Each Monday on the DesignQuotient™ blog, DesignCoach™ Los Angeles interior designer James Swan answers readers’ questions. Post your design dilemma. DesignCoach™ can help you find the solution.
This week on the DesignCoach: Coping with a challenging space.
Q. I have a sun room in my newly moved into condo. It is off the bedroom, through sliding glass doors. The dimensions are approximately only 5 1/2′ by 19 1/2′. One long wall and one short wall have 4 1/2 foot tall jalousie windows. (I detest them, but it would cost thousands of dollars to replace them.) What I do love about them, is they let enormous amounts of natural light into the sun room and the bedroom. I have a multiple desire for this room as my condo is small in living space. I have the awesome advantage of great natural light as it is a corner unit. What I would like to do is make this space into a combination, home office, meditation and art room ( I like to draw ). How can one turn such a small room with these kinds of windows taking up needed wall space, without having to spend thousands to put in new windows? My dream is to put a sleeper chair with storage ottoman in there as well. Making it a place, that I or a guest can feel at home and have some privacy. I can’t seem to figure out how I can incorporate making it into a home office and do these things. I picture myself using a small ladies writing desk in there, but it really doesn’t afford me the work space needed while I am editing online work or creating anything.
A. Long narrow rooms are always a challenge. But we love a good challenge! First the windows: If the windows allow good light into the room but are ugly to look at (and replacement at this time is not an option) my first priority would be to cover or screen the windows while still allowing light into the room. I wonder if floor-to-ceiling shear or semi-sheer drapes might be just the ticket (think netting found in tropical climates). Hang the drapes from the highest point on the wall and carry them to the floor. Maybe drape the three outer walls for consistency and maximum effect. This alone will create a dramatic/romantic feel in the space. Put a sisal area rug on the floor. I would try to orient a work space/desk on one end of the room (running the full 5.5 feet depth). Make the work surface extra deep (30″) to give yourself maximum work space. This might be something as simple as a solid wood or glass panel supported by two decorative table bases or other supports. A comfortable work chair, good table top lighting and your computer should give you a productive place to create. You might consider a rolling easel for your artwork (painting, etc.). On the other end of the room you will have space for as large a reading chair as the space will allow. Cut up cardboard into the maximum size of a chair and place it on the floor to better understand the space an upholstered chair will require. Add to the cardboard or take away depending on the space you have. Measure your cardboard and take these dimensions with you when you shop for a chair. You now know the maximum size chair for your space. Shop smart and buy the most comfortable chair your budget allows.
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