In my monthly “CF-NEWSLETTER” for Closet Factory-Fort Lauderdale I recently highlighted developing ideas for underneath stairs. Open or closed, these spaces are often difficult to design for and many times are wasted or mis / underutilized. Odd angles, varying heights, hard to use depths, make spaces underneath staircases a real challenge,
There are plenty of pictures in the public domain to show great ideas for using these spaces. Here are just some ways to get a lot more out of under stair spaces:
- Reading Nook
Simple Open Shelving
Variety of Cabinetry and Pull-Out Caddies
Mini-Home Office
Mini-Mud Room
Library Shelving
Pet Quarters
Wine-Bar / Wine Storage
Central Command for Home Automation
Collectibles Display Area
Of course there are so many more ideas but these are the most common. As a Designer, it’s actually fun to design for these spaces because they offer interesting challenges that require creative solutions. And since there are absolutely no “RULES” for spaces like these, i.e., no particularly rigid style requirements to adhere to, you can pretty much do whatever you want, always with an eye toward the ultimate goal for the space. As I always guide people in my Houzz.com commentary, begin each project at “30,000 feet” and start by focusing on FUNCTION FIRST. Style, color, texture, etc., will fall into place as you descend.
Finally, for tough spaces like underneath a staircase, you will find it immensely easier if you include a Professional Designer, someone who has tackled these normally difficult spaces multiple times who can help you avoid the numerous additional errors that come with them. While I mentioned that there are no hard and fast rules, there are tons of additional design dilemmas that you can learn from, or avoid by enlisting the help of someone who has already seen them made by others. In any case, the result will be a total winner since 99% of the time these spaces are mostly wasted. You get a terrific space that you probably didn’t ever consider as offering any utility at all. You may even find yourself spending lots of time in your understairs “nook” due to the cozy and out of the way solitude it can offer. And trust me, on top of all the other benefits, it’s always nice to do a project where 100% of the money you invest comes back to you in a re-sale!
Now get going and have fun designing your new space!
Mark is Senior Designer at Closet Factory in Fort Lauderdale