Wood defines cozy office space carved out of modern bedroom

 

 

Small spaces have their challenges to be sure, but there is always a solution to making the most of tight spots. I get a real thrill when I come across well-executed design that has a unique visual stamp to it.

Since rooms are more multi-purpose than ever, experiment with materials that will alter the ambience of a single section.

The workspace shown here is part of a contemporary bedroom that has white walls. A nook has been carved out just large enough for a sleek desktop. The wood-clad inner walls set this section apart, show a different purpose, and warm up the workspace like wood panelling in a library or den would do.

You can choose a contrasting or complementary wall finish for any size nook to enhance its purpose. From home office to kitchenette, makeup table or craft corner, give these special spaces a bit of pizzazz.

There are some exciting options for walls that will give distinctive character to a nook or corner of your home.

Real wood panelling is timeless, and can look as Old World or modern as you choose. Wall tiles are another option, but go far beyond the bathroom ceramic and porcelain. Leather tiles are stunning applied on their own or paired with wood. Metal tiles in mosaic shapes, slim rectangles and squares lend a modern edge, applied as border trim or in a solid design format.

Check out what's available at your local home store or on the Internet, and here's a tip. If it can go on the floor, it can go on the wall: tiles, vinyl, linoleum, cork, bamboo – get inspired.

Q: I am doing my bedroom and I was going to paint my walls red. I don't want it to look dumb, and I want it to look like a teenager's bedroom. What do you suggest I do with it?

A: I had teenage boys, so in my personal experience the teenage bedroom look was piles of laundry, food crumbs and assorted pieces of sports equipment. However, I do know what you mean. You are looking for that special place between childhood and grown-up that is distinctly you. It's no different for any age, really.

Surround yourself with what excites you. Whether it's the colour, or a particular theme (baseball, dance, music), this is your comfort zone, and you know best what that entails.

I get a lot of letters about red. Those who love it are passionate about it, and a whole room isn't too much.

I've said many times there is no right or wrong; it's what feeds you, what you react to. Colour psychology only takes us so far – it gives us a general base from which to start.

When you are a child or teenager it's necessary to get the OK from parents, but this will always be the case when you are sharing accommodation.

And this is when compromise enters the scenario. Decorating isn't permanent; it evolves and can be changed with relative ease.

Note: For the teen who is doing up a basement room and likes modern, funky furniture, a dresser or headboard can be transformed with paint and new hardware.

Add pearl or metallic touches, paint a modern design, change the walls from white to a warm, pale sky blue, and think about fuchsia or lemon green for the accent wall. This will look very cool.

Please email your questions to: house2home@debbietravis.com

 

The House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. It appears Saturdays.