Showing posts with label office. Show all posts
Showing posts with label office. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Take the Stairs!

Last week we worked with a client who was moving into a new house.  We spent the day placing furniture and hanging pictures and making it feel like a home for her.  There was one area that just needed some attention....the stairwell.   We found a set of matching prints and installed them going up the wall.  What a difference it made.....and it got me to thinking....How often do we ignore this area of the home?

Some homes have stairwells and landings that are spacious and almost room like, while others are just wall space to get from one floor to the other.  Any space can be enhanced with good design, so I've compiled a group of images that should inspire you.

In a new build or a major remodel, the landing area is a great place to add functionality and extra living space.  

What a great place to tuck in a little office spot, 




or linen storage for the upstairs bedrooms, 



 or a library that opens up to a second floor balcony!

I know you've thought that the landing would be a great place for a window seat, and it is!




But did you consider that it might be a good place for the laundry facilities?
That was a new one for me!

Bookcases are a natural for the narrow space between walls, and they create a real warmth that only books can bring.

Putting a desk area under the stairs is a great use of space too!



For those of you with a double staircase, isn't this a fine thing to put inbetween?
What a beautiful focal point that would make from down below!



 I love the look of these enclosed bookcases.  What beautiful, classically designed doors are these, showcasing collectibles as well as books.



But even if  you don't have a generous landing like these images above, you can do a lot to enhance the walk upstairs.

I think this stone inset is a fabulous way to bring character to an otherwise boring space, and it utilizes the space that's already there, so minimal construction would be needed to make a huge difference. 



Mirrors are a favorite way to add volume and light to a narrow and often dark stairwell.
Gorgeous!

This type of built in would not require a major expense or effort to create.

And don't forget that pictures add interest and color too.  Gallery walls are a great way to display beautiful art or family pictures.



And if you just have to have some extra storage, ( or a place to play hide and seek!) you might try this!

Think creatively about your stairwell and landing, and it could be the space in your home that you love the most!  




Wednesday, March 3, 2010

My Closet Dilemma



Spring....
       
      warm days, cool nights, crocus, tulips, babies, sunshine, flip flops...



and Cleaning!!!!

I simply cannot ignore my closet anymore.

...or maybe I can....after all, distractions come easily for me.  I've found a great diversion looking for the quintessential, organized closet. 

First I wanted to see the closets of the rich and famous.

This is Mariah Carey's 12,000sf closet.....that's the size of my first house!

Her shoes......
Really?

Guess who this closet belongs to.....hint, hint, forest green, riding boots, leather, trunks?



Did you guess, Ralph Lauren?  His closet has the same flavor as his flagship store in Manhattan.


And then, of course, we need a closet for our sunglasses !
"Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me", Elton.

And perhaps the most famous closet of all...

Carrie Bradshaw!  What New York apartment has room for a chair in the closet? But hey, it's TV.

But another glance into my messy closet,

and I'm back in reality land.

Wait....I need inspiration.

Matching hangers.....

color coordination....


colorful?
.....or maybe not.

(obviously, this very neutral closet doesn't belong to a real person)
Please tell me there are no real people who live this way!

built-ins are great....I still have too much stuff.


The pull-out counter would be useful.


Seating would be nice.  I like the cabinet/bench combo.

Maybe I'll just turn it into an office...or a craft room


I am moving a bit off track, aren't I?

I've been very successful using all my time dreaming of a clean, organized closet....I'm good at that....but alas, dreaming isn't going to get my closet cleaned.


But I believe I'll think about that tomorrow, Scarlett.