Constructing a hidden library for my kids was a dream challenge and one in every of my favourite renovations of all time.
We labored with skilled contractors (this isn’t a DIY). Nonetheless, I believed it might nonetheless be useful to elucidate in depth the method of designing and constructing this room.
As with all challenge that’s unusual, there was a great 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 house, it had a two-story entryway which is usually known as a “lawyer lobby.” It’s an indicator of a Nineties McMansion.
You’ll be able to see in picture one above the best way the entry appeared as you have been standing within the entrance door. In picture two, you may see the way it appeared going through the entrance door (wanting up).
The entryway was the one a part of our house with a two-story ceiling (besides the steps, I assume) and within the third picture you may see the way it appeared from the second ground.
In case you are these images pondering, “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 house 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 primary cause was that the entryway had a bizarre vibe that didn’t enchantment to me and it was tough to embellish.
The downstairs ceilings are actually excessive, so I used to be not involved concerning the entry feeling low (it nonetheless feels nice). Additionally, our house will get a variety 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 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 ground 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 prime of our stairs.
I had a variety 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 move up. I beloved the concept of getting a singular room that may be a full shock.
Subsequent, I went looking for an armoire. I shopped classic armoires for a number of months. I wished the most important dimension that would match properly in our area, so I shopped based mostly on these measurements.
Most classic armoires have a variety 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 house, 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 hinder 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.
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 lower a functioning door into the again of the armoire and added a deal with on the within.
Now when individuals 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 point out individuals for the primary time.
Sources: Comparable 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 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 12 months making recollections 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 further feedback, I’m joyful to reply them.
