Reading Nook
6. Living area. This stair landing is large enough to function as a full living room, complete with built-ins, a fireplace and comfy chairs for relaxing and reading. It’s easy to conceive of using it as an additional living space or teen retreat. This type of landing zone is typically best to plan for as part of a remodeling project or new build, as many homes otherwise won’t devote this much square footage to the landing area.
4. Library. Many landings are simple, small platforms that serve as a transition between stair flights, but some lead into hallways, like the landing-turned-hallway pictured here. The long wall is a great place to install floor-to-ceiling bookcases, transforming what could otherwise be a plain landing and hallway into a useful place to store books. If you’re not remodeling or building: You could also consider using freestanding tall shelves. You’d just need to be sure you have enough clearance to walk around them.
For example, in the landing at the end of the hallway pictured here, built-in cabinetry along with a banquette creates a cozy alcove. While the bench offers a place to sit and read, the shelves add a place to store and display books and photos. White panel molding completes the charming, built-in look.
The third floor: A bright, lofty paneled room with two large opposing dormers fills what used to be unfinished attic space. A built-in desk area, large reading nook and bright dormers add up to the perfect place for work and play.Find an architect or designer near youBrowse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Reading NookSwedish designer Yngve Ekstrom’s midcentury Lamino chairs and a vintage kilim footstool fill a third-level reading nook above the master suite.Area rug: CB2; wallpaper: MurivaMore home tours: Apartments | Small Homes | Lofts | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | All
2. Use a fine art treatment. Don’t limit an easel to an art studio or to fine pieces of art.What really makes easels a great photo display option is that they’re easy to set up, move and update — no nails or levels required.
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