Even though the Johnsons have lived in their house for 14 years, "we've never known exactly what to do" with a 10-by-12-foot extra bedroom, Gae Johnson says. Their son formerly used the space as a guest room for friends and as storage for his computer. Now that he's in college, the couple want to reclaim the space. They have more than 1,000 books scattered around the house, and Johnson wants to move them all into one area. She'd like a place to set up her sewing machine, which can be put away when not in use. They are also seeking suggestions for the two dormer windows, which pose a big challenge for decorating.
» Pick neutral furnishings and add color through wall paint and art.
PHOTOS: Mary Lou Foy - The Washington Post; EDITED BY: Kathleen Hom - The Washington Post; WEB PRODUCER: Janet Bennett Kelly - washingtonpost.com; INTERACTIVE: washingtonpost.com
