How to Design a Secret Room…Creative Home Engineering
The latest buzz in the luxury home design world is all about secret rooms. What is a secret room? Think bookshelves that move to reveal a tranquil yoga and meditation space, art studio, home office, movie room, or playroom for the kiddos. Secret chambers are not only for European castles or estate mansions. They are popping up in trade publications over and again as both a fun novelty for adults and children or as a pragmatic solution for a private retreat. Because of the unique design involving a concealed entrance, these rooms can even double as a safe room keeping valuables and family protected during emergencies or a break-in. How can you design a secret room for your home? The good news is that you can incorporate these spaces for existing and new home construction. Here are some of the steps for when you begin designing your secret room.
Step #1 Find Your Why
The first step is to figure out how you want to room to function, in essence, what is the purpose of your secret room. That will determine the physical placement and lend an idea to what sort of design and functional elements you need. For example, an art studio will need sufficient lighting both natural and artificial. A panic room may require backup power in the event of a natural disaster or hidden cameras for security. A beautiful view may be a necessity for yoga or meditation room. Or consider special ventilation for a cigar lounge/mancave. Lastly, spaces like a music studio or a home movie theater could use soundproofing.
Step #2 Location, Location, Location
A masterful designer understands that location and proper placement is crucial for artful integrative design. Additionally, depending upon your room’s intended use, you must consider this factor for true secrecy. Furthermore, you must understand there are specific considerations. Some ideal placements could include a central area of the home, a basement, or the backend of a house, such as an addition. Keep in mind noise considerations should your location be on a second or third floor of the home. The space under a staircase, unused bedrooms, and attics are all areas to utilize in existing homes.
Step #3 The Secret Entrance
We find the most intriguing part of designing the secret room is the secret entrance. The Creative Spaces Design team understands that when building your secret door, seamless integration is crucial. There are a handful of companies who do sell pre-fabricated secret room doors. However, allow us to use our skills and build a clever passageway. We can camouflage a door behind a bookcase, fireplace, dresser, or staircase. And in true Scooby-Doo form, a book or a decorative knick-knack can be moved to activate the door to open.
At Creative Spaces, creative home engineering is not just what we do; it is a part of who we are! Our team has years of experience designing the unexpected and building the spectacular. Contact us today and let’s make your vision a reality!