Wasted space

Bethar
by Bethar
Working on renovating my parents home and believe me it is a big project. The big problem I am having is trying to figure out what to do with a small space next to the stairs. I think at one time it was a planter box but there is no light to allow for anything to grow. I want to decorate it somehow but not sure what to do. Any ideas?
  13 answers
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 03, 2014
    Without dimensions, it is difficult to make a suggestion. It appears to be about 3 bricks wide...or about 24". Why not build in a small office...a 24" wide desk with a chair would be an adorable place for a computer space, on the left facing the same way the stairs go up. Shelves could be put on the wall for placing baskets for office items. You would never have to see all the wires, etc! Even a small bookcase could be built behind it to the area on the right. If you can, send more photos.
  • Bethar Bethar on May 03, 2014
    That's a great idea but not enough space. The space is 21"w x 5'. It is also in our living room. We have an office since we both work from home. I guess I am thinking in the lines of items of interest that could fill the space (I'm open). I did have baskets in there but got tired of cleaning them. I don't want to do faux plants. Here's another photo of it. It was a planter box. My living room is very dark need something to brighten it up. My husband keeps telling me he will bring power over to that area, but I am not holding my breath. Thanks for you suggestion.
    • Z Z on May 04, 2014
      @Bethar a photo of the whole room would help immensely. Also is the wall to the right of the bricks an exterior wall? In the first photo it looks as though there is something protruding from the wall. If so, how much space do you have there. A photo of that wall would greatly help.
  • Dorth Dorth on May 03, 2014
    Closet
  • Bethar Bethar on May 03, 2014
    That is one of the thoughts I had. We really need more closets in this old house. Thanks
  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on May 03, 2014
    Would you consider shelves? My daughter and son-in-law took a wasted space at the top of stairs and he built in custom shelves to fill the space and display photos, books, etc. He did it at the bottom of the stairs, too and even mirrored the space between the downstairs shelving. He also added lights on a dimmer to highlight their displays.
  • FrazzledMommy FrazzledMommy on May 03, 2014
    How about a mini bar that holds wine, alcohol and also hides all those extra serving ware and glass stuff?
  • E E on May 03, 2014
    If you can do without the railing, remove it and build shelves 21" deep the whole 5' length. Make a mini library with accents.
  • Bev Bev on May 03, 2014
    Perfect place for book storage.
  • Lynn Zawojski Lynn Zawojski on May 03, 2014
    I guess I'm thinking take out the bricks. They probably aren't that stuck to the wooden floor, then make a closet. Whenever I am about to do a project my thought is "is this good for a resale, if the day comes". I may rethink my thoughts for sure. So in this case, why have items piled beside a set of stairs, when it could be a very useful closet. Or then you could turn a bookcase sitting on the long wall and use for books and items of interest... I think the bricks would be an easy removal.
  • Donna Byram Donna Byram on May 03, 2014
    Get rid of all brick and put a narrow hall tree with the back in the corner where you have the plant sitting. Be a perfect little nook hanging coats and jackets that belong to your guest. No room you say. . . use a salvaged solid wood door, cut to fit, hang hooks and find night stand with storage space and fasten to the door or you can use a small bench or chair bottom.
  • Sheila Conlon Sheila Conlon on May 03, 2014
    You could do a hybrid of the hall tree and shelving.
  • Amy Hodgen Amy Hodgen on May 04, 2014
    You could put a nice hall table in, with some scattered prints across one wall, or put a small computer desk there and have it as a tiny office :D
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on May 04, 2014
    If you are on a tight budget, just paint the brick then take down that railing, build in the wall and put in a hand rail. Then put a closet opening to the front side. If you don't want a short closet, shelves could be put in for those items you need but don't have room for. Actually, large storage bins could be put in, labeled and extra dishes, roasters, and even bedding or art supplies could be stored in there. We have added 5 closets to our home over the past 43 years!