Creating a cosy reading area on our landing

It’s been almost six months since we moved into our new home. We have a lot of work to do to get this house looking how we want it, but I’m happy with the progress we’ve made so far.

We have a large galleried landing upstairs. This space has lots of potential, but we’re not really sure how to use it. We also had to wait for the wall to dry out. We had a leak in the roof at the start of the year, and water was coming in through the valley of the dormer, through the eaves, then down to the porch. Not a good time. Not a cheap time, either.

Before:

As you can see, it is a large space. But it has become a bit of a dumping ground since we moved in. We keep our airer up here, which is up most of the time. In the far corner, you can see lots of things we need to sort through. Our old TV, things that need to go into storage and more. On the right-hand side, there’s the library. I bought the chair a few months ago for a little reading area by the library.

I was never fully happy with the reading area here.

The rug has been in almost every room in this house. It was in the living room in the old house, but it’s been a stop-gap in this one before we get a new rug. It started in the living room, then my office, then the hallway and it’s been here for the last few months. It’s quite handy as it goes with everything.

I started by fixing the water damage. I sanded it down and then put polyfiller on the parts that needed it. It was quite easy to do, but some of the paint flaked off, so I ended up with an uneven surface.

Once we had sorted out the water damage, we painted the walls white. It took three coats to get rid of the yellow. I then got some paint testers from B&Q. We did some swatches by the window, then some more in an area that doesn’t get much light. At first, I only had the top three. I fell in love with the top right one. It had a warm and creamy tone, which I wanted.

My husband said it was too dark. I knew I wanted a colour similar to that peachy/salmon/pink, so my goal was to try and find a lighter one. Although I love the green/blue colours, it felt too much with the green carpets.

So I took the long trip down singletrack country lanes back to the DIY shop, and I came back with the bottom three. We initially agreed with the bottom left, which is what I used in our old spare room here. But I wasn’t really happy as it was such a light colour and I wanted to be bold and colourful.

So, I did what I do best – pestered him until he gave in and let me do what I wanted.

I just knew I would regret it if we picked the lighter colour. I’d rather go bold than paint it again if I hate it, rather than play it safe and then regret it.

So that’s what we did.

Then, after two coats, it was done. I loved it instantly.

I ordered some prints to make a gallery wall. I love the prints I picked, particularly the Frida Kahlo print.

I moved the sideboard that used to be in the old kitchen to the area. I put the reading chair in the corner and, of course, the good old faithful rug.

I bought a new lamp and put some plants around to make it look nice. I’ve got a new rug coming which isn’t here yet. There’s also a mirror coming above the sideboard.

Still need to figure out the plan with the other side of the room. The shelves need more books, and we need new curtains. Maybe a console table under the window would work. It would be great to fill it with plant propagations, but I’m a bit worried that the cats will jump up!

I am so happy with how this turned out, and I am glad I pushed for the colour I loved. I could see the vision in my head, and I don’t think it would have worked as well with the lighter colour.

I’ll update below when the rug and mirror arrive!

Great news – the mirror and rug have arrived! Here’s how the area looks now! The creases will drop out of the rug in a few days, but I couldn’t wait until then to show you!

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