Constructing a hidden library for my kids was a dream undertaking and considered one of my favourite renovations of all time.
We labored with skilled contractors (this isn’t a DIY). Nevertheless, I assumed it will nonetheless be useful to clarify in depth the method of designing and constructing this room.
As with all undertaking that’s unusual, there was quantity of planning and drawback fixing that went into creating this magical house.
Associated: You could find all of my room tours here.
After we bought our dwelling, it had a two-story entryway which is usually known as a “lawyer lobby.” It’s a trademark of a Nineteen Nineties McMansion.
You possibly can see in picture one above the way in which the entry seemed as you had been standing within the entrance door. In picture two, you’ll be able to see the way it seemed dealing with the entrance door (wanting up).
The entryway was the one a part of our dwelling with a two-story ceiling (besides the steps, I assume) and within the third picture you’ll be able to see the way it seemed from the second ground.
If you’re these images pondering, “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 residing within the dwelling 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 purpose was that the entryway had a bizarre vibe that didn’t attraction to me and it was troublesome 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 dwelling will get a variety of pure mild from our many sliding doorways within the residing areas, so I used to be prepared 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 ground 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 some other rooms—it connects to a lobby on the high 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 go up. I beloved the thought of getting a novel room that could be a full shock.
Subsequent, I went looking for an armoire. I shopped vintage armoires for a number of months. I needed the largest dimension that might match properly in our house, so I shopped primarily based on these measurements.
Most classic armoires have a variety 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 dwelling, 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 creating 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 complete hidden library tour 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 kids’s favourite get together trick to indicate folks for the primary time.
Sources: Similar Wallpaper / Augustine Evans Art Print / William Cleary Art 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 each side after which painted all the room the colour “Silent Film” by Behr.
My older daughter is studying to learn, and it’s been the happiest yr making recollections on this house and accumulating books for them to take pleasure in now and in years to return.
Sources: Star Chart Art / Harry Potter Custom Art / 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 completely happy to reply them.
