus a whole lot of charm.
Once a homestead cabin with no bedroom or bath, this revamped retreat now has all the essentials—plus a whole lot of charm.
Two years ago, Cat Cannon and her partner, Robbie Stiefel, rolled up their sleeves to tackle their first design project—updating a neglected cabin in Yucca Valley, California. Originally built in 1958, the 480-square-foot unit presented a blank canvas with its wide, open layout. "We were inspired by the challenge of designing a one-bedroom, one-bath house that would feel spacious within the existing footprint," says Cat.
Before: A look at the 1958 cabin before its top-down overhaul. Cat Cannon, a documentary filmmaker and photographer, acquired the property in 2019 with her partner, musician Robbie Stiefel.
Photo courtesy of Cat Cannon
Now, the exterior is outfitted with smooth stucco. Three "pop-out" windows increase the home’s dimensions, while a vibrant purple door extends a warm welcome.
Photo courtesy of Cat Cannon
After stripping the building down to the studs, the young couple vaulted the ceiling and integrated extensive glazing. "We knew that natural light would be essential to making the interior feel larger, so we added a lot of glass, including two rake windows to follow and accentuate the roof’s pitch."
In order to maximize both floor space and storage, the couple created "pop-out" window openings, which they filled with custom built-in furniture. They also sculpted the bedroom with a sleek curved wall. "Lying in bed, you can see the level curve from the top of the wall contrast against the glowing slope of the vaulted ceiling. This light and visual interest play a huge role in the bedroom's airy aesthetic," explains Cat.
Before: A peek at the interior before the revamp. Though the structure offered an open layout, it lacked a fully equipped kitchen and had outdated vibes.
Photo courtesy of Cat Cannon
See the full story on Dwell.com: A Darling Desert Escape Seeks $445K Near Joshua Tree
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