Secret Rooms: 10 Special Spaces Hidden from Sight in the Home

A bookcase on hinges opens to reveal a den that's ideal for quiet reading or TV time away from the hustle and bustle in the rest of the house.

Related: Divide and Conquer—10 Room Dividers to Bring Space to Your Space

Not relegated to the cellar or mudroom, this laundry room is incorporated into the main living area of the house thanks to sliding bookcases that keep it out of sight when not in use.

Related: Planning Guide—Laundry Rooms

A home office hidden behind folding closet doors is probably something you've seen before, but here's a delightful, modern twist. The cheerful, orange workspace is tucked behind a large, pull-down tambour-style panel.

Related: Create a Home Office That Works for You—10 Expert Tips

Horizontal paneling makes the door to an under-stair powder room nearly impossible to detect, camouflaging this discreet and smart use of space.

Related: 17 Tiny Bathrooms We Love

Children will applaud and delight in this creative use of under-stair space. Apple green walls and soft furnishings to relax on enhance the kid-pleasing quotient.

Related: Creative Kids' Spaces

Why break up a beautifully painted hallway with an ordinary bathroom door? This coordinating bookcase on hinges does the job much more stylishly.

Related: Banish the Bland: 10 Ways to Make Over a Boring Hallway

If you have an alcove in your home that's just perfect for a cozy enclosure, but you'd like to avoid the cost and permanency of a built-in design, install a curtain rod, decorative drapes, and daybed to create a comfy, private nest for reading and dreaming.

If you are interested in more special rooms, consider:

10 Clever Uses for the Space Under the Stairs

11 Sneaky Storage Ideas

Lost in a Library: 11 Epic Reading Rooms

Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!