When designing homes, functionality and aesthetics go hand in hand. Many times, we see interior spaces, aesthetics on point, but not maximized to the fullest in terms of functional aspects. Today, every tiny nook and corner matters, be it in a small apartment or a large mansion. Utilizing extra and unwanted spaces in a house contributes to a minimalistic home decor, as it declutters and keeps the house organized.
Most people do not realize that the extra space under the stairs has a hidden potential. It can be utilized very efficiently and in a very creative matter. You would be surprised to know that there are so many methods to maximize this space practically. Let us discuss a few tips and tricks over here.
The space under the stairs can be used to create a home office or study. In this way, you don’t need to stress about not having a work or study space in a small house or using up an entire room for it. A small desk can be built here, and if there is more space, you can even add up a few inbuilt shelves for storage. Accessorizing the space with plants, ornaments or picture frames can help create an elegant home decor without making the space look too formal and dull.
Smart storage techniques mean utilizing the most unwanted space in the house for additional storage. Using up the space under the stairs for inbuilt drawers or a closet is a creative design hack. The drawers or closet can be used to store the house linen, tools, old newspapers, toys or any extra items. Most people even convert it into an additional pantry storage.
To make your home decor more aesthetically appealing, replace the plain cabinet doors with mirrored doors that would help reflect light into the space, making it visually spacious and bright.
For all those bookworms out there, designing a cozy reading nook is a perfect way to make use of this extra space in your house. By adding some plush, colorful pillows and good lighting, can give you a comfortable space to relax or read. If space permits, you can build an additional storage underneath to store books. A beautiful under stairs nook, that is also an extended part of the living room, adds a unique and sophisticated touch to your overall home decor as well.
If there is enough room under the stairs, then cleverly utilize it to make a play den for your little one. An extra play area where they can hide out or play would be just amazing. In this way, the house is not scattered with toys and it can even help parents keep an eye on the child, from the living room or kitchen. Paint it with pleasing colours, throw in some colorful cushions and a rug and you are good to go.
Building a bookshelf or accessory display shelves is another smart home decor hack to make the under stairs space more stylish. You can even design it in a way, that makes it look like an extended section of the living room and accessorize it with decorative ornaments and display lights.
If you are someone who is frequently entertaining guest and lack that extra space in your house, then converting into a powder room is a great way to add functional value to the unused space. The area should be enough for a sink and a toilet, and if you are just lucky enough to have a wider area, then a bathroom would be just perfect.
Creativity has no boundaries, and when it comes to adding value to such dead spaces, there are ample ways to do so. The key here, is to know your purpose in terms of functionality and aesthetics and you will have the most amazing home decor for you and your family.
Interior Designer and Project Manager. Born in Poland, educated in the UK, currently living and working in Spain. Apart from the design world she lives in, she loves traveling and food.