![Cumberland Hideaway](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2022/06/nwankpa-design-cumberland-hideaway-interiors-los-angeles-hero-852x479.jpg)
Nwankpa Design creates compact, colourful sanctuary for working mom in LA
California studio Nwankpa Design has transformed a room in a family house into a colourful, private space for a mother to work, breastfeed and exercise.
The project, called Cumberland Hideaway, was designed by local firm Nwankpa Design for a creative director and mother of two. Totalling 200 square feet (18.5 square metres), the slender, rectangular room is located within a suburban, ranch-style home in Los Angeles.
![Cumerland Hideaway](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2022/06/nwankpa-design-cumberland-hideaway-interiors-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_0-852x1136.jpg)
The space formerly held a storage area, and before that, it served as a garage.
The client desired a "sanctuary" where she could work, nurse and ride a fitness bike, in addition to having storage space. The design needed to be as efficient as possible because of the room's limited size.
"The programme packs a lot into the small footprint," the studio said.
![Nwankpa Design room](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2022/06/nwankpa-design-cumberland-hideaway-interiors-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_4-852x1136.jpg)
The team opted for blocks of colour, streamlined cabinetry and contemporary decor. The combined elements create variety without making the space feel too crowded.
A skylight and slit windows bring in daylight while also offering privacy. Extra illumination is provided by globe-shaped Carina Maxi pendants from Nuevo Living, a Restoration Hardware chandelier and sconces by Brooklyn studio In Common With.
![Colourful private room](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2022/06/nwankpa-design-cumberland-hideaway-interiors-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_3-852x1136.jpg)
Walls are sheathed in a light-grey wallpaper from Fayce. Bush-hammered porcelain tile was used for the flooring.
Furnishings include a wooden treadmill desk, a Blu Dot table and a peach sofa from Interior Define. A bold, striped rug by Ralph Lauren helps delineate the lounge area.
![Skylights in private room](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2022/06/nwankpa-design-cumberland-hideaway-interiors-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_6-852x1136.jpg)
Custom medium-density fibreboard cabinets – in shades of pale pink, baby blue and white – were staggered to fit a Peloton exercise bike. Brass was selected for knobs and handles. A mini fridge was incorporated into cabinetry along one wall.
A range of potted plants helps to round out the space.
Studio founder Susan Nwankpa Gillespie said the project brief resonated with her, being a working mom herself.
"It’s about all of the things we need, without compromising what we want," she said.
"We need a space to decompress – somewhere we can focus and get work done, whatever kind of work that is," she added. "We also want it to feel special, to uplift us."
![Potted plants](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2022/06/nwankpa-design-cumberland-hideaway-interiors-los-angeles_dezeen_2364_col_2-852x1136.jpg)
Other spaces for working moms include Big and Tiny, a co-working facility with on-site childcare that features wooden decor and a blue-and-pink colour palette, and a variety of outposts for The Wing, a women-focused, co-working company.
The photography is by Madeline Tolle.
Project credits:
Design studio: Nwankpa Design
Team: Susan Nwankpa Gillespie (lead designer), Lillian Nguyen (designer)