Constructing a hidden library for my kids was a dream mission and one among my favourite renovations of all time.
We labored with skilled contractors (this isn’t a DIY). Nonetheless, I assumed it might nonetheless be useful to clarify in depth the method of designing and constructing this room.
As with every mission that’s unusual, there was a great 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 typically known as a “lawyer lobby.” It’s an indicator of a Nineteen Nineties McMansion.
You may see in picture one above the way in which the entry regarded as you have been standing within the entrance door. In picture two, you possibly can see the way it regarded 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 picture you possibly can see the way it regarded from the second ground.
In case you are taking a look at these images considering, “Why would you ever change this,” I utterly 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 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 principle purpose 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 residence will get numerous pure mild from our many sliding doorways within the dwelling areas, so I used to be prepared to half with some pure mild.
Right here’s the way it regarded 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 wooden floors added within the new room upstairs. The brand new room upstairs didn’t connect with some other rooms—it connects to a lobby on the prime of our stairs.
I had numerous enjoyable planning what we may 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 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 novel room that may 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 dimension that might match nicely in our area, so I shopped primarily based on these measurements.
Most classic armoires have numerous drawers and stuff inside, so I regarded 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 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.
In the long run, I’m thrilled with the way it seems to be! You may see the complete 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 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
Funds 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 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 area and accumulating books for them to get pleasure from 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.
If in case you have any further feedback, I’m glad to reply them.