LANDING STRIP

Even if you aren't a Pilot, Designer or Esthetician, chances are you might have to deal with messy landing strips someday. While we aren't faced with the task of landing an F-16 on an aircraft carrier in the open sea or lending a hand at "Olga's House of Wax," our project, nonetheless, was mildly daunting; we wanted to create a comfortable space on our upstairs landing (which acts as the hub, connecting the master bedroom, two guestrooms and a bathroom). With only two pennies to rub together (we found them under the sofa), we were faced with the challenge of creating an office, a television viewing area and overall comfy place to land at the end of the day. Here's how we navigated our landing:

STRIPTEASE:

1.) Stripped the area of unnecessary items (placed books on shelves, organized memorabilia, removed old bookcase)

2.) Painted walls same color as guest bedroom (for even flow)

3.) Placed flat screen television, dvd player, tivo on wall unit, hiding all wires behind unit).

4.) Placed desk at far end of room, creating office area. Added Mirror to reflect light.

The dogs, clearly, already approve!

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: Four Hours

COST: Can of Glidden "Indian Painting" paint: $18.99

STRESS LEVEL: Safe, comfortable landing: LOW