They cut into the roof for a new top-floor bedroom

Sunset, Feb, 1987

Inspired by the notion of making "onelittle room an everywhere,' Julia Owens and Larry Thomas of Seattle credit poet John Donne with describing what they wanted in a new top-floor bedroom. More than a place to sleep, it would be a space to wind up with a breakfast tray and paper, and wind down with a glass of wine and a book or television program.

To get 300 square feet of floor space forthe bedroom and 90 for an adjoining deck, architects Bill Curtis and Pat Emmons cut into the east-facing side of the house's pitched roof, then added a shed dormer to gain headroom. For the addition's inside wall, they designed floor-to-ceiling storage cabinets to organize garments and assorted amenities, including books, electronics, and a small refrigerator.

They brightened the room with a greenhousewindow that lets morning light stream in and provides a stage for a varied cast of house plants. French doors lead to the deck and open the room to refreshing breezes. Along with a large window next to them, the doors bring in light and views of surrounding treetops. Behind the deck are the staircase landing and a tiny bathroom that fits under the original roof.

The deck's wing wall echoes the new roofline and creates privacy and a windbreak. White-painted walls help turn the deck into a warm pocket even on chilly mornings. Its floor has a slight slope so water can drain through a gap along its front edge, onto the roof lip, and into the housewide gutter.

Photo: A place to relax with a book or take in the view: bedroom and deck replaced old attic

Photo: Slotted into house's rear roof line, bedroomand deck overlook garden. Deck's tall wing wall reflects sunlight, adding warmth

Photo: Behind louvered doors, television sits on extension shelf, clothes hang, shoes line up, and refrigerator and coffee maker hide. Vanity recess has light above and mirror behind