nook before

Photo: David Tsay

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The Challenge
The Problem Area
A random square of extra space lurking at the back of a child's room, attracting toys and clutter.


Awkward nooks can appear more like construction accidents than feats of architectural genius. Behind Jeet Sohal's son Kieran's crib in the family's Santa Monica townhouse is a seemingly tacked-on square of floor space that enjoys lovely natural light, thanks to a south-facing window. It once held a dresser but is now littered with toys and a layer of pillows Kieran and his brother use for "wrestling."

The Fix
A cool, comfortable enclave for reading before bed.