Second Story Inspiration

Dresser is about halfway finished. Gel stain is STICKY and mineral spirits are wonderful.

Meh.

Anyway, our Cape Cod's layout is fairly typical, especially on the second floor. It's a half story with 2 small dormers.

The bit of white on the left is the bathroom that we're finishing up now. There's a a good amount of  storage. It's decently sized and currently holds nothing.

Obviously the paneling is ugly. There's some staining on the acoustic ceiling tile, but it could be painted. The carpeting is still there, aside from a couple big stains, it is in very good condition. I'd like to turn this into living space that we actually would go up and spend time in, if that makes sense. A sofa is a definite, but I'd love to get creative with it, too.

So, paint the paneling? There's ONE light... our neighbor gave us 2 big fixtures that match and are brand new, so they are going up (unless I can con hubs into recessed lighting), and I'd like to make that one light into two, one on each side. 

Until that day arrives, help yourself to some attic eye candy:

Nautical and cozy! Source

Love the color, lights, built-in.

Built in seating/shelving. I like the way it curves with the ceiling.

I wish. Source