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Child Item

New corner home office by dividing living room

jaezz66

🖼️

The project:

Boy, did this living room need a plot twist! I needed a multi-tasking miracle: a dedicated study for my son and a cozy crash pad for visiting guests. The fix? I brilliantly divided the space, installing wide internal doors to anchor a brand-new study nook. Then, I blew the kitchen wide open for that breezy, light-filled flow and swapped the front door for a glass stunner. Toss in some clever hidden storage, and voila—compact chaos transformed into a high-functioning, light-soaked sanctuary that punches way above its weight

- Materials:

- Tools:

Cordless drill & impact driver
Mitre or circular saw
Hammer
Chalk line
Stud finder
Utility knife or drywall saw
T-square
Drywall screw gun
Spirit level
Measuring tape & pencil
Clamps
Caulking gun
Plastering trowel & broad knife
Joint knife
Internal corner trowel
Sanding block & sandpaper
Paintbrushes & rollers

- Step 1:

Step-by-Step Guide: Step 1 (Putting Up the Walls)

Mark the Layout:
- Use a measuring tape, pencil, and chalk line to map out where the new partition walls will sit on the floor and ceiling.
- Use a stud finder to locate existing wall studs and ceiling joists so I can tie the new frame directly into the home's existing structural framework.
Build the Timber Frame:
- Measure, cut, and lay out your top and bottom plates (tracks) along with vertical timber studs using a mitre or circular saw.
- Secure the floor and ceiling tracks into position using a cordless drill and impact driver.
- Install the vertical timber studs at standard intervals, checking that everything is completely plumb and straight using a spirit level and securing them firmly in place.
- Frame out the rough opening specifically sized to fit the large internal sliding doors, ensuring extra structural support and timber framing are added to securely handle the door tracks and weight.

- Step 2:

Step-by-Step Guide: Cornices, Skirting & Doors

Install Ceiling Cornices:
- Measure the perimeter where the ceiling meets the new and existing walls, and use a mitre saw to cut your cornice pieces at precise 45-degree angles for clean corner joins.
- Apply cornice cement to the back edges of the molding, press them firmly into the corner junction, and use a caulking gun or filler to neatly seal any gaps against the wall and ceiling.
Fit the Skirting Boards:
- I measure the base of my newly built walls and doorways, cutting my skirting boards to length with crisp mitred or scribed joints for internal and external corners.
- I secure the skirting boards to the base of the framework using a nail gun and appropriate fasteners, ensuring they sit flush against the floor.
Frame and Hang the Doors:
- I installed the frames and hanged the wide internal sliding doors and the new glass-paneled front entrance door, making sure they are level, slide smoothly, and swing or glide true within their tracks.
- I finished off by attaching the door handles, locks, and hardware, then filled any nail holes or gaps in the trim with wood filler before giving the skirting and cornices a final coat of paint to tie the whole room together.

- Step 3:

Step-by-Step Guide: Wallpaper, Decorating & Finishing Touches

Apply Feature Wallpaper:
- Measure your accent walls, cut the wallpaper to length, and apply paste or activate the backing.
- Smooth the wallpaper carefully onto the plasterboard using a brush or smoother to eliminate air bubbles, creating a stunning visual backdrop that defines the new study nook and living zones.
Install Storage and Shelving:
- I assembled and secure your large cube shelving units against the walls to provide functional book storage and display spots.
- I arranged Storage containers and compartments within the shelving and bed to keep clutter completely out of sight and maintain a clean, organised aesthetic.
Set Up the Hidden Guest Bed and Study Nook:
- I positioned the study desk and chair neatly inside the nook so that when the wide internal doors are closed, the workspace is completely tucked away and out of sight from the main living room.
- I Integrated a hidden bed setup within the space, ensuring it can easily transform into a cozy crash pad for visiting guests when needed.
Add Plants and Decor for an Open, Light Feel:
- I styled the area with vibrant indoor plants and greenery to breathe life into the dual-purpose zones and enhance the natural, breezy flow.
- Add mirrors, minimalist decor, and light-reflecting accessories to amplify the open-plan atmosphere, making the multi-living space feel expansive, luminous, and deeply welcoming.
- I added new ceiling fans and wood flooring

Find more posts tagged with

Tools and Materials

Renovation

Building and Construction

Flooring

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Doors and Windows

Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @jaezz66. It's great to have you join us and many thanks for sharing your project.

What a clever use of the available space. Creating a dedicated study that can also double as guest accommodation is a fantastic solution, and opening up the kitchen has really helped make the home feel brighter and more spacious.

Thanks again for sharing your project.

Mitchell

jaezz66

@MitchellMc Thanks for the kind words, Mitchell! It was a bit of a puzzle trying to make the space work harder for us, but seeing it come together has been so rewarding. Appreciate you welcoming me to the community I hope you have a nice weekend.