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What to do with architecturally challenging spaces
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A loft overlooking a two-story living room was a challenging space. The homeowners (and this time it's yours truly and spouse) had left a 5,000 square foot dwelling to move to a slightly under 2,000 square foot condo. This loft needed to be many things. So, I did what I encourage each of you to do. I made a "needs" list before I created the floor plan. Here it is:
• Area for all our books and many collections
• Working desk area
• Sleeping for two when needed
• Space for a baby grand piano which I refused to leave behind
• Space for my dining room server, which I also refused to give up.
• Television for guests when they sleep in the loft.
That's quite a tall order for a room that is about 12 feet wide and 15 feet long. And when I drew the floor plan I realized it was impossible.
No matter what I did, I could not fit my baby grand piano into the loft area, have walking space and be able to open a sleep sofa to become a bed. Finally, Bernie (my builder half), after much cajoling and histrionics from his adoring and usually calm and docile wife, came up with the solution. He said, "When you run out of floor space, use the air space" — and he did!
By installing structural support columns in the living room and down into the basement he was able to create an overhang that extended the loft three feet and was strong enough to support — you guessed it — a baby grand piano. My Hero! (The columns were incorporated into the built-in wall unit surrounding the sofa in the living room and into the cedar closet built in the basement.)
Not visible in this view is a custom desk and filing area and a corner built-in for hidden storage and television. All the walls that were not cabinets or bookshelves were paneled to match the rest and the whole area became a unified space diminishing the problem ceiling. Custom stained wood blinds "connect" the bookcases subtlety softening the angular ceiling shape over the window.
The sofa bed has a posture-pedic mattress for sleeping comfort and is especially comfortable for seating. The broadloom is a continuation of the step carpet and the alcove before the loft space itself had just the wall I needed to put my beautiful dining room server, now a music storage cabinet.
So far, so good — but how was I going to enjoy my piano music from one flight above our guests? Frank and Camille's Pianos had the solution. By installing a "player piano system" the piano not only played discs, but could also be programmed to play remotely. I just hit the button on what looked like a television remote and voila, great sing-a-long!
So what can you learn from this picture?
• If you can't extend the space, get creative and find the space.
• Always, always, always draw a floor plan!
• Good hidden storage is vital, especially when downsizing.
• Find a way to unify the space, whether by paneling, painting or wall-covering.
• If a sofa or chair is uncomfortable don't buy it, no matter how beautiful or cheap. It will be a purchase you'll regret!
• There is almost always a solution. Don't be afraid to ask the experts!
So, if you have a challenging space, send me your "needs" list and a floor plan showing the space, and you might be featured in my next article.
If you have a design question that you would like answered in future columns, email leisure@tbrnewspapers.com.
Natalie Weinstein is an interior designer, author media personality and talk show host.
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