What can I do with this veranda / extra space?

March 1, 2009 1:19 AM

What can I do with this veranda / extra space?

I suspect veranda is the right word, although it may well be called something different. Whatever it's called, it's a space in my new apartment. It's one meter wide, about five meters wide, and has a large sliding glass door that separates it from the rest of the apartment. The view out is non-existent (frosted glass windows and bars - get past those and there's another building a few meters away). The sun comes through the window, which provides some nice natural light - definitely something I like.

The space currently holds the washer on one end, and must stay put (no dryer - in South Korea electric dryers are very rare; one hangs their clothes to dry on a dryer rack). The washer drains into a hole in the middle of the space. On the other hand is a hot-water-heater control box. It's mounted to the wall, so it's not going anywhere. It's on the far side from the door, meaning anything stored there (my first thought was a bike) would have to go through the apartment to leave it. It's too narrow for a dryer rack. It's currently holding a couple pieces of luggage and is otherwise empty.

OK, so back to the original question: what to do with this space? Thought A is to hang a curtain on the sliding glass that separates the veranda and apartment, using it for storage but hiding the clutter from guests. Thought B is... there is no thought B. Any creative ideas / uses / whatever, fellow MeFis?

posted by chrisinseoul to home & garden (7 comments total)

Use the space for storage. Then, if you have the money, put up a Torn Bootje "cutout" curtain over the sliding glass door, which will let in the light while looking beautiful.

Or, on the cheap, buy light colored vintage lace curtains that let the light through but hide whatever storage you put there.

I've read that there are stick-on stained glass panels you can use to hide an ugly view. Do a Google on "hiding an ugly view/air conditioner/window" and see what comes up from the decorating sites.
posted by Elsie at 2:05 AM on March 1

Plants, baby, plants! Get yourself some big pots and get some green into your life! Block that ugly view with something beautiful!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 2:17 AM on March 1 [1 favorite has favorites]

Or vegetables!
posted by Namlit at 5:53 AM on March 1

Plants--especially herbs!
posted by pushing paper and bottoming chairs at 9:20 AM on March 1

Yeah, a garden seems to be a wonderful use for this space. A meditation space would be cool, too. I love to use a balcony as an extra office or study. I put a small bistro-style table out there and a chair and I'm set for a few hours of reading, studying or surfing the internet.
posted by Piscean at 12:52 PM on March 1

Pullup bar.
posted by tiburon at 7:50 PM on March 1

Thanks everyone! I like all the ideas!
posted by chrisinseoul at 2:01 AM on March 2