Whether you are looking for a bit of office space for yourself, a study area for the kids or a place to sew or do other crafts, utilizing hidden or under used nooks and crannies makes good design sense. When quarters are tight, every inch counts, and you will be surprised by how much you can accommodate when you have a plan and shop for the right accessories.
First, find a space that you can put to use. Can you empty that closet and find another area to store the contents? Perhaps in neat storage boxes slipped under the bed? There’s your perfect home office waiting to be stocked. Your nearest hardware or building center will have all you need to complete the job. Floating shelves will offer plenty of room for books, files and your laptop. The desk chair rolls back into the room when you are finished work and bifold or louvered doors slide shut to conceal the space.
Doors take up space too, and I discovered an alternative that is a great solution for opening folding doors flat against the wall. Full Access Folding Door Hardware by Johnson Hardware is simple to install. Each kit contains control arm assembly, hinges and all the necessary mounting hardware. The kit also can be used with standard mortise-type butt hinges to match other interior doors. All you need are a screw driver and measuring tape to complete the installation. Apply some fresh paint to your new office, and you’re set to go.
Another option for capturing more space is to examine the area under your stairs. Consult with a qualified contractor to see if this is feasible, and if so, you should have enough space to tuck in a small desk and filing cabinet. There will be some wiring needs so that you can plug in a light and other electronic equipment. It’s worth the time and small cost to gain more living space. If it’s more storage space you need, and don’t we always, then you could build in racks to line up shoes, boots or sports equipment.
Think about corners, too. Furniture is generally arranged toward the center of the room, and you can set up a corner office in no time in your bedroom, living or dining room. I recommend devising a way to camouflage or hide your new work or play station when not in use. Invest in a decorative screen, or you can build one yourself with two or three hollow-core or bifold doors. Talk to qualified sales staff and do some research on the Internet to find out what’s available in the do-it-yourself market. Hardware that is well designed and manufactured with care is always your best buy. No matter how large or small your project is, good-quality products and tools, and ingenuity, will give you a finished product that you will always be proud of, and it will last for years.
Debbie Travis’ House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. You can follow Debbie on Twitter at www.tritter.com/debbie_travis. Please e-mail your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.
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