tshimages's Profile

Ok, Ive been a rental landlord for 7 years and lived on site where I worked with my husband for 17 years and we still are living here. We manage in a total living space of 640 sq ft 2 bed with 2 cats, and use to live in some of the one beds here that were only 550sq ft!
So with that being said, you can imagine I have just about come up with anything for roomsavers, space makers, makeover miricles, etc. (at least my family and friends and co-workers think so)...
To start with, I would run an "L-shaped" attached work space starting under the staircase (since you cant stand up there anyways) and wrap it around to end at the window wall so two of you can work, read, run lap tops, facebook or do whatever at same space.
You can either home make build something like this yourself and attach to the wall with L brackets underneath or go to local hardwares like home depot and they could help you pick out and get it installed for you.
Next, to add extra lighting in a small space like that, I would hang a circle, Rectangle, or Oval shaped mirror for interest and reflection of light directly across from your window which would be over your new office/reading area.
On the wall of other work space, hang some type of shelving (but dont overwhelm space) or depending on how many things you both have, you could even do corner shelves and storage spacing on the office desk corner and underneath as well, so no extra space is wasted.
Swivel thicker wooden chairs with fitted postures cut into them on coasterwheels are perfect for fitting this space for one at each place (see Diane Keatons white chair in her movie "As Good As it Gets" that she sat in when she was writing).
Place a few inspiring pictures on your walls there of one another maybe trips youve been on together, etc (print out in black and white then frame in B&W...
You can pull carpet off steps to open area back up and for a more contemporary feel, and at hardware store again ask for a spray or coverage for steps (non-slip) to apply or some other alternative idea from them that is removable in future that is placed individually to steps.
Next, the old trick of running a longer wall curtain rod across the window wall to make it appear your window is much larger will make the space seem larger as well! Then, just add extra panel to each side (preferrably lighter sheer neutrals or cream to white for just a diffused look is chic!
If you really wanted to upgrade, pull hand railing off of wall that runs to the bottom of stairs and replace with just a waist leveled arm rail maybe even in a metal of sometype, like black raught iron and the other rail also replace arm portion and supports with the same. (that would really up value to room) this brings nice contrast to materials used with wood and metals...
In regards to lighting, dont be afraid to experiment. Do wall sconces, hanging features that even run clear cords down wall and can be tacked in place and also desk lighting with new workspaces!
Cant be totally sure what the rest of your space is behind the lens, but you can also suspend flat screen tvs now as well from ceilings. So where it looks like you have couch seating, you could hang a somewhat modest screen for viewing entertainment!
a piece or two of furniture might have to go upstairs to unclutter the area and give you a fresh start for new ideas. And lastly, if you still need to store bikes there, you can buy bike clasps, mounts, and hangers or pulleys now so you can suspend them from the wall or ceilings. This also frees up more floor space and can look pretty cool.
(Suggestion, if bikes will be staying, consider painting the area walls bikes are on the colors or color of bike or close to it! This really punches up the excitement factor of your space then and it doesnt feel like a garage detail any longer...
Hope all of this helps you. You might have already done the room, so if true wish you well with new design whatever you choose and God Bless!
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