MunichMom's Profile

Fun problem to have! Get a bike, ride it, hang it on the wall in your hall. The bamboo sounds beautiful. I checked out a few pictures of the ideas above -- so many things to choose from (library!). I think lighting and maybe a nice rug will be important.

Here's what I found:

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/using-hallways-99562

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/indoor-vertical-gardens-and-tips-for-making-your-own-178030

http://www.houzz.com/hallway/ls=4

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/industrial-lighting-for-lofts-121879

Or put in a slide? http://winblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/staircase-win.jpg

We spend a lot of time in the English Garden here in Munich. It's just over 900 acres and has something for everyone. It makes living in the city easy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Englischer_Garten

Since those windows are so inviting maybe a breakfast nook banquette with built in drawers would be an interesting investment? http://blog.buildllc.com/2013/01/modern-breakfast-nooks/

also nice: http://www.simpalife.com/the-hanging-wine-racks/

I agree with miabica and the Juliette balcony enthusiasts. Treat it like a balcony. Did you see this AT feature: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-beauty-of-juliette-balconi-87306

Also, it seems like a mistake. If others in your condo complex have the same bars on the outside of their unit you should be able to as well.

There are a few farms in and around NYC. http://inhabitat.com/nyc/top-5-urban-farms-in-new-york-city/

I'm with you glasseye. I would just put in livingroom seating (a firm sofa like Klippan ? and a couple of chairs) with a wall mounted drop down table down the middle for meals or work. The corner desk might not take up much space but do you need it?

Here are some nice 'Murphy table' examples.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/angela-and-tanias-beadle-boxhouse-tour-182296
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/good-questions-1502-100298

I think these are all beautiful. The stairs to my sleeping loft most closely resemble #8. My son started climbing these stairs for midnight visits on his hands and knees at 18 months. He's 5 now and he's never shown the slightest wobble on the stairs. They have a very high rise to run ratio so we all go up on all fours and come down step by step on our tushes. Safer than the playground, I always say. Visitors always stands in front of the bookcase and ask how we get up to the loft.

I thinking you've really been trying. I think it's worth bearing in mind for them that these kids are growing up and soon the majority of the daytime energy will be expelled in kindergarten, school, outside etc.

Are there lawsuits in the States around kids' noise. I work for a children's nonprofit that's being sued here in Munich and I often wonder if this noise would even be an issue back home. Here's the story:
http://www.toytowngermany.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=199114