Wednesday, January 23, 2008

Secret passageways and hidden rooms

Imagine standing by a bookcase, and all of a sudden, it mysteriously opens. Or, leaning against a staircase, which suddenly lifts up, revealing a hidden room. These are the types of creations Steven Humble of Creative Home Engineering specializes in - fully automated, Hollywood style secret passages that you'd never know were there -- unless someone told you or you stumbled on them by accident.

When I asked Steven why he started Creative Home Engineering, he told me he's always been fascinated with secret passages and planned to have some in his own home. But, after he became a mechanical engineer, and actually started looking for someone to build some, he found there were really no companies around with the right experise. So, using his engineering and robotics background, he started a business, filling this little niche for others like himself around the world.

Well, I'm certainly glad he has, because this kind of stuff is just plain fun! Think of the possibilities if you were having your home custom built and wanted something a bit different. Forget ordinary custom cabinets; I say, build something with mystery and panache!

For your viewing pleasure, ladies and gentlemen, I give you the work of Steven Humble, of Creative Home Engineering, Tempe, Arizona... I hope you enjoy and these images inspire you to create something a bit out of the ordinary ...









14 comments:

Brilliant Asylum said...

A friend of mine's parents house has a bookcase in the living that is actually a door into a secret bar room. How cool is that? I want one!

/// said...

OOOH, such lovely pictures!!!!

Jennifer said...

That's way cool, Brilliant Asylum!

DFM, glad you like them!

Julie at Belle Vivir said...

I like the bookcases ones. Really cool

Michelle said...

OH MY GOOOOOOD, how freaking cool! I love this, I totally feel like some guy from the 1800's died, naturally, and was reincarnated in the form of a brilliant entrepanure and now there is this wonderful, modern re-interpretation of this killer idea. I totally want all of them, it would take me a few months to learn about my whole house though, wait, is this a door....oh no it isn't, ouch..ehheheh

blah said...

Dear Designing - Thank you so much for the mention below :-) AND what a GREAT post - this must havetaken some organising to put together!


Reminds me of the Famous Five stories -)

Jennifer said...

Hi Michelle. Hah! It would never get boring, that's for sure!

Jennifer said...

ATBandB - You're most welcome, and I'd forgotten completely about the Famous Five -- I loved those books!

Barb McMahon and Alan Mailloux said...

Very cool post.

I hope you don't mind, Jennifer, but I've tagged you to tell seven random things about yourself. Playing is volutary and you can find the rules in my Gasp! I've Been Tagged post.

Jennifer said...

Hi Barb. Yikes! You tagged me. Actually, seven random things shouldn't be a problem. I'm good at random! Until later ... :)

Anonymous said...

I love secret passageways, what a fun post!

Happy day,
Melissa

Anonymous said...

THANK YOU for posting these pictures and the link. I've been trying to figure out for 23 years how to use the spacious attic for a study, when I have NO PLACE for a staircase! Virtual orchids for you!

Jennifer said...

Cool! Thanks, Halcyon. I've never received virtual orchids before! Glad to have been of help, and you'll have to send pics!

Anonymous said...

you're welcome! Water them on the 32nd of the month.

great blog, by the by....