Good Questions: How to Deal with Turret?

Dear AT,

I just bought a new condo that has a turret and have no idea how to furnish or decorate it. Also, I am not sure whether to keep the color consistent with the rest of the room (it's located off of the main living area) or to make it a lighter shade of the main room color. Any thoughts on what to do with this space would be great! -Missie

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Dear Missie,

Rather than painting the curved wall of the turret a different color than the main room, we'd liven up the space with some colorful curtains. Plus, the sunlight and shadows are going to make the walls appear different shades than the rest of the room, so let those natural elements work for you.

As for furnishing the space, we have a few ideas:

• Fill it with plants, plants, plants. Some on the floor, some low, some tall, some placed on plant stands.
• Place a small round table and two chairs (if there's enough room) for a cafe-style nook.
• Use the area as a respite for yourself - a place that stands apart from the rest of the apartment. Your favorite cozy chair and a side table for reading, writing, talking on the phone, or just staring out the window.

Good luck!

Anyone else have suggestions for Missie??

Comments (11)

1. If the main room is small, I would contrast the color, but keep both choices of color on the light side, to maximize the conception of size.

2. If it were my place, I'd buy a great floor lamp, by a great reading chair, and get myself a nice side or occasional table, and create myself a reading nook. You could also have a semi-circular or circular bench or oversized ottoman placed in that location, if you wanted a less conventional alternative to the "reading nook" suggestion.

Also, if you're into drama, you could go for one giant piece of sculpture placed in the turret, with nothing else.....

Even a small desk would be nice - the view would be great.

i think something referencing the original purpose of the turret in military fortifications would be neat.

Paint it a different color and then build in a window seat with lots of comfy pillows.....I always dreamed of having a turret as a child.

Hopefully you play a musical instrument - perfect spot for a keyboard or your cello and chair... If not - a turret is perfect for a Christmas tree!

I totally agree with Chairgirl... get a custom window bench and fill it with pillows.

In my old place we had a one and it was perfect for a reading chair, side table and lamp. The day after Thanksgiving it was turned into the Christmas tree nook.

Ha. Look at this rotating round bed by Mobelform
Th Histoire d'or bed , http://www.mobelform.com/
Ridiculous price. but you cold build a round bed and take up the whole space with a human sized dog bed.
hanging plants above. I've been reading too many 70s Terence Conran books.

get one of these:

http://www.tradekey.com/ks-bubble-chair/

and paint te walls a complimentary color to the rest of the room. no need to go "lighter" try darker instead for a punch.

(why are people so afraid of darker colors?)

Ooh. I like chris94131s idea of the ballchair!

Otherwise I second the reading/ sitting room idea. If it's big enough to accomodate two comfy, classic chairs and a small side table - throw in some plants and you have an intimate place to catch up with guests.

Or, a little bistro table and chairs and it's a great breakfast nook.

I would totally put the Christmas tree in there when the time comes!

window seat with LOTS of pillows - but I also like the ability to put the x-mas tree there....so removable somehow??

What a cool space! I love the chair and cello idea but I suppose it's a lot to ask to take up the cello. Live with it for a while and see what you want to do in there. Let the space tell you what to do with it.