Future Book Nook of my Dreams?! 📚 (plus the top upgrades this room DESPERATELY needs 🪚👷‍♀️)

[@ShannonMakes]

I feel like I need to mention it yet again: this house was _always_ a duplex. It was constructed that way, and I do not really have any interest in changing the original layout to make it more open concept. I will not be tearing down the original dividing wall between the two rooms both out of respect for the house's construction, and also because (as stated before) I will be renting out half of the house, including one of those two front rooms. I _highly_ suggest going back to watch older episodes, because I'm seeing a LOT of comments here contradicting things I've addressed in previous videos! 💝

[@Sarakatbee]

Maybe one day you’ll be able to find out about the original owners, perhaps it was built to be for a multigenerational family or siblings with their respective families where they wanted to live together but still have their own spaces. It would be so fun to find out.

[@Asvoria]

The house being a duplex was something I was thinking about at the end when you asked for recommendations on how to use the room. As you stated you will be renting out half of the house, do you plan on closing up the doorways in the dividing walls? You might have said something in one of the earlier videos but I am unable to remember if you did. The room works great for either the office or reading room but you would need to decide what is needed more as you plan out the usage of the other rooms. You need an office and I think that a reading room would be a nice to have (I also want a dedicated library) but might not be a need. Either way I can't wait for what you come up with.

[@Nayomee1213]

I was wondering, could you reverse how the door opens, by moving the hardware/hinges of the door? Without it messing up anything in the hallway? That way you could have your whole wall of bookshelves, which sounds so dreamy in that room! I also noticed someone else mentioned it, but changing the access door to your closet as well!❤

[@jeanaardsma7169]

@@ShannonMakes I've seen all your previous videos and wondered if the adjoining room goes with the other duplex side of the house. Of course, I didn't think of this until after I posted my question! Then read your response. Face palms all around!

[@gloriouslyimperfect]

I would just stop all the FAQ/things people keep asking/telling you in the description here so you dont have to repeat yourself 100 times on every post :)

[@PurpleReign69]

You could put some fairy doors over some of the holes in your baseboards. I covered an old cable hole with a small door, I love it.

[@ShannonMakes]

So true!! 🧚‍♀️

[@willowhouse2]

I did the same for a mouse hole I just got a small inexpensive gnome door

[@lifeofjoy9404]

Great idea!!😍🤩👍

[@mellyscreed]

love that!!!!!

[@HomeFromFarAway]

this sparks utter joy!

[@robine916]

The closet may be more functional if you access it from the hallway. The shelving would be much shallower and wider, and you could still add a doggy door from the room side. Either way, the doggy den is such a cute idea!

[@denisehampton3102]

I saw on a French Chateau build build a gel you put on lead paint,it peals off in one piece.

[@mr3158]

Exactly my thought

[@HomeFromFarAway]

Just appreciating the phrase "I just stared at him in European" 😂😂

[@MichelleSinTO]

“Am I boring people.” NO! It was getting me excited about your future plans. I would LOVE to have a room with a super comfy built in cozy reading corner & the bookshelves with the 2 angles, to give a cool view into the room while allowing for the closet door to open. Very cool ideas!

[@sylviemariehebert9758]

This room is begging to be a library ! Please !!!! I would be living vicariously through you. It was one of my dreams to have a library in my house one day.

[@myhedstrom8967]

A library is “THE DREAM” and extra points if it’s floor to ceiling with a ladder.

[@dawsie]

Keeping in mind that books exposed to too much sunlight will deteriorate fast. Books need a certain degree of natural light but should not have direct sunlight on them, as it will cause damage to them over time. There is a reason why old library’s are dark and somber and never have full direct sunlight streaming in. It’s why many of the modern libraries that were built with lots of natural light flooding in have been replaced or abandoned since being built between the 60-80’s and that’s due to the problems caused to books. The more natural light that is kept on the book the more the brittle books become. The constant streaming of natural light that is kept on books will causes the glues to become very brittle the books themselves start changing colour and the pages themselves become brittle and discoloured. If the book has been made with modern PVA glue along their spines does one of two things. The glue dries out so much the pages start falling out of the book which is better than the second issue when the glue goes sticky and in turns goes deeper into the pages of the book where you are not able to even open the book to read. I know that the idea of having that bright sunny room as a library looks so much fun, but in reality it will cause you more work and great expense. Keep books away from such rooms by all means keep it as a great reading nook but even then you will find that you are not using as a reading nook over time because the bright light on the pages of your book will make your eyes very tired and you will find that you are squinting your eyes just so you can read. How many times have you gone out in the garden to a nice sunny spot just so you can read a book, but over time you have sought out the best shadiest spot in the garden because your struggling to read your book.

[@therewillbecatswithgwenhwyfar]

@@dawsieWhat about UV blocking window film?

[@aussie_vonnie]

Absolutely a library - of course, the closet would also have bookshelves as I have too many books!

[@JediS0618]

Me as well. We live in a small house so instead of a library my husband built me floor to ceiling bookcases with a bench in the middle by a window so I can read to my hearts content.❤

[@alexandraszkafarowsky3653]

Shannon, for the closet, as far as the door goes, if you want to continue the library/ reading nook theme, and to continue the "secret storage nook" idea you could always do something for the closet door like a "book case murphy door".

[@alexandraszkafarowsky3653]

And I just thought of it, if you wanted to repurpose something for this, as I know that's your jam, it's vaguely possible one of the "built in" non built ins on either side of one of your fireplaces on the main floor might work. Some finagling might be needed of course, and it's entirely dimension dependant. But just a thought.

[@charlesyoung7436]

How about a pair of butterfly "saloon" doors on the closet? The corgis could walk underneath them; they would not intrude so much into the small room when opened; and they would hide the linen shelves when closed.

[@hahentamashii]

The nice thing about going down to the studs is that you get to see what's back there (cross fingers for treasure) and you can insulate. If you have places in the rest of the house where you want to keep it, but you have damaged plaster, you can use plaster buttons to fix almost any kind of damage - it's actually shocking how much you can fix with plaster buttons and skim coating. (Even chunks that are completely pulled away.) It's a lot of labor, but on those curvy beautiful walls downstairs it would be totally worth it - Best of luck!

[@ShannonMakes]

Fortunately teh downstairs curvy walls are in pretty good shape!!

[@agcons]

I have some plaster repair to take on in a couple of years - nothing urgent. I don't have the large loose chunks that Shannon and Phil have, but there are loose spots where some parts of the plaster have become detached from the lath. A few months ago I happened to read a random OT comment on a political (not home repair) blog and I found out about plaster buttons. I had no idea such a thing existed.

[@hahentamashii]

​@@agcons They are AMAZING, there's a learning curve for skim coating, but once you get the recipe and technique down - it's like magic. The blog I learned from used window screen netting for larger patch areas too - I didn't have to do anything like that, but I squirreled it away as a nice tidbit for future me.

[@ShannonMakes]

yes, I also have heard that window screening works really well!!

[@sophieb.1287]

A lot of work? Whooohooo! House-Content for years! 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ Love that!

[@DebKirk]

Extra “Shannon Makes”,that makes me so happy!❤

[@LiseWaring]

I would use it as a stitching room - instead of bookcases you could use the side wall shelves to hold bins of yarn and project boxes for things like your yo-yos, English paper piecing and crazy quilting. I would be leery of putting your older books in there because the sunlight will damage the spines of the books, although you could use the shelves you see from the door to hold your stitching books.

[@nancyolson2977]

better use of light

[@elizabethhall1716]

Fabric would be my crazy bunch of stuff. But I do love me some books too.

[@Angela-hn6mb]

Agreed, the light would be amazing for a sewing room.

[@robinlandtroop2774]

For your book nook, if you can't get the book shelves to extend you could "trompe l'oile" the book shelves to extend to the corner in back of door.

[@kimbevan5614]

Couldn’t agree more, fabulous sewing room with all that light, I damaged so many of my books and fabric by daylight coming through a window, all fabric is now in drawers and my books have had to relocated my little library in my house. 😢

[@sth.777]

If you have any wavy-glass window panes that you'll be replacing, keep that glass and use it for vintage picture frame glass! I saw that tip on a video about an old Parisian hotel, where they used such windows for the pictures around their hotel - it adds an aged look to any image...

[@karenmetcalf-pugh5]

That would be nice if that center wall is not a support wall. The larger room could be an office, library, reading room. I could even see having a nice tea/coffee station.

[@NouriaDiallo]

Gypsum plaster is completely reusable: you can heat it in a kitchen oven (at 140°C) and it's ready to be mixed with water again, or stored in a bag. So you can save a few trips to the dump and the cost of new material, at the cost of a awful lot of work and whatever fuel your oven runs on. And heat your house in the process, so maybe a winter project. If you mix it with a thin animal glue (hide glue, bone or nerve glue, or just gelatin if you can buy it in bulk and on the cheap), it won't set as quickly as usual, and will become somewhat harder, and more polishable. You can also add natural pigments to it and it becomes a stucco (scagliola). If you want to replaster yourself, remember that you won't be as quick as a pro and that this thing sets *fast*, so make tiny batches at first, like maby one cup worth, in a small rubber bowl.

[@hahentamashii]

If you don't decide to do this (or if you've got more than you can use), the plaster is also a natural part of the soil, and once it's broken up you can put it in your garden. Even modern gypsum plaster board is OK to be broken up and mixed into the soil, just have to remove the paper. (Just remember it's soil amendment so if you have acidic soil loving plants, they wont love the calcium in the plaster, but the basic soil loving plants will like it.)

[@FranNyan]

@@hahentamashii Just make sure the plaster board is untreated. There are quite a few modern gypsum plaster based wallboards that have red-list chemicals in them (used to keep them from molding, etc,) so if you're unsure, best to dispose of in a landfill rather than unknowingly contaminate the soil. (Source: I vet these things for my day job.)

[@hahentamashii]

@@FranNyan Great point! I have a century home so went down the rabbit hole on gypsum when we did our kitchen repairs and was really surprised to find out that farmers have been using gypsum plaster on farms for centuries! Her walls are all papered, but painted plaster could have lead as well - another thing to watch out for.

[@hannabusse8137]

This is so cool, I had no idea!

[@melaniebourque5065]

I have an open area under my stairs as well and made it into a puppy home. It's in our living room (open concept living, kitchen area) so his food and water dishes, dog bed, toy box are all in there. I even painted dog bones in a "herring-bone" pattern on the wall and then hung up family photos. I used the "dog butt" shaped hooks from Ikea to hang his winter Jacket and other cute clothing items. He only ever uses it to eat and drink or occasionally grab a toy but it is cute and everyone that comes to our house comments on how adorable it is.

[@ShannonMakes]

Very cute!

[@katerrahazel1944]

Absolutely love the book nook idea for that room. Someone mentioned using it for hand sewing crafts. I can see it as both. What a nice place to relax with a book or hand sewing.

[@marshawargo7238]

Also make the door to the small closet a bookshelf secret door! Turn the whole room into a library❤!!! The window seat reading nook, the angled bookcase & book shelves/hidden door, portraits & library lightning, with a library ladder too, even if it's not really needed❤!!! A cabinet like the stereo she's using now but with closed cupboards for a coffee/tea station!

[@JillDunham-f2x]

When you put a door on the cupboard, perhaps you could make it a bookshelf door in keeping with the reading room theme.

[@Felicity-vl3xm]

My daughter did really deep drawers in the under the eaves space in her laundry room. They hold all the seasonal bedding and make it very accessible.

[@wtogspedersen860]

That would be a really neat idea for the closet in Shannon's room. Take out the door and put in deep rollout drawers. Gonna put that in my back pocket.

[@marieugorek5917]

Yup. In many parts of North America, you get jungle summers and arctic steppe winters. This means there has to be storage used for extra quilts and blankets, bulky sweaters, and space heaters in the summer, and fans, dehumidifiers, window air conditioning units, and shorts in the winter.

[@fernbrisot325]

When the plaster is down, you could assess whether you want to add lighting and more outlets in the window area. Whether you keep this as an office, or turn it into a library with a window seat, additional lighting and outlets would make it more functional. As for the closet, would it make more sense to close up the closet in the room and make a door that opens from the beadboard side? The door would have to be a funky shape, but that might be cute. I think a linen closet would be a perfect use for the closet, but it might be more functional with wider, but less deep shelves, if you changed the orientation. Thanks for sharing your vision.

[@laurenouellette6592]

The window seat reading nook idea sounds amazing!! It would be a beautiful spot for hand stitching or knitting as well. You’re making me want one in my house 😄

[@MaryAnnBuske]

You are so me, I do not think you ramble at all who better to talk things out than with your following. I love creativity and recycling. My husband and I had being tiles like this and I took an air sander and removed the paint and smoothed out the tile. What I found on ours was 2 colors, so exciting. I love the book nook and the window seat idea every body needs a place to find serenity, even the dog. Have fun!

[@gail2616]

Shannon, I always look forward to your videos, no matter the content! I grew up (67, youngest of 5) in an old, log farmhouse, no farms around it at all anymore however, the house is still there, with lap siding! Oh what could have been done…….

[@ShannonMakes]

Aww, thank you 🥰🥰

[@rosemarycousins5501]

In UK we don’t ordinarily have closets in every room, we use wardrobes, either freestanding or built in and chests of drawers and/or dressers.

[@bumblehomestead]

A little studio apartment for puppy 🥰

[@ShannonMakes]

omg, this comment wins the internet today!

[@marshawargo7238]

The chase longe & squirrel TV!❤!!!

[@julianneobermeier578]

I love that you are so excited about all the different wall papers you are finding. Think Scrap Book for all the different samples and how nice to be able to enjoy looking at it when you have finished redoing your gorgeous house. My mind is running away with thoughts of each page with your personality written next to each wallpaper. You are a wonderful storyteller. Thanks again for a great video.😊

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

It may be worth while checking to see which is cheaper, a boom lift or scaffolding. Scaffolding can be much easier to work from if you’re dealing with large items. Also look into wood hardeners; they’re often quite good and it might save you a heap of money!

[@lisakilmer2667]

It's a very good preliminary plan. Rooms evolve over the life of a house: the room in which I am now sewing has been a bedroom and kids' schoolroom/homework room. My wall of shelving (for fabric) wrapping a window, became a wall of storage when the room became a bedroom for a short while. So your wall of bookshelves is a really good long-term idea with lots of flexibility.

[@jenniferrue7929]

You weren’t boring me, rather you were building anticipation. I am so excited (dare I say anxious?) for you to get tucked into the actual work!

[@brendatucker35]

You never bored me, bring it on. I also like the idea of a sewing area as the lighting is so great, think hexies! I am a long time counting thread cross stitcher [1977] and lighting is very very important. I'm stitching on 22 count now and need incredible lighting to do it, natural would be my first choice... ❤❤❤❤❤

[@ladylucia917]

Awww ❤ love your relationship with Phil - sending you a Foto of the same room shows how much he knows and appreciates you ❤❤

[@rhondasweeney7271]

The challenges that you have in front of the two of you are definitely exciting. You are going to think of what you want out of each room. You make the choices. I am enjoying everything you are doing. Thanks for sharing! Love to the 🐶!

[@carol-annemartin401]

for a non permanent solution for your window for the winter so all the cold dont come in just buy plastic film you put on your window it will keep all the cold from coming in an the heat from going out and you can take it off in the spring. it really works good

[@katerrahazel1944]

On the other side when it is really hot you can cover it with a silver emergency blanket. Let’s you see out during the day and blocks the sunlight so the heat gain is minimized.

[@rnicholson4135]

Another temporary solution - bubble wrap can be used to insulate a window

[@JestRLee]

Love the idea of hemp cord for the larger gaps in those beautiful hardwood floors... The doors, the windows, tin ceilings, hardware, even the baseboard trim... I absolutely love the charming details of older homes... it will look absolutely amazing... little by little, one room at a time... love it

[@marshawargo7238]

The hemp is better than my first thought, a sawdust & PVA mixture😮!!!

[@anieth]

I agree that with all that light, a sewing room would be lovely.

[@AmandaIsAwesome]

That closet looks like it would fit Rubbermaid tubs really well. Easy to pull out and label for out of season duvets or wool sweaters or decorations you want to keep the moths out of. 💕

[@DebKirk]

You need the book room!If it’s calling to you it’s meant to be in your life.

[@LedgerAndLace]

"Slouching Doors, Hidden Wallpaper: A Home Rescued." Because that's what you did. 🙂 That is the perfect library and I love your ideas! I imagine it might have been used in the past as a sewing room, given the fabulous lighting. I had this little dialogue in my head: Shannon: Am I rambling too much? Amber: Yes! Everybody else: Shut The Front Door, Amber!

[@marshawargo7238]

"Amber, there are many more channels that you can go & harass, go look for them"😠!!!

[@LedgerAndLace]

@@marshawargo7238 Oh, Amber gets around, I'm sure! 🙂

[@jennyyates329]

A book nook would be awesome and that window would give perfect light for plants It would be so cozy to curl up with a good book

[@RoundMtnDryGoods]

I think the book nook idea is great.

[@marycompton2387]

Is it possible that if the room used to be one room with the one next door, that the door and the closet were added after the room was separated? That would explain the different hinges. Also the cardboard wall, if they made the closet out of a space because of the angle . If you removed the center wall and took out the door and the closet , you would have a interesting angle on that part of the room.

[@marshawargo7238]

Also how close the windows are to the dividing wall! I thought right away, Those two rooms used to be one room!

[@creepycutiecrafty]

I think a library/crafting space would be an amazing use for that room (I may, of course, be biased!) and the under-stair space would make an excellent linen store/craft fabric store. I think it’s all too easy to forget that the house reno project is *your* project, and rather than hurry to make it a livable space, you’re taking the time to get it right - for you! It’s a marathon and not a sprint. As ever, I love your ideas and how the story is progressing. It’s turning out wonderfully

[@terrythomas2735]

The funny closet could be set up as a holiday closet for decor like all the things you would switch out of the way to put the Christmas tree up and any extra kitchen stuff refills. I know you like to save so. If you shop in bulk you can store it there. Oh ya also you could build in a slider shelf system for the deeper area. Have fun

[@maribrown1361]

So love watching your videos! Our house is "new construction" made to look older and we did so much of the work ourselves. I truly miss doing the work, although it was hard & heavy. I'm excited to see what happens next for you! I love the idea of a library/reading space. With a cute book themed nook for Cannelle!

[@CandaceWebb]

I like the bookshelf idea. I would curve the end of the shelf for displaying little things. The closet under the stairs, could be covered by a curtain in matching fabric to the nook.

[@whitneykopsie9772]

Thank you for the double dose videos. This time of year is definitely a mountain to climb and your videos remind me to enjoy the view.

[@dianakranning9843]

At first, I thought the room would be a nice sewing room with all the natural light, but I think it would be a beautiful relaxing library. The idea of a window seat would be wonderful. I have to say with every picture you show of the outside of your home, I am falling more and more in love with it. I have always been drawn to old houses and this one is amazing. I have always liked wallpaper and am enjoying seeing all the different ones you keep finding. That closet area looks like the one my husband and I shared years ago. As wide as the door and very deep, it too was under a staircase. Looking forward to the bonus videos. Take care and have a wonderful weekend and week ahead.

[@Susansnewera]

Homeownership looks good on you. Nice to see your appreciation and your thoughts, dreams, ambitions for the old house. You are saving your old lady house’s life and giving a good face lift. . Like the idea of that bright room painted a dark color and made a library with a comfy reading day bed or built in bench with rich tapestry covering

[@briefisbest]

I am having a great time with the "rambling" descriptions. I love getting the peek at how you have to think about things to translate them to film. I have always wanted a built-in window seat book nook, though I've never had the opportunity.

[@mikkileon6380]

I’m loving all your ideas and dreams!!! You know you could always take that door off and just hang some beads or a curtain. You’re not using it as a bedroom. It doesn’t really need a door…. With your amazing imagination come on you could do something so amazingly cool❣️❣️❣️😃

[@diane3363]

I'm not familiar with the term Dutchman in regards to the baseboard patches but.....what a fun opportunity for some trompe l'oeil such as an mouse house, or little elfin tunnels love these idea bouncing videos. Bookcase looks awesome

[@ShannonMakes]

A general woodworking term that has and will continue to come up many times on the channel!

[@marleesanders]

As someone who lives in a 1890 home here is a tip. If some of your baseboards need mending check if you can use some from your cupboards. If you would prefer a full wall bookshelf switch the side of the cupboard door swings.

[@m.jewell9107]

I think an extra nook for Cannelle could be in the back of the closet. The wall slants down for the attic stairs, but I wonder if there's an open space behind the vertical part of that back wall? You could cut a semi-circle down at the floor level and she could have the space that's under the attic stairs. Extra cozy!

[@rachellynncreates2703]

I love the idea of it becoming a book nook/library!

[@christademasier]

Defenitly a Book nook!!!! I saw beautiful ones on pinterest.

[@TheSofres]

FYI, linoleum can contain asbestos. I have an old 1879 house in Ontario. I had the linoleum tested along with the ceiling tiles. The tiles were fine, but the linoleum came back positive. I also have one room where there was plaster damage. So I’m just going to put a new layer of drywall up over it. It’s in an upstairs room. Sadly everything was painted over and because they didn’t sand or prime, there’s lots of chips. You can see the wood and varnish in sections.

[@nicsilk8238]

I like your rambling.

[@Craftythrifter]

Omg! The window! The light! The tin ceiling! The slanted wall! Im in LOVE with both of those rooms! Wonder if there’s any chance of removing the wall between them and making it a craft/sewing/office space? Imagine the light!!!! That said an office in one room and a library in the other WITH a reading space at the window. Perfecto! I hope you do use some fun wall paper although for me there is NO paper allowed in my home as I LOATH removing it. It angers me. 🤣

[@tinagleeson7813]

LOVE the idea of turning this room into a "reading room"!! Suggestion regarding door(s) - given that you intend to strip-down the room to its studs, you could possibly investigate changing the current door from an "open in", to a "pocket door", where it slides to the right, BEHIND whatever door you end up putting on the "closet". (I was going to suggest putting in 2 x barn doors, but that would hide the beautiful door moldings!!). You could then have your bookshelves extend almost to the edge of the wall - but, to ensure that there was still enough room to actually go THROUGH the door, maybe change the last, say, 20% into an ANGLED orientation (kinda like your idea of the end of the bookshelf facing at right angles to the rest) ... or maybe curved (that would be a NIGHTMARE to build, but SO cool)!! Looking forward to the next update!!! 🙂

[@debbieevans7276]

As a bookie kind of person , and if the space for an office available elsewhere, absolutely a library/book nook!!❤❤❤

[@ShannonMakes]

📕📗📘📙📚

[@bettymunguia2136]

I like book nook idea😊

[@JulieGraham-u7b]

I have got a book nook in my nearly new bungalow built in the style of the original Victorian almshouses in my square complete with sash windows, high ceilings, stonework etc but internally well insulated with a modern kitchen, combi boiler, shower etc etc. Best of both worlds!😊

[@BloominMoonGlass]

I love the idea of a book nook and a cozy sitting area under the windows. A great option for that room. There's a lot of great ideas in the comments below. My mother's house has wood floors and there's one area where the boards have a gap and she filled it with rope. Worked pretty well! May be a good temporary option until you find somethin that works better. Thanks for brainstorming with us and letting us in on the process. Its definitely not boring to hear what you see needs to be done and your plans for it and what it's going to take to bring it all back to a state the house deserves.

[@wtogspedersen860]

Mmmmmm, I love the idea of a built in day bed by the window. I love laying on our couch and watching the clouds go by. ❤️

[@dianakamalamars8397]

Yes! Having fun! What a great little room and little funky closet. I would make that closet into a cool little hideout space. Painted/papered in amazing cozy colors/patterns, lots of cushions and some little lights. A quiet womb-like space to retreat to when needed.

[@vernieplummer5148]

I am finding it very enjoyable to listen to you think and plan and hope and wish about your new house. These are the first steps to whatever you will do in the end, so we don’t want to miss them.

[@lindabishop-surbeck2575]

I love how you’re trying to keep the original pieces of that house. Especially the lovely plaster work! I would love to see a book nook similar to the pictures you showed.

[@DeHumaneVestisFabrica]

What direction is the window facing? If it's anything besides North, that's a perfect window for plants that like bright indirect light (assuming it's not too drafty). Trailing plants and bookshelves, of course, are nature's perfect companions.

[@daalelli]

I like the idea that someone else mentioned about opening up the wall on the hallway side of the little closet. You could still keep the room side access, as well, and maybe have an easier time accessing the deeper regions from the hallway.

[@cyndyatwildrose5551]

A suggestion- I am redoing my second house. I take out all the plaster that is not decorative and replaced it with sheet rock and insulate every wall including the interior walls. I have found that it helps with keeping rooms more comfortable, when some rooms are extra cool/warm the rooms adjoining are more stable.

[@wendyspiesman992]

That room would be a wonderful place for plants. What ever you do with it will be amazing.

[@cynthiagropp7081]

I agree typically the trim was fancy - and stained, on the bottom floor and was plain, cheaper wood, and painted upstairs. When you strip the trim it would be interesting to see if it is pine or poplar. I had a house with a similar closet situation but it had a shelf built in roughly where that 2 x 4 is on the open wall. I built a big storage box on wheels that slid under the shelf where I would store pillows, blankets and duvet covers. On top I wanted to build two pull out drawers but I never got the chance. One last thought... Depending on where the closet is to the bathroom downstairs, you might be able to turn it into a half bath. Anyway, love what you are doing and NO you are not boring.

[@jlotoo850]

I like the window seat and reading nook idea. Would it still work as an office as well for you, if you sat on the window seat and have yourself facing away from the window towards you desk more further into the room, as you work? Light could still fall on your work, but it might not bother the camera so much. And as to the wonderful slanted bookshelf idea--I LOVE that idea too. The closet door could be changed to open out from the other side so that it doesn't open into the wall, but open towards the door to the hallway--then the full wall bookshelf would work fine! YES! to a nice linen closet there. If you need more storage space a nice antique amoire would look great in the room and provide storage as well. I think they do those in Europe alot for storage, so that is a more old world look as opposed to creating closet spaces in your home

[@diane.sneiders]

For the bookshelf you can continue it on a diagonal until the door and create a really thin shelf where you can store knick knacks.

[@katieyoung7271]

I personally would start with the window. You and Phil could totally get that out without breaking any of the wavy glass. I know that’s likely a springtime project, as I’m assuming that Nova Scotia winters are as cold as we have here in Minneapolis. I found that once I started getting the windows in good repair, my whole house just more substantial and secure. It could also be my love of restoring windows talking😁 Also love your idea of a Corgi door. I’m doing built in window seats on my enclosed sun porch that will have spaces for litter pans for our four kitties.

[@AmyMLevy]

One option for the chair to prevent scratching wood floors is to swap out any plastic wheels on the chair to inline-skate versions. They roll over carpet and handle dog hair better too, which are bonus (from experience)!

[@wtogspedersen860]

That is a cool idea. Wonder if it would work with thread and sewing. Always having to clean my wheels on my chairs.

[@AmyMLevy]

@@wtogspedersen860 My office chair in my sewing room right now sits on carpet, I have a very fluffy dog, and I haven't ever had to clean the wheels (20 months and counting). My previous sewing room was wood/carpet, two dogs, and I never cleaned the wheels (5 yrs).

[@wtogspedersen860]

​@@AmyMLevythat's amazing. I'm going to have to figure out how to switch them out because it's no fun picking thread out of the wheels.

[@harriettebarnette2414]

Thank you for bringing us along. Your book shelve idea should be great. We sometimes don't think about what you see from other rooms or halls. Great idea!

[@ladyflimflam]

When I met my husband he was living in an historic apartment building that had been built in the early 20th century as batchlor apartments. It had a transom over the apartment door that was essential for regulating the radiator heat. And terrazo floors and a murphy bed and a claw foot tub and a fabulous built-in in the kitchen. It was a great little apartment.

[@ShannonMakes]

Ahh yes, but that was the door to the whole apartment, not the door to one room that can easily just be opened! Sounds like a lovely apartment!

[@janmariebaldwin1415]

I love that you showed us IKEA, and I noticed the view from the book nook window was trees. I live in South Australia and a lot of our houses are on one level and built in close proximity to each other, and they all have metal fences and roofs called “Colorbond sheets”. On a recent visit to IKEA I noticed the view from the windows in the little fake rooms here are literally metal fences and low roofs 😳 I never realised that IKEA change the views from the windows depending on where you live. I guess it’s done to make you feel like it could be your window in your house, maybe 🤷🏻‍♀️ Anyway, that amused me and I wanted to share 😁 Thank you for giving us all another enjoyable video 🥰

[@isabelleandmichael]

I am really enjoying your channel. Having grown up in NJ (US) in a 1939 Dutch colonial home that was on there verge of being condemned...my 1960's childhood was watching my parents renovate it and bring it back to life and beautiful. I have all the faith in you both that you'll succeed in your vision for this gorgeous home. I'd like to suggest a video series that may be helpful. This couple has years of experience in restoration older homes and a lot to share. 1834 restoration home, Mike and Jeanie....lovely people. He shows how to strip paint off trim without chemical products etc. All my best to you both.

[@samwhyatt8685]

I'm enjoying your plans 😊 With regards to your little closet, if it were me, I'd block the door up completely and change the side wood board wall to doors, so you can access the space from the hallway.You would be able to see and make good use of all if it. The problem with deep closets is that things get shoved into the back, never to be seen again 😅 You could still have a little doggie door from the room though 😊

[@katrinalevin4064]

Yes to both the book nook and the linen closet with doggy door. A perfect use of a tiny room

[@lorettavalmorbida7793]

Lots of work. You can do it, you are young and very smart and you and Phil can do it. All the best. Great ideas.

[@susanlohan7806]

Love the idea of the book nook, which could go along the entire wall if you close up the door & change the entry point to the side of the quirky closet you were sitting in. If you were in luck, the old door could become the missing door if it fits into the entrance way of the closet. Just a thought!

[@cherylhuot4436]

That chair looks great! I bet the air flow web like material will feel great in the heat of summer! Can’t wait for a double dose of Shannon, next week!! Love the idea of book shelves on the slanted wall. Sounds like you are thinking "big picture, with lots of flexibility". Exactly the frame of mind you need doing projects like this!

[@KimOrlandini]

Love the bookshelf idea! Is there any way to move the door over and flip the hinges? Maybe? Excited to see what you decide to do! 🥰

[@Paul-StudioK]

12:39 -- Two rooms in my 1919 bungalow have quarter round (which was installed in the 1980s), but there's older (and perhaps original) shoe moulding or "base shoe" in the other rooms. The wood trim in your house is lovely!

[@sisterskaoi]

You could make such a great feature wall somewhere (maybe the foyer?) with samples of ALL the wallpaper you can salvage! It'd be like a cute little nod to the lived history of the house! You could even make a little display out of the non-furniture antique items like the pepsi cap and other little trinkets that don't really have another place to go, but are too historic/nostalgic to get rid of. I can't wait to see more of this reno!

[@ShannonMakes]

That's a great idea.... kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5vMfXqYacR1gbcsi=nIAV5s8iTrsiChH8&t=606 😉🥰

[@sisterskaoi]

@ShannonMakes lmao I should have realised I got the idea from one of your own videos 🤦‍♀️

[@FranNyan]

One thing to keep in mind, is that if you add a door to that closet, you will loose usable room in that space. My current office/workshop I wound up removing all doors, both closet and entry to maximize the space because everywhere there was a door was wall space that became unusable, and even with accordion closet doors, to keep the closet space usable, space to the side of it had to be kept clear. Considering the size of that room, you might do better setting up a curtain or similar to be the visual barrier for the closet space that won't need to intrude upon the room to be opened.

[@ShannonMakes]

Yup, so true! Unless the door gets moved out into the hallway, which for a linen closet would make good sense!

[@robintheparttimesewer6798]

The idea of a book nook sounds wonderful! The linen closet sounds good too. For the other one I was going to say seasonal storage but you have an attic so you already have room for seasonal stuff. If it were me I might put up narrow shelves for cds. I’m old school and have a large collection of music different eras. I’ve started buying collections at thrift stores and have found that a lot of things I enjoyed are actually covers! As for your supposed lack of closets that’s why they invented wardrobes! And attics

[@katehirst6046]

With the bookshelves l wonder if you could do one where the depth of the shelves slims across the width of the wall, so that it starts at say standard paperback depth near rhe window and is just an inch wide (or whatever) by the door, where you could have little treasures or books facing front. I've seen a design somewhere a bit like this, using wood where the edge facing you is where the bark would be, ie un-planed. The effect would be like half a tree of books was growing in your house!

[@sandysouthward3635]

I really enjoy your videos. You are so creative and inspiring. A library in that small room sounds perfect. I think it would be fun too to make a cozy spot for your dog rather than a linen closet, that is, if you can find another place for your linens. Perhaps that way, you could even leave that small closet space open for your dog to enjoy rather than putting on a door. So exciting. I look forward to seeing what you decide to actually do. ❤😊

[@Fraloob]

Love the library shelving idea!

[@eonarts]

I love that you’re thinking about the function of the bookshelves and the esthetics of it. I love quirky little surprises.

[@solenegicquel6577]

Aline dessine has a fiew video where she is redoing her (old) wood floors (sanding, cording etc)! Have fun with your renovations! I love watching them 😊

[@dianak4461]

Giant comfy reading nook for sure. Must do! Such a sweet little room with so much character. It deserves to be a little jewel box in its own right.

[@krisnugent1250]

Reading nook sounds perfect! And there's nothing to stop you from also knitting or hand stitching in that great light once you have some great seating. There's probably another space that would accommodate an office/desk situation. And if you're fine with the floors don't fuss with them. As you said, you can't just keep sanding them. If they aren't ugly or dangerous than you get to decide if they suit you for now. My old wood floors could use a sanding, but we've lived with them with no problems for 28 years so they'll wait a little longer.

[@MabelWrites]

An idea for your deep closet, in case it tickles your fancy. You could divide the closet. Put a door to the back part in the hall and use that for linens. Then use the front of the closet for built-in shelves in the room. Of course, I’m always trying to make every room a library :0)

[@cferguson3368]

When you pull the inside window casings off the window, you should be able to remove the window from the inside. Most older homes are made so you can do this. I recommend you tape an x on each pane with blue tape before moving. If you are worried that any of the panes may fall out when removed....tape bubble wrap to the inside of the pane & tape or screw heavy cardboard or masonite to the inside of window to stabilize the pane/s, etc. You'll need to take care not to interfer with any edges/areas that need to be exposed for removal. The bubble wrap, which will be againt the cardboard or masonite, will keep the pane from moving when you tip the window.

[@beckytownsend3603]

For the closet a bunch of slide out drawers for storage or a secret room. I love secret rooms/places.

[@inaskatze8076]

It's really interesting to hear how the rooms are planned. I think it's best that your own taste and, above all, the house in its origins are incorporated into the decisions. I'm excited to see which room will be tackled next. Have a nice weekend for you three 🍀💜

[@heathersussenburger660]

I love our storm windows. The house is so much warmer and quieter. We have the kind that open. Cheaper than new and we still have our wavey glass.

[@playwithmeinsecondlife6129]

Is the wall between the windows load bearing? If no, it could be replaced with a floor to ceiling bookcase.