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Living Rooms Design Dilemma

What to do with an open under stairs area in living room?

3 years ago

We have an alcove in our living room created by the staircase and we’re not sure what to do with it. We’ve consulted a builder to see if we can open it up a bit more by removing the curved bit of the wall to the left of the photo and above (we thought this might make it feel more like part of the living room) but we can’t because they house the supports for the staircase. He suggested boxing it in, but it seems a shame to lose so much space. Fitted furniture is another thought, but the recess is quite deep (105cm). Any suggestions would be greatly welcome.

Featured Answer

Carolina

3 years ago

A combination of desk and storage? Desk on the left, storage on the right?

Comments (10)

PRO
Mellow interiors
3 years ago
it would make a great storage space, you could have a simple frame and MDF doors, won't break the budget. or close it in and have one door only on the right, you could then utilise the space in front. but definitely don't close it in and lose all that space
Juliet Docherty
3 years ago
What is in the rest of the room? Nice deep storage at the bottom with more shallow box shelving above would work perhaps. It would look good painted a deep colour to make it look deliberate.
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embzop
3 years ago
You could use it with a combination of storage and display shelves slightly recessed so they are not the full 105cm depth.

angled understairs display · More Info
Wumi
3 years ago
I agree with Carolina, definitely work popping a desk in there with some built in storage. Also paint the interior a bold colour as colourhappy suggested.
PRO
Design By Kurys
3 years ago
You definitely don’t want to box this up! Any storage space is valuable and turning small space into study will add value. The other option is to make it into a cosy day bed/snug. You could add some wall lights which would really make it feel like a mini room off the main one.
Sonia
3 years ago
I would get a carpenter to add shelving and then fit doors to the front. It will create loads of storage and the doors will keep it tidy. The only problem with open shelving is it can easily become untidy.
Karenza Roy
3 years ago
you could turn this into a fancy coat/hat area? display your most expensive coats and leave a few gaps for when visitors turn up.
Wumi
3 years ago
Love the reading nook/snug area suggested by Design by Kurys!
PRO
Expand & Build Ltd
3 years ago
A bespoke storage area would be perfect to utilise the space!

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