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lara_johnson

Greenhouse hallway? What do I do!?

12 years ago
The hallway to our bedrooms has what used to be a sort of built in greenhouse in it. As you can see, it's three standard windows long. The windows are slanted out about twenty degrees. The previous owner says there is a copper tub, but they tiled it over as their cats kept peeing in their plants (I couldn't quite follow that logic either). There is a water spigot (functional) at one end and plant light fixtures in the ceiling, which, here drops about 1 ft from the regular ceiling.

We've had plants in it from time to time, but I'd really like to find a different purpose for this area. We host big Christmas gatherings, and it would make a good buffet line. But what about the rest of the year? Today I cleaned it and put out some pumpkins. Help!

Comments (15)

  • PRO
    12 years ago
    I would hang 2 ferns...cover the tile with black granite...add a few decorative objects and it has become a nice focal point.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    that is odd. to my eye -- and I'm a gardener who is DYING for a greenhouse -- those windows are tilted the wrong way. The sun shines down from the sky, not up from the ground.

    I like JW's idea. Keep it simple.
  • 12 years ago
    Since there is water is there space for a small bar sink? You said it would make a good area for a buffet how about a wet bar for other times? You could pick a beautiful granite and when you aren't using it as a buffet you could have a tray with glasses and crystal decanters as the permanent display plus seasonal display as you have already started.
  • 12 years ago
    Coffee
  • 12 years ago
    I do like the coffee idea, but this hallway is not near enough to the kitchen for that. Wet bar isn't feasible, we don't really drink... However... Perhaps something for my hubby's yet-to-get-stared wine collection? Lol
  • 12 years ago
    may be remove that tile that hides the sink... think of a greenhouse that extends towards the inside of the house rather than extending outward. I read elsewhere that plants naturally purify the air. Of course, you lose the buffet style table, but nevertheless, i hope that this idea does some type of good
  • 12 years ago
    I am curious to see what condition the tub is in!
  • 12 years ago
    Brenda,
    The reason the windows slanted the way they are is to eliminate reflection at night.So instead of seeing a reflection of the interior you are still able to enjoy the view.
    You may have noticed the same thing on the bridge of ships.Also the windows can be partly opened in rain.All in all a good feature that ,I think,Lara could work with to create something unusual and special.
    Cheers,
    Redgreg.
  • 12 years ago
    @redgreg.. I do like that about the windows... I never knew the 'why' of it! We keep them open in rain all the time... Unless it's a horizontal rain!
  • 12 years ago
    Putting removable gas burners underneath the pots and replacing the pots with something more durable would serve as a great heater for your buffet line, and when you were done, you could just plant plants in the pots again!
  • 12 years ago
    Could you put your laundry room there?
    I was thinking having a bar there as well, but you say you dont drink. Breakfast bar sounds great, if you are a breakfast person like me ;-)...
  • 12 years ago
    I don't know if laundry would be a good fit for this space. People coming into the house would pass through one end of this hall. I was just thinking .... What if we took the tub out (depending how deep it is) and turned the counter into a bench. It would have great views!
  • 12 years ago
    We are up on a high hill overlooking the Illinois
    river. We frequently see eagles, hawks, owls... Plus in the winter, when the leaves are gone, the river.
  • 12 years ago
    My guess is that it is a metal terrarium type tub popular in the 70's. if u put a bench in make the top adjustable so u can hang a skirt and make a Buffett once in a while.