Constructing a hidden library for my kids was a dream undertaking and one among my favourite renovations of all time.
We labored with skilled contractors (this isn’t a DIY). Nonetheless, I believed it could nonetheless be useful to elucidate in depth the method of designing and constructing this room.
As with every undertaking that’s unusual, there was a very good quantity of planning and downside fixing that went into creating this magical area.
Associated: Yow will discover all of my room excursions right here.
After we bought our residence, it had a two-story entryway which is usually known as a “lawyer lobby.” It’s a trademark of a Nineties McMansion.
You possibly can see in picture one above the best way the entry appeared as you had been standing within the entrance door. In picture two, you may see the way it appeared dealing with the entrance door (trying up).
The entryway was the one a part of our residence with a two-story ceiling (besides the steps, I assume) and within the third photograph you may see the way it appeared from the second flooring.
If you’re taking a look at these images considering, “Why would you ever change this,” I utterly perceive. The primary time we seen the house I bear in mind liking these particulars—it was not one thing I anticipated altering at first.
After dwelling within the residence for about six months and I used to be planning the renovations for the dwelling areas, I started to think about closing off the two-story entryway. The primary purpose was that the entryway had a bizarre vibe that didn’t attraction to me and it was tough to brighten.
The downstairs ceilings are actually excessive, so I used to be not involved concerning the entry feeling low (it nonetheless feels nice). Additionally, our residence will get a number of pure mild from our many sliding doorways within the dwelling areas, so I used to be keen to half with some pure mild.
Right here’s the way it appeared on development day. I bear in mind being so nervous and having that “no turning again” feeling. It was so surreal strolling on the brand new flooring for the primary time.
After the ground was added, we drywalled the ceiling and added electrical. Then, we had wood flooring added within the new room upstairs. The brand new room upstairs didn’t hook up with another rooms—it connects to a lobby on the high of our stairs.
I had a number of enjoyable planning what we might use the hidden room for. It’s the measurement of a walk-in closet, so I needed to discover a use for it that labored for that measurement.
We might have left it open with an arched opening or one thing, however I made a decision that hiding the door with an armoire (like Narnia) was a once-in-a-lifetime alternative that I couldn’t cross up. I cherished the thought of getting a novel room that could be a full shock.
Subsequent, I went searching for an armoire. I shopped classic armoires for a number of months. I wished the most important measurement that might match effectively in our area, so I shopped based mostly on these measurements.
Most classic armoires have a number of drawers and stuff inside, so I appeared for one which was a easy boring closet inside. I discovered one on Etsy.
After the armoire arrived to our residence, we began the method of constructing it into the area. We determined to construct it into the wall in order that it didn’t have a lot depth and wouldn’t impede the touchdown room door.
We additionally needed to take away the legs (this was heartbreaking) due to the constrains of constructing it match into this nook with a roofline that was not versatile.
In the long run, I’m thrilled with the way it seems! You possibly can see the total hidden library tour right here. To make it look extra built-in, we added a busy floral wallpaper. Lastly, we lower a functioning door into the again of the armoire and added a deal with on the within.
Now when folks stroll into this room for the primary time, I can inform they’ve NO concept that the armoire is a doorway and it’s my kids’s favourite occasion trick to indicate folks for the primary time.
Sources: Related Wallpaper / Augustine Evans Artwork Print / William Cleary Artwork Print (each artwork prints are by Janet Hill) / Arched Mirror / Rattan Lamp
Funds Sources: Wallpaper / Arched Mirror / Rattan Lamp
Please step inside!
Right here’s what the within seems like. We added built-in cabinets on each side after which painted the complete room the colour “Silent Movie” by Behr.
My older daughter is studying to learn, and it’s been the happiest yr making reminiscences on this area and amassing books for them to take pleasure in now and in years to come back.
Sources: Star Chart Artwork / Harry Potter Customized Artwork / Handful of Stars Print, Moon and Stars Print, Shadow Puppets Print / Chair
The rug and chandelier are each classic from Etsy.
When you have any extra feedback, I’m joyful to reply them.
