Newer open concept floor plans, popular in the suburbs present the same challenges as city homes, just usually on a larger scale.

Keeping these open spaces presentable for visitors, is especially difficult for young families. Basements, man caves, and lower level living areas have become increasingly more important, as a space to let go and be a little messy, out of sight from the front door. Speaking of man caves and basements, living areas don’t always have to be where the original floor plan designates.

At the Decorators’ Show House 2011, in Columbus, OH, we transformed a ho-hum bedroom into a She Den, complete with a custom entertainment center recessed into the closet. By taking over the closet, plenty of floor space was left for a gorgeous cocktail table made from an old tree stump. Ants had completely devoured the inside of the tree leaving behind a unique piece of natural artwork.

The unusual artwork above the sofa is an ever changing display of shoes inside a custom frame. The light filtering roller shade with grommet details helped disguise a less then desirable view with style! A smart leather sofa and chair are perfectly proportioned for a small space and a woman’s frame. There was an odd bump-out, assumed for HVAC runs, we chose to enhance with a brick facade for character and texture. The She Den is feminine without being fussy.