Monday, June 4, 2012

Lofty goals ~

Hey friends! 

How the heck are ya?  I've got a start of Summer cold.  Yuck. Spent so much time in bed sleeping the past 48 hours.  Hopefully on the mend.

Maybe it's the cold, maybe I'm just nuts... but now that I have power tools I feel the need to build something.  Not just make things pretty by adding molding... but actually building something. 

We have a nice sized loft area at the top of our stairs.  Right now, it's used to hold the kitty cat jungle gym.  There is a closet full of junk (that desperately needs organization) and I've always seen this area as a library/game area. 

So, we have the tools.  I'm planning on building a window seat flanked by book cases on the window wall.  I was also thinking about taking off the folding closet doors, building in a desk area with storage in the closet area. 

So tonight, I've been perusing the interwebs looking for inspiration and thought I would share with you some of the ideas I have for the space.


Our window is nowhere near as large as this, but this is what I was thinking of.










I may build it open like this, to put cute baskets in.    Or, sleepy cubbies for the kids.  




We are also considering purchasing the pieces from Ikea and adding molding so they look built in.  We've seen many people do this with amazing results.  But, it doesnt seem very cost effective. 

SO, what do you think?  Is this beyond our skill level (super beginner) or do you think we could tackle this?

Should we go the Ikea route?

Let me know your thoughts!!


XOXO

10 comments:

  1. June 4, 2012 at 10:12 PM

    I really like all of your inspiration photos. I might go with the pre-built pieces because if your shelves aren't exactly square I would think that the molding would just accentuate that it was no square. But which ever route you take I recommend one of the 4 feet levels.
    Good luck and I will look forward to seeing the finished product.
    Traci

    Reply
  2. June 4, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    Oh, I love window seats! Of course you can build it, girl. I remember seeing a how to on building a window seat not long ago on Pinterest. I'll look for it on my boards and send it to you if I find it. I think it's a fabulous idea!

    Reply
  3. June 4, 2012 at 11:01 PM

    I couldn't go to sleep until I found the window seat DIY that I remembered, ha. Here ya go:

    http://www.thehousecreative.com/2009/12/our-finished-window-seat.html

    Reply
  4. June 5, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    you can do it!!! And it would look great. Just keep it simple.

    Reply
  5. June 5, 2012 at 5:56 AM

    Mother Earth News recently had a piece on building built-ins. Try it out, girl!

    Reply
  6. June 5, 2012 at 7:43 AM

    I think you can absolutely do it! Just measure (and re-measure) and make up a plan and go for it. And if it seems too overwhelming when you get started, I think the pre-made route is just fine. People do some amazing things with Ikea furniture :)

    Reply
  7. There's nothing more romantic than a window seat. I think the Ikea route is a good idea with a bit of planning. I've seen some amazing things done with Ikea furniture. Glad you're feeling better enough to dream.

    Reply
  8. June 5, 2012 at 9:02 AM

    Meg - we are having the same battle in our house. Part of me wants to just go the IKEA route for the bases and then add molding, etc. But then part of me wants my husband to get his hands dirty and build me something from scratch! Either way, I love the inspiration pics you've selected. And I love window seats. Can't wait to see how it turns out (get to work already!!).
    P.S. Hope you feel better soon. Germies in the summer are the worst!

    Reply
  9. June 5, 2012 at 3:37 PM

    Meg My Dad use to say you'll never learn to swim in the shallow end he always took me to the deep end, ( Maybe that's why i don't like not touching bottom)
    As soon as I saw Loft I knew you were thinking about this Idea.( great minds) :-)
    Well anyway You can do this, When we build our house that is what I wanted in the main room but they had to cut 2ft off the house so DH researched & researched & Researched I found what I wanted drew the diagram He made the measurements now I have my china/TV/ bookshelves cabinet that looks built in.So yeah you go girl...
    PS I like the basket/kiddiebed Look.
    Hope your feeling better.
    Ann/alba

    Reply
  10. June 5, 2012 at 5:21 PM

    Of course you can build it, just think and plan it out (google the heck out of it until you find plans) and take your time. It'll be so much easier than you think. I've been going around my house looking for things to use my nail gun on. LOL!

    ps I call em my kids, too. I had to smile over that one! xox

    Reply

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