Sitting room retreat - room design - Brief Article

Sunset, Jan, 2000 by Peter O. Whiteley

Remodeled small space becomes a cozy extension of the bedroom

* Curling up with a good book is one of life's simple pleasures. The owners of this home found the perfect spot to do just that in a 7- by 15-foot space adjacent to their master bedroom. It was previously an underutilized room. Now it's connected to the bedroom through a 5 1/2-foot-wide opening, which makes both rooms feel spacious and allows morning sunlight to brighten the inner bedroom.

The main features of the new reading area are a handsome, built-in couch with ample pull-out storage compartments and a low bookcase that extends under the outside windows--both built of maple. The couch sports a mattress-size cushion so it can serve as a spare bed. A collection of custom-made silk, wool, and cotton pillows (hand-sewn by the owner's sister) makes a luxurious backrest.

Custom-made Roman shades control morning sun and add evening privacy The two rooms are painted a buttery off-white with lighter-colored trim; dense but low-napped carpeting adds visual continuity.

The room isn't just for reading. Out of sight at one end is a room-high cabinet that hides a television and a coffeemaker.

DESIGN: Dan Phipps & Associates Architects, San Francisco (415/776-1606)

CABINETS: Detail A Studios, San Francisco (415/822-4533)