Constructing a hidden library for my youngsters was a dream challenge and one in all my favourite renovations of all time.
We labored with skilled contractors (this isn’t a DIY). Nonetheless, I believed it will nonetheless be useful to clarify in depth the method of designing and constructing this room.
As with every challenge that’s unusual, there was a superb quantity of planning and drawback fixing that went into creating this magical area.
Associated: You could find 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 an indicator of a Nineteen Nineties McMansion.
You’ll be able to see in picture one above the best way the entry appeared as you had been standing within the entrance door. In picture two, you possibly can see the way it appeared 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 appeared from the second flooring.
In case you are taking a look at these photographs pondering, “Why would you ever change this,” I fully perceive. The primary time we seen 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 tough to brighten.
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 a whole lot of pure gentle from our many sliding doorways within the residing areas, so I used to be keen to half with some pure gentle.
Right here’s the way it appeared on building 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 flooring added within the new room upstairs. The brand new room upstairs didn’t connect with another rooms—it connects to a lobby on the high of our stairs.
I had a whole lot of enjoyable planning what we might use the hidden room for. It’s the dimension of a walk-in closet, so I needed to discover a use for it that labored for that dimension.
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 beloved the concept of getting a singular room that could be a full shock.
Subsequent, I went searching for an armoire. I shopped classic armoires for a number of months. I needed the largest dimension that would match effectively in our area, so I shopped primarily based on these measurements.
Most classic armoires have a whole lot 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 creating it match into this nook with a roofline that was not versatile.
Ultimately, I’m thrilled with the way it seems to be! You’ll be able to see the total hidden library tour right here. To make it look extra built-in, we added a busy floral wallpaper. Lastly, we minimize 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 get together 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
Price range Sources: Wallpaper / Arched Mirror / Rattan Lamp
Please step inside!
Right here’s what the within seems to be like. We added built-in cabinets on each side after which painted your entire room the colour “Silent Movie” by Behr.
My older daughter is studying to learn, and it’s been the happiest 12 months making recollections on this area and accumulating 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 glad to reply them.