Your Own Private Narnia
Creative Space/Lady’s Retreat by Rudy’s Wholesale Furniture
In C.S. Lewis’ classic Chronicles of Narnia, a group of children discover the doorway to an enchanted world inside an old wardrobe. The effect of entering this surprising hideaway designed by Sharon Pelle is much the same. An unremarkable door off the kitchen — one that could easily be mistaken for a closet — leads you up a narrow staircase, above the garage and into a wonderland.
“The space reminded me of an attic,” says Sharon, “and I thought of how intriguing that is to a child — the heirloom feeling, the treasures that you could discover there. I think that most adults still have that child in them. It’s such fun to have a secret place.”
Sharon envisioned a retreat where the lady of the house could withdraw to engage in personal pursuits — journaling, scrapbooking, reading, crafts — or gather with kindred spirits, such as a book club. “Generally, we think of a crafts space as being ‘country’ in feel,” she continues, “but this is a ‘glam’ little room; it’s rather unexpected. It has a very sophisticated personality.”
With its vibrant colors, graphic shapes and fantasy chandelier, this little gem is anything but fussy. “I love all the different stations in the room,” says Sharon. “There’s a work area in the back, seating in the middle and a place up front to get crazy with crafts — or set up a buffet.”
“The room lends itself to a wide range of activities. You don’t feel like you have to do one particular thing here. You can do whatever makes you feel the best — even if that’s just daydreaming.”
