The front room of this 1850s transitional Victorian had become a de facto closet, with outergear, toys, books, and office functions crammed together into the space. We remodeled it as a stylish library/office, with original wide pine flooring and abundant custom-made cherry shelving for books, photos, and mementos. Redesigning the room also allowed us to create a much needed half-bath off the main hallway. During the same project, a narrow, dark staircase was rebuilt with a more comfortable incline and wider treads. A coat closet contributes to a much nicer experience when family and guests enter the home.