All children are fascinated by secret “hiding places,” whether it’s a homemade log cabin in the yard or a small space above the garage that they make their own.
Laura Medicus, an interior designer from Denver, Colorado, brought this idea to life on a level that exceeded all expectations. Except maybe C.S. Lewis.
In his 1950 children’s novel, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” the wardrobe serves as a portal to the fantasy world of Narnia.
Laura’s 11-year-old daughter Sylvia is a fan of all things mystery and magic. She wrote that “having her own secret zone fills her with joy.”
Hoping to bring a little magic to her daughter’s life, Laura offered to create a similar place in their home.
“I shared my idea for the secret room in the wardrobe with Sylvia, and she was so enchanted that I realized there was no going back. Then I had to explain it to my husband (several times) so he could help build it! »
Sylvia’s bedroom is adjacent to her parents’, with a wardrobe (in Laura’s bedroom) in between. By closing the back wall of the cabinet, they created a small hole in the wall of Sylvia’s bedroom.
To give a Narnia feel, Laura removed the back of an old wardrobe, installed it in front of the hole and attached it to the wall.
At first glance, it’s a nice, ordinary cabinet… but when Sylvia enters it, she finds herself in a cozy space covered in cedar planks…
All his favorite things are there: books, photos of friends and an iPad.
Laura sought to balance the secret shelter between functionality and imagination, also adding a wardrobe to the space.
I think she has a few more years to enjoy it, and then we’ll move the cabinet and make it a regular cabinet. So far, it’s impressive and quite affordable.
None of the items used here were luxurious. My idea was to make it work now, without needing to make major changes when she grows up.
