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some ideas

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less of this

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more thoughts

As I prefer the idea of a library corner, thinking about the shelf behind head being the charging storage bit (perhaps reversing behind the cushion backs)?
I think this would be used more for homework than a traditional desk set-up.
I could use same black joinery as kitchen.

any thoughts?

not fond of the idea of a banqette unless this is the only option for a dining area but a library wall and homework desk sounds ideal can you post plans showing the dimensions so any suggestions could be more specific

Custom-made built in furniture is expensive and inflexible. Had you considered an elegant desk, side table or storage unit? At least if it doesn't work for your needs you can swap it out for something else at a much cheaper cost.

Best of luck,

Dr Retro
of Dr Retro House Calls

You could always think outside the box, corner couch and some fabulous shelving built along wall and around window would look stunning, hide away the charging station in a low cabinet that could be incorporated as a desk when needed, fab floors CP.

Thanks for your ideas. You can see why I've taken forever to come up with something.
I do agree that if I get something built it will need to be fabulous and most bookcase/banquette solutions work best in a recess.
Julie Herbert I have looked at those shelving units and not dismissed them out of hand. OkLouise you're probably right about a desk but my fear is that it will be a dumping ground for notes which I'm trying to avoid as not always the tidiest person.
I'll do some measuring...

Hi CP, can you provide a better view of the whole space

Sorry hard in this light to get decent photos. I knew at the time I wanted the wall to jut out and that the manhole in that space would pose problems but you know what it's like in the midst of a million and one decisions!

I guess I should probably go for something simple like this but I don't know about having the ends suspended. All these nice desk solutions have a wall at either end.

The wall adjacent to kitchen is about 2300 and the manhole lines up with the end and is about 200mm from edge. On the long wall the window is about 1700 from the edge.

Working with your kitchen island light that I love, perhaps something like this adding a splash of colour with a

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large art work

Siriuskey that's clever, just use a dresser ahs forget about desks etc. Hadnt thought of that!

Lovely area C P, you have my favourite gold lamp and side table, I think the shelves would look fabulous, as you said you have your book shelves in other area, I would incorporate desk and charging station into shelving unit to keep them tidy and add some gorgeous features , even a fab gold study chair to compliment your lovely furniture.

Oh yes lovely pieces Julie

So now you have me all confused!! I'm thinking of maybe buying something fancy to go there instead.
Mind you for the price of this could get something built in!!

The picture didn't load

try again

If you wanted a wall to jut out, what about a half height wall? Not sure of the technical name. That would still allow for the manhole.

aagh

sorry photos not working on my phone tonight

..

So having told me family about the corner library with seating idea they've all become convinced that it's a fabulous idea. We have a pretty cool cabinetmaker who is also a friend so maybe we'll try for something a bit out there!

Will the printer stay in this space? Perhaps building it into a cupboard with a pull out shelf may ensure you can have clean lines.

If the manhole is limiting what you really want to do with the space, move the manhole (to a less used area, less visible spot that still gives practical access). It shouldn’t be an expensive exercise. Depending on what you build into the area, you may not even need to fill the existing manhole.

I should add that whatever you install still needs to give trades people easy access. That means being able to set up a ladder directly under the manhole. They can’t position a ladder off to the side then contort themselves into the roof space, or snake themselves around a half or 3/4 height wall. So, it probably needs to be moveable furniture (for those times roof access is required). Weigh up how much of a nuisance, or how easy it will be to move everything out of the way.

Personally, I‘d move the manhole out of the living area (maybe into a hallway) so it doesn’t cause you or a tradie any grief, now or in the future.

Good luck with the project, CP. Share the outcome with us. :-)

Move the manhole .

This may help. It’s a handyman or DIY job.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/home-improvement/roofing/how-to-install-a-manhole?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAjw7O_pBRA3EiwA_lmtfjE8ljioHJoWLRKmIl0A-C5Ghdk-IO9JN3u0ug-JwqZ8GR6nhft5jxoCpdwQAvD_BwE

https://www.bunnings.com.au/search/products?q=Man%20hole&redirectFrom=Any

Yes I was pretty cranky when manhole went there. My husband and builder came up with this solution despite the plan for having a desk always being there.
I'm vacillating back to buying an armoire/dresser as not really enough space for library corner!

This is clever. Just need a stylish version available in Australia
https://www.wayfair.com/furniture/pdp/greyleigh-hazen-tv-armoire-w001785546.html

ugh looked better in first photo but you get the idea!

maybe something like this

https://thebanyantree.com.au/collections/buffets/products/ethnicraft-oak-whitebird-storage-cupboard

Manhole is really easy and affordable to move. Would be worth it as sounds like it is limiting your options.

Hi CP. Purely out of curiosity and wanting to learn, why was placing the manhole in the living area the solution? What prevented it going elsewhere?

It had to go in extension which is only combined living, kitchen dining area and needed to be near tall part of roof such limited options as already had AC inlet hidden in pantry ceiling.

CP, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, so please don't shoot the messenger.

The pantry is not a good spot for the AC's return air inlet. What were you instructed by the installer? Do you keep your pantry door open when the AC is in use?

If the pantry door is closed it will severely limit the airflow and your AC will not work properly. It will cause a variety of issues with the unit. If the door stays shut, the alternative is to install a large relief grille in the door itself - and they are not pretty! Far more ugly than a ceiling mounted return air grille/AC inlet.

Well picked up dm Stan. The aircon must be very noisy if there is a door closed on the pantry. And expensive.

Thanks dreamer. You're correct. Noisy, much more expensive to run, everything under great strain, likely to reduce the longevity of the unit, and could even void the warranty. And if the temperature sensor is located with the RAG, good luck trying to regulate the comfort level.

Effective and efficient air con relies on air flow. Hiding or obstructing components vital to the operation of any AC system is not a good idea. And to be brutal, the system designer/installer should have known this. (Sorry, CP :-\ )

And ... I'll use this perfect opportunity to reminder to everyone with an air con to clean the filter regularly; at least twice a year. That includes renters, too!

It's not an enclosed pantry just the space behind kitchen that is more out of sight.

it's a butler's pantry with full opening to kitchen

Thanks, CP. I was getting a bit worried for you (and your power bill!). As long as airflow isn’t restricted, thumbs up.

All the best with your project. Please share the outcome with us. I’ve got a long blank wall. I have no idea what to do with it, so I’d love to see your solution.

Thanks DM. Trouble is I have too many ideas. I've imagined it as office/bar/library and various combinations of the above.

Hi there,

Big piece of paper time! Write down the dims of the space and list the things you would like it to do: charge devises, put down for hand bag, store of mail, basket ball fixtures, invitations, bills, home management, display of collection of tortious shells....what ever!! Then list all the ideas that seem interesting, marry up the two lists and see what comes out of it!

Personally I think a long blank wall is excellent for couch or other furniture to go on and to sit to look out to the garden (not with your back to outlook like so often is planned) Some put down bench, desk arrangement, some cupboards for devises charging and handbags, some shelving for a few book and current pictures etc. Some of each type of space that you need for those items and things on the list.

Very important to keep it ladder friendly for manhole too.

I love the look of your circle of chairs there and wonder if you want more seating in the room? I love the ideas above that have been posted: very lovely and some quite quirky!

Good Luck, stay focused on what you want the area to do! Cheers Margot

Thanks Margot, You've nailed the crux of the issue being torn between meeting the practical needs of a dumping ground but not looking like a dumping ground. I've managed to keep some of this stuff in the pantry but then it's not as widely accessible by other members of the family. I worry that by creating a space it's an invitation to rest clutter on.
I thought the library with seating in front was quite a clever way of having an extra perch for homework that wasn't on dining table but seemed comfy and the ability to charge chromebooks would be the enticement (plus my kids love to loll around reading). My issue with a desk is that realistically all the mess would end up facing the room (I think we're all programmed in a way so that you're more likely to leave something behind on a desk than on a seat). But I agree that it could look unnecessarily cluttered and I'm not great at sketching my vision.
I'm interested in making the corner function I have seen desk/day bed corner combos but they remind me of children's bedrooms.

Hi CP,

Try incorporating desk, put down or study area with pull down blind or kitchen cupboard rollers $$$ so as the kids can leave their study/mess and come back to it just as they left it. Love the fact that your kids love "to loll around reading" Fabulous!!

Sounds like some space for storage ie behind cupboards doors and some open and some shelves.

Where are you? Could I pop out to chat? Then I could draw some ideas for you. That is what I love to do! Cheers Margot

Hi CP, All the great ideas have suddenly stopped! Was it something we said?!!

If you have found my contribution to be helpful for you, I would very much appreciate a comment on my profile here on Houzz so as others will find my services helpful too. I love helping people with their homes: to ensure there are rooms and space to do what they want and need them to do for an easy relaxed day to day living and for party times too. I haven't been on here long so I haven't been found yet and I would like it very much if you can help. Thank you in anticipation. Margot