A High-Tech Dollhouse

In the dining room of this miniature masterpiece is a petite dining table complete with sideboard, centerpieces and table settings. Photo: Elaine Shaw

Inside, the miniature palace features a television, a refrigerator with a working door, functioning lights and even a computer complete with keyboard and printer. The iMac is one of her favorite pieces because it looks real, as is the toilet (unworking) because it was a labor of love to get it to look just right. Believe it or not, Elaine says could get the toilet (pictured above) to work -- she knows a miniature plumber! Individual interior components/furnishings can be purchased separately through MIAIM.

I asked Elaine if it was harder to design for mini houses and she explained, "Architecturally it's not harder, just different... You have to think about access for the owner and available space in both. On the plus side, I don't have to worry about insulation, planning, permission, health and safety or most of the other problems you get when you design a real house!"

Elaine says she has plans to create more dollhouses, and she notes that Art Deco is the most requested style for future designs. She explains that while her first buyers were serious collectors, she hopes to bring dolls houses back into fashion. "I'm aiming at new customers who don't yet own a doll's house," she says, "And it seems to be working!"

So, what does Elaine like most about her new mini-job? "The best thing is that I am free to design anything I want, and that is a designer's dream."

Want to read more about doll-worthy homes?
- A modern dollhouse roundup
- A modern day hobbit house
- An Eloise-themed room at the Plaza -- designed by Betsey Johnson!