The dormer is too small to provide any real, usable space in the room. I decided to utilize the space by having our contractor build a window seat underneath the window.

The window seat has a hinged lid to provide much needed storage space. In our little bungalow every inch counts. The proportions of the window seat were based off of the gentleman caller’s bench in the living room.

In a small space every inch counts. Built-ins offer clever and functional storage solutions for small spaces.

Built-in bookcase and bench with lift-top seat for additional storage flank the fireplace

Bookcases, benches or desks utilize the space next to bungalow fireplaces. Fireplaces were considered the heart of the home and made an ideal spot to curl up with a good book.

Built-in writing desks

Hiding a desk in a room divider or a corner is a clever way to maximize areas of the room that would not otherwise be used.

Built-in storage drawer

This drawer provides additional storage as well as a place to sit. I always have a stack of things waiting to be taken upstairs piled in my stairway. I wish I had a beautiful drawer like this one.

Bench is built into the stair railing

Every space is put to good use. The built-in bench is next to the wall niche holding the telephone.

Built-in china cabinet

No bungalow dining room is complete without a built-in china cabinet.

Built-in window seat and library

This window seat and small library from a 1920′s catalog looks very inviting.

Curved window seat

The built-in seating and storage cabinets provide maximum seating and functionality in a curved room.

Built-in window seat, bookcases and desk

Built-ins provide a lot of storage while taking up a minimal amount of floor space, making them ideal for tiny spaces.

In any restoration there are surprises, both good and bad. The good news? We discovered just how nice our built-in storage bench is. The storage bench, sometimes referred to as a gentleman caller’s bench, is a fairly unique feature in our neighborhood for a bungalow of this size. It was difficult to see the details of the hardware and woodwork because they were hidden under layers and layers of paint. Everything seemed to blend in with the white walls. We didn’t even notice the bench before we moved in because the previous owners had placed a huge projection screen television in front of it.

It never occurred to me that anyone would paint over a mirror! I felt the bench needed a tiny mirror hung on it’s back but decided to wait until we completed the restoration. Thank goodness I waited or else I would have shattered the original mirror when I hammered a nail into it.

We were amazed to find the amount of detail present on the hooks. Each hook has a tiny face on it.

The bad news? Someone drilled holes in the pocket doors and later filled them in with plaster. The only thing I can figure out is that someone put a chain through the holes and then added a padlock to keep that room secure. My neighbor told me that our house was broken into twice when the previous owner’s grandmother lived here. She added bars to the windows after the second break in.

I’m not sure of the best way to repair these holes? The plaster will need to be knocked out. Maybe the holes can be filled in with Bondo?

:: Read about the process used to strip or remove paint from our woodwork. ::

The front door. You can see where part of the door frame was been replaced with plywood. That is also probably the result of a past break in.

The windows on either side of the fireplace are now stripped.

Built-in bookcases. The doors are missing. We hope to some day have replacement doors made.

Built-in storage bench with mirror and coat hooks.