A Cozy DIY Reading Nook Gave This Junk-Filled Space Purpose
“I could never figure out the best use of this space or its true potential,” DIYer Crystal Ransons says of her home’s large storage closet.
The space was the only “extra” room and had gone through several phases of use. “From storage and a junk-filled room of doom to a playroom for when my kids were small enough to use it and not be claustrophobic, to a true entry closet to store shoes and coats (then morphed back into a closet of junk),” Crystal explains.
This Space Never Had a True Purpose Until She Decided to Add Character to Her Home
But because it was right off the entryway, the space needed to be something that added character and charm to their 2005 home. Crystal and her husband Scott decided that an under-the-stairs nook was the perfect addition to part of the 200-square-foot room, with the rest of the space converted into an office and dog area.
They Did Everything from Removing Carpet to Adding Electrical Themselves
The first step was removing all of the “junk” from the closet and starting with a blank canvas. Then, Crystal and Scott opened up the doorway to create a cased opening and removed the “nasty” brown carpet that was original to the home, replacing it with flooring that was cohesive with the rest of the home.
The couple also added electrical throughout the room so they could have light fixtures and outlets later on. But once the technical details were complete, Crystal and Scott started building the custom storage bench and cabinets (with adjustable shelves!).
Custom Cabinets Created the Ultimate Reading Nook
Crystal painted the bench, cabinets, and the wide beadboard paneling on the back wall using Sherwin-Williams’ “Urbane Bronze”. She also DIYed her own bench cushion and added swing-arm and antique brass wall sconces.
But the finishing touches were the added decor and faux fireplace on the bottom shelf. “I love it on a rainy day,” Crystal shares.
While the project was straightforward for Crystal and Scott, it involved a lot of measuring and building, which can be intimidating for some. Crystal recommends using an IKEA hack instead to achieve a similar custom look.
They’re Also Adding a Built-In Desk and Dog Area to the Rest of the Room
“I wanted a space that no one has and just makes you stop when you see it and go, ‘Wow, where can I do something like that,’” Crystal says — and she did exactly that.
In the rest of the space, Crystal and Scott are currently adding a built-in desk and hutch. They also discovered an extra space directly underneath the stairs during construction of the library nook, and plan on adding a hidden dog room.
But for now, the reading nook is complete and adds the right amount of “wow” to Crystal and Scott’s home when guests first walk in.
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