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Home Decorating Design Dilemma hallway

Upstairs landing/loft area ideas

5 years ago

We have a hallway and then landing area with a big window upstairs on our second level, the landing area connects our kids rooms and eventually we'd like to put in built in bookshelves and a window seat in front of the window. I'm looking for suggestions and ideas for what to use the space for in the meantime. The area is twenty six by twelve.

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Flo Mangan

5 years ago

With small children, don’t put anything near that railing. Just too tempting.

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Comments (9)

CLC
5 years ago
How old are your kids? Why not do the window seat and bookshelves now?
pink_peony
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago

I really don't think that the "hall way" landing area was meant to specifically be used for anything. I love the idea of having a bench seat and book cases built in around the window. I wouldnt do anything more than two large console areas with lamps on them on the wall area and maybe two small scaled chairs on either side of the console.
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If we do this, we are going to stay there for at least 5 yrs or more, who knows... But since we are going to remodel kitchen/bathroom at the same time, so we of course will stay there for long. In order to make it a loft, I will have to break down one wall only (w/ the door and the electrical outlet/switch). So it will cost money to move the electrical outlet to the other wall. And since it is one wall, I don't think it is that hard to put it up again if the future owner doesn't like a loft, but again, I don't know how much it cost to build a wall, you know... I just don't want to create a mess and regret later... So I would like you opinion. And anyone who has a loft upstair, do you think it is useful? I am afraid that we make a loft, and still go downstair for activities :-(
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I like artistsharovna's second photo as a solution for this, but that still might be a bit much to execute. Here's an idea (I don't think I can find a photo of it) Get some hanging racks on wheels like they have in clothing stores and attach fabric hangings like beautiful old horse blankets, quilts or an oriental rug. You can push them together, overlap them or push them out of the way when you need to.
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I would say one armchair, lamp, small table. A reading nook. I wouldn’t put two chairs as I doubt it would be used for more than one person - likely two people planning to sit and chat would be downstairs. I guess I’m just wondering if it would actually get used as a reading nook. Sometimes these arrangements are better in theory than in practice.
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My husband and I are currently working with architects to design a home that is very similar to what you've described (1.5 stories, 2 bed, 2.5 bath - one tub, one shower). However, in order to accommodate our needs (a study on the first floor, a pantry, etc.) we ended up a little above your stated size preference (1700 square feet). We've been cautioned against building small for some of the reasons mentioned here, but honestly we would pay more for a smaller home. We'd prefer a small place with high-end details to a larger home. In the area where we live there are not older homes this size on the market, although we waited for about ~2 years seeing what would come available. Ultimately, we decided in our area, which has a high percentage of retirees and child-free couples, a smaller house could sell if/when we have to. But more importantly, we didn't want to compromise on living in a house we didn't like trying to anticipate market trends 15-20 years down the line.
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courte82
Original Author
5 years ago
Our kids are 2 and 4 and we just moved in so don't really want to invest in a costly construction project at the moment.
carola1989
5 years ago
That’s a lovely area. We had a window seat in our home when our children were younger and while it looked great, from both inside and out, no one sat in the window seat. You may want to consider a big comfortable chair for reading together. The children grow up so fast. Before you know it they won’t want to snuggle with you.
arcy_gw
5 years ago
Your home looks roomy and lovely so not sure what you need that space to be. When my kids were little, play space in their rooms was at a premium. I could see me setting up the kid furniture in that space for creative play i.e. toy kitchen, table chairs. With a future construction plan in my head I would not throw any money into it now. I would save it for the finished product.
PRO
Lumar Interiors
5 years ago
We think it might be a nice area for a rug, two chairs, and perhaps an ottoman. It could be a great place to read to the kids at the moment, or have them read to you.
IdaClaire
5 years ago
Lovely idea to set the area up as a quiet space to read to and cuddle with your kids. That's easily done, and is something you could start enjoying instantly.
Sarah
5 years ago
I see that hallway and think of all the great car races! (Matchbox cars- get a bunch at yard sales. They are FUN!)

If it were my hallway I’d put in bookcases in the Hall area and then a couple of comfy chairs with a table by the windows. Not need for fancy built ins. You can get gorgeous solid wood bookcases at a consignment or resale shop for reasonable prices. Take excellent measurements with you- you never know when you’ll happen upon something perfect.

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