What do ya call this place?

We have this open area on the 2nd floor next to the stairs and the hall way that we don’t know what to do. It is open to the foyer on one side and to the stairs on the other. Another side has windows. So we’re left with one big wall that flows into the stairs area. The builder calls it the ‘retreat’. Almost all the houses in the neighborhood has it. The big question when we all moved in was what were going to do with this place.  In the model home the builder has showcased it as a study area for the kids like this;

Most of my neighbors have used it as a play area, TV watching area for kids.

As is always the case in my decorating, a plan starts to take shape once I am faced with a problem. In this case it was the kids’ books. We have tons of children’s books at home, none of which my bookworm son is willing to part with. B, in an effort to encourage this habit buys every age appropriate book that he can lay his hands on. The  grandparents are also more than happy to indulge the kids in this hobby. So almost every gift my kids receive from their grand parents is a book. Now you can imagine what I am talking about, right? We used to stow away the books in the basement in the old entertainment center. One day during a routine cleaning I realized that we have a problem. 

A huge one at that! This is just the overflow! Thus the retreat library plan was born. Next step, convincing B of course.  So mood board it is. 

I still prefer to do it by hand as it is just easier for me to put my thoughts down on paper. Plus this was before I discovered Mydeco. The plan was to use our newly reupholstered bench as a seat centered on the wall anchored by two ladder shelves (absolutely love these) on either side. Then may be add a rug, an IKEA club chair, a mirror or a chalk board on the wall, and a bean bag. B is still not convinced about the ladder shelves. But I am so in love with them. Here is another version with a clock and a media console in the center.

As my son started keyboard lessons we had to make  a slight change of plan. Didn’t really have  a place to keep his keyboard and for him to practice. So we ended up centering it on the wall. Instead of the mirror/chalk board we hung a garage sale find, a $25 clock.

Hopefully I will get around to completing this room soon.