By Diane DiPrima, Sunset web producer

Many San Francisco homes include a light well, an outdoor area situated within the structure. Light wells provide light and ventilation but they can offer much more.

Looking out the guest room window of my 1959 row house, I imagined a garden oasis. The faded shingles and roofing material before me inspired a plan of action.

Step 1. Replace the window with a sliding door
Step 2. Strip the walls of shingles and replace with wood siding
Step 3. Build a deck
Step 4. Add a focal point
Step 5. Decorate with plants

It took $7,200 and about 10 full days to complete. Although the cost was high, the rewards are great.

Replacing the window adjacent to the light well with a sliding glass door opens the home in more ways than one. Visitors staying in the guest room are able to step into their own semiprivate garden. (A kitchen window opens to the area.) The room also looks bigger because you can see beyond its boundaries. Sitting on the bed, it's possible to see all the way through the house to watch the rising sun.

Redwood tongue-and-groove siding makes the space feel cozy and custom blended stain adds warmth. The deck is built with wood beams positioned diagonally to make the tiny 4 foot by 10 foot light well appear larger.

A handmade bench serves as a focal point as well as a place to sit and admire the container garden. Evergreen shrubs, horsetail, cactus, and assorted succulents bring in shades of green and fun textures. Five pots in similar colors play with shape while giving the garden a unified look.

Panoramic city views are easily accessible by climbing a dock ladder that is mounted on the wall. Standing on the roof, I see potential gardens in every neighbors' light well.

We'd love to see your small-space makeover. Email me your photos and a brief explanation of your project.

See another light-well conversion.