When it comes to reading a captivating story, having a snug little nook to settle into makes all the difference. That’s why we can’t help but envy Max and Leo, two fortunate boys whose father crafted an extraordinary reading retreat: a Harry Potter-inspired hideaway tucked away in a cupboard beneath the stairs.
Dad, Alex Carter, who blogs at New Dad Chronicles, felt inspired after moving into a home that featured the perfect under-stairs storage area reminiscent of the wizarding world. “As soon as we settled in, I had grand plans for this space,” Carter shared on his blog. “As an elementary school principal and a former teacher, I understand how vital it is for kids to have a space dedicated to reading and studying, somewhere they can feel at ease. I definitely drew inspiration from Harry Potter’s infamous cupboard.”
The original space, with its graffiti-strewn walls and exposed wooden beams, wasn’t particularly inviting, but that didn’t deter Carter from envisioning a cozy retreat for his two kids. After gathering materials and dedicating around two weeks to the project, he unveiled a delightful reading nook. Seriously, take a look at this magical spot.
“Max, my oldest, asks to sleep in there every night,” Carter told us. “When he was under the weather this weekend, he wanted to nap in there because it made him feel better!” Can you blame him?
Carter started by selecting a color palette inspired by Gryffindor’s signature red and gold. He painted some of his favorite quotes from the Harry Potter series along the stairs to motivate his boys to “have fun, work hard, and stay true and honest.”
For the walls, he created a collage of “Daily Prophet” front pages, capturing the highs and lows from the seven books—from Harry winning the Tri-Wizard Tournament to the ominous return of the Dark Lord. “These newspaper headlines perfectly conveyed the essence of the stories!” he remarked. After hanging the custom Daily Prophet posters, he applied a seal to the walls to protect against any potential toddler snack attacks.
At Jackson’s request, Carter added a window to the hideaway, decorating it with a picture frame resembling a shutter and painting the wall inside with a brick pattern, just like Diagon Alley. He ingeniously used Harry Potter-themed sheets found at a thrift store to cover any exposed nails and staples in the ceiling. A cozy carpet completed the transformation.
He finished the nook with thoughtful touches, like a Gryffindor scarf on the wall, a plush Hedwig, and a Harry Potter bobblehead. It’s heartwarming to see his sons enjoying this adorable little spot for reading. Now all that’s missing is: Accio hot chocolate!
For more insights into parenting, including home insemination topics, check out this resource, and explore how to create your own magical family space with this article on artificial insemination kits. If you’re interested in home insemination, this at-home insemination kit can offer valuable information.
In summary, Alex Carter’s creative project has provided his sons with a charming retreat that ignites their imaginations and encourages their love for reading.
Leave a Reply