Constructing a hidden library for my youngsters was a dream venture and certainly one of my favourite renovations of all time.
We labored with skilled contractors (this isn’t a DIY). Nevertheless, I believed it will nonetheless be useful to clarify in depth the method of designing and constructing this room.
As with all venture that’s unusual, there was a great quantity of planning and downside fixing that went into creating this magical house.
Associated: You’ll find all of my room excursions right here.
After we bought our residence, it had a two-story entryway which is typically known as a “lawyer lobby.” It’s an indicator of a Nineteen Nineties McMansion.
You possibly can see in picture one above the best way the entry seemed as you have been standing within the entrance door. In picture two, you possibly can see the way it seemed dealing with the entrance door (wanting 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 picture you possibly can see the way it seemed from the second flooring.
If you’re taking a look at these photographs considering, “Why would you ever change this,” I fully perceive. The primary time we considered the house I keep in mind liking these particulars—it was not one thing I anticipated altering at first.
After residing within the residence for about six months and I used to be planning the renovations for the residing areas, I started to contemplate closing off the two-story entryway. The principle motive was that the entryway had a bizarre vibe that didn’t enchantment to me and it was troublesome to embellish.
The downstairs ceilings are actually excessive, so I used to be not involved in regards to the entry feeling low (it nonetheless feels nice). Additionally, our residence will get plenty of pure mild from our many sliding doorways within the residing areas, so I used to be keen to half with some pure mild.
Right here’s the way it seemed on development day. I keep 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 wooden floors added within the new room upstairs. The brand new room upstairs didn’t hook up with some other rooms—it connects to a lobby on the high of our stairs.
I had plenty of enjoyable planning what we may 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 may 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 go up. I beloved the thought of getting a singular room that could be a full shock.
Subsequent, I went purchasing for an armoire. I shopped classic armoires for a number of months. I needed the most important measurement that would match nicely in our house, so I shopped based mostly on these measurements.
Most classic armoires have plenty of drawers and stuff inside, so I seemed 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 house. 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 appears! 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 youngsters’s favourite occasion trick to point out 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
Finances Sources: Wallpaper / Arched Mirror / Rattan Lamp
Please step inside!
Right here’s what the within appears like. We added built-in cabinets on either side after which painted the whole 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 house and gathering 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.
In case you have any extra feedback, I’m pleased to reply them.
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