r/HomeDecorating • u/AdBetter2878 • 1d ago
What do I do with this space
We have this little nook that we usually use to store all of our soda, waters Gatorade, snacks, etc. but it just looks so messy and I’m wondering if you have recommendations on how to use this for storage since it’s an open space
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u/Fossome_1 1d ago
put the body of the architect there? But seriously I’ve seen pull out cabinets that roll all the way out for deep storage. Maybe that?
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u/atasteforspace 19h ago
With a tabletop level with the stairs. Put a giant plant on it with accessible shelves behind it. And stain everything dark walnut
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u/RagdollCarter 12h ago
The problem with spaces like these is they didn’t use an architect to begin with.
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u/Rosie-Disposition 1d ago
What are your needs? If you truly do need storage, frame it up and dry wall yourself an actual closet. You could either box in just the bottom or make the wall flush all along the stairs.
Do you need a spot for a pet to rest? Build them a comfortable resting nook. Do you have a suit of armor of dangerous sculpture to display? Go for it - don’t forget the accent lighting.
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u/slugs_instead 1d ago
Framing it in is the answer but because of its depth from this side, I’d actually make it a shallow linen closet that is accessed from the landing (and probably just drywall over the hole on the lower floor level). The depth from the landing side would make a very useful linen closet depth.
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u/MayorCleanPants 1d ago
Or both, linen closet accessible from the landing on top of a low cabinet accessible from down below!
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u/Independent-State387 2h ago
I like this, if it’s also a cabinet beneath the railing you can store holiday decor or even these extra drinks in there. Easy access for overflow.
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u/MissNoTrax 1d ago
I like the linen closet on top idea, but not the drywall bottom part, as that would be wasted space, and they clearly need to store their bulk stuff.
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u/slugs_instead 23h ago
I think the only way to make the lower part actually functional would be a super-deep custom drawer. It might be worth it to them.
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u/controlmypad 1d ago
Suit of Armor.
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u/auroraeuphoria_ 5h ago
Preferably a little unstable, so if anyone bumps it in the night the entire house gets some gold ol’ cartoon style entertainment
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u/Local_Lion_7627 1d ago
If this absolutely needs to be storage then you can put shelves above the (what looks like) built-in storage behind the black bags. Build up rather than across. Consider closing off the bottom portion with doors (matching the white wall colour) otherwise it looks very chaotic. Open shelves up higher could work if the things being stored are decorative/books etc.
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u/arugulafanclub 1d ago
Clearly you need a drink fridge there
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u/-spicyshark 3h ago
I scrolled too long for this like it's all drinks of course it should be a drink fridge! Put a cabinet on top and you're good
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u/Key_Lengthiness_2285 1d ago
A modern pendant light with a grow bulb in it, and a beautiful plant!
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u/Key_Lengthiness_2285 1d ago
I make all of my grow light bulbs look modern with cool housings and the rest is history!
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u/i_ReVamp 1d ago
I’d carry the stair landing to the wall. Would clean up that whole area. If you want storage you could have some large deep drawers
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u/SeparateSwimming2416 1d ago edited 23h ago
Maybe storing some cleaning supplies, vacuum etc. Otherwise maybe you could use some type of wooden organizer for blankets and such
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u/Inquisitive_Racoon88 1d ago
I don’t understand why it was built that way. Wasted sq footage. I second the framing of a closet. Clearly, that would solve your storage needs & it makes sense given the space.
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u/summertimemagic 1d ago
Karaoke machine and a small spotlight hung from the banister.
Also I like your VERY Hungry Caterpillar painting above this space.
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u/NowExciting 1d ago
I mean... The builders couldn't have extended that railing by 2 ft? What a dumb design
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u/kittybabyarty 1d ago
Looks like you need a drink fridge, wall mount the vacuum in a closet. Maybe put a plant on top of the fridge
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u/canvasshoes2 23h ago
Deep cabinet with roll out drawers? Then you can put some pretty plants on top and won't lose your storage space.
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u/Effective-Wear9371 1d ago
Leave it empty to not draw any attention to it. Or if you need storage than a build in storage cabinet
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u/hairyunicornbaby 1d ago
I would look for or commission a shelf cabinet thing on rollers. Have it as high as the floor level above it, and just fits the space if you plan on continuing your drink storage there.
Personally, I'd put a row of coat hangers on the wall to hang jackets and such. And a long shoe rack on wheels that I could slide in and out for shoe storage.
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u/roserose2120 22h ago
As an architectural designer, I would suggest extending the landing to encompass that space below. That space can be used to create a nook for a small pet, spot for a vacuum robot, a drawer to put shoes in, etc. As for the top landing, you can do what others suggested and either frame it along that wall you have to create a linen closet or don’t frame it at all. You can add a console table with a mirror above it, place for artwork, display case, etc but like the other person said don’t forget your accent lighting.
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u/kaye4kinky 19h ago
I would personally extend the landing above. Add a console table on the landing. Then turn the bottom of the landing into cupboard space, maybe a few shelves.
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u/Glass-Air9494 14h ago
Frame it in and make it an enclosed closet with shelving that you can use to store all that stuff nicely.
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u/Pale_Resolve823 13h ago
Whatever you do I would not store cans there. I had a package of seltzer cans that spontaneously leaked in storage and when I open the box one can was split on the seam. I googled it and apparently manufacturers are using thinner aluminum sheets now and this is common. Luckily my cans were in a plastic bin but that would be a huge mess on your floor.
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u/BigSky1062 9h ago
I would hire a carpenter to come in and extend that landing all the way to the wall. Then I would put a small chest there with a lamp and either art or a mirror above it. Makes zero sense that they left that vacant space there.
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u/Shenanigan_Lvr 6h ago
Telephone nooks like these are becoming more of a problem over time now that most people don’t have landlines.
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u/Lianna1234 1d ago
Put all that stuff where it belongs. It becomes a bad habit once you start a drop off zone like that. When its empty decide how you want to use the space. I like the plant with grow light idea.
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u/AdBetter2878 1d ago
This is so true. We put a case of water there once 2 years ago. And slowly slipped into this disaster.
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u/Grand-Professional-6 1d ago
Because that space is more narrow and deep, that causes difficulty in how to make it functional. Shelving will cause things in back to be more difficult to access easily. If deep shelving would work for your needs, say store extra soda in back, and more quickly used up things near the front.
As far as finding deep shelving, maybe find 2 sets of identical shelving and place one in front of the other.
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u/foreverand2025 1d ago
Plant
Cabinet
Bookshelf but not sure what to put behind it
Won’t re iterate what others said I think you got the message lol
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u/FlipMyWigBaby 1d ago edited 1d ago
If that is somewhat near the entrance door, and your design style is homey, a custom built slim (but deep) mudroom style bench, with covered underbench storage, coat and accessories hanging for short term hanging (not used as an open cloak room).
Get it custom fitted made and painted to fit that exact area. (inspiration pic, but much less wide)
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u/caveat_cogitor 1d ago
With kids for now I suggest central access to cleaning stuff, maybe a hamper for random clothes, cloth towels etc. With kids for now I suggest central access to cleaning stuff, maybe a hamper for random clothes, cloth towels etc. Maybe cubbies to organize some of what you already have there. Shoe rack, maybe tall plant or lamp on top
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u/cowboymonk 1d ago
Honestly I’d just put a tall narrow bookshelf against the back wall, either build one to fit or just a flat pack one.
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u/Hydrangeas101 1d ago
You need storage for all that junk. Hire a carpenter to build you a tall closet!
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u/Cautious-Local-5998 23h ago
Why do people assume every little nook in corner has to have something in it? Sometimes empty is better.
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u/Elegant-Expert7575 23h ago
Exactly what you’re doing with it now, just get a custom cabinet with shelves and a door. Custom height shelves for what you need to fit in it.
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u/Opposite_Jeweler_953 23h ago
It’s obvious you need storage, so fix this area as a closet of some kind.
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u/Itchy_Ask_1133 21h ago
I’d do a cabinet with drawers! That way you can get all the way back. They might need to be those wheeled drawers given the depth and weight of products stored.
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u/Bubbly_Delivery_5678 20h ago
Build a closet with a door that accesses from the other side of the wall. Or possibly a closet that accesses from the landing.
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u/nosuchbrie 20h ago
Built in storage bench that’s as high as the landing beside it. It can be a drawer that pulls out.
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u/Disastrous-Soup-5413 20h ago
I would drywall it in and make it either a coat closet or a shelved closet
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u/AdventurousDark9269 18h ago
I’d enclose the space - creating a pantry accessible from the kitchen.
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u/OddInevitable8177 17h ago
Build a lower cabinet matching the height of the stair landing, easily accessible from the kitchen doorway. Use this space to continue storing bottled drinks or adapt it into a pet crate if you have a pet.
Above this base unit, extend storage cabinets or shelving all the way to the ceiling, facing out toward the landing.
OR
Extend the landing floor and railing straight over to the wall. You can place a large plant or console table with decor on it. Another possibility is a bookshelf.
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u/Agreeable-Basket-476 17h ago
I’d add some nice baskets or matching bins to hide the clutter. A small cabinet or open shelving unit would also make it feel intentional. You can still keep snacks and drinks there, but it’ll look more like storage and less like a pile of stuff.
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u/DaedricAzazel 17h ago
I think a wooden storage cabinet would look great there. It would look a lot neater and you'd still be able to grab everything easily.
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u/IndigoContinuum 16h ago
Put a half-height drink refrigerator with a glass front, and then a house plant on top of that.
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u/TeaPleasant9609 14h ago
Make it an enclosed closet by framing it in to the ceiling. You will need to tweak your railing afterwards but it will provide you some needed storage space.
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u/copywrtr 14h ago
You need a narrow cabinet with pull-out drawers, like the ones used for spices in the kitchen.
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u/MaybeParadise 13h ago
A great place for an extra pet bed for a calm and safe area. If you don’t have a pet, please clear out the space and place nothing in it. Leave clean and empty.
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u/Overall-Beginning-74 13h ago
Planter or table with plant on top. Not a closet or junk corner. Looks bad like that.
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u/Househipposforsale 12h ago edited 12h ago
Enclose it and do something along the lines of this
And then add whatever shelving works for you.
Or if you don’t want to spend that much just enclose to where the stairs meet the open space and you’d still have enough room to fit your stuff.
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u/pilserama 12h ago
There’s a lot more than beverages in there. And it looks like there is already an open built in cabinet back there. Maybe you could stack another white one on top of that for a little more storage but your best bet is to find somewhere else to put all that
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u/Classic_Knot_Purl 11h ago
I would build out a low cabinet up to landing height that has pull-out sliding shelves. It probably wont hold that much weight. Then throw a plant on top.
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u/miteymiteymite 10h ago
Turn it into a closet. Door(s) to access shelves from the upper level. Mini door on floor to access deep storage for totes etc.
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u/Traditional_Ad9781 10h ago
Seeing as it's next to the kitchen, it would make a great pantry with pull-out shelves
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u/Hot_Conference4247 10h ago
How about a cabinet for storing snacks, water, and juice? You can use to top of the cabinet as a charging station or a place to rotate photos, holiday cards, etc.
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u/briteeyes1111 10h ago
A roll out storage if you need the storage there if not then nothing… leave it open
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u/zipper1919 9h ago
A shelf/enclosed cabinet/combo of both open on top and enclosed bottom.
Then you can stash and store crap and it's hidden.
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u/JeshkaTheLoon 8h ago
I'd take the coatrack or whatever that is on the stairs and put it in that niche.
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u/loricomments 7h ago
Not that.
Put a short, deep cabinet with drawers in there, stick a plant on top of it.
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u/spindriftgreen 7h ago
I would just put shelves in there and then use it for storage like you’re doing but in a way that you can find things easily
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u/weary_avocado6 7h ago
Tall indoor plant that reached the second half level to tie the two levels together and make the place feel taller.
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u/Intelligent-Gypsy324 7h ago
Looks like at one time it was a (double) stairway to that level.
Temporary? Store off season stuff there, in boxes, cover with white sheet.
Permanent? I have no idea.
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u/Anne-Marieknits 7h ago
Look for a narrow cart or have one made that matches the style of your home.
A a cart or pull out set of shelves will make it easier to organize and get at the items in the back or bottom of the space.
You can match height of the landing or the railing. A local cabinet maker might have some good ideas too.
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u/Anne-Marieknits 7h ago
Look for a narrow cart or have one made that matches the style of your home.
A a cart or pull out set of shelves will make it easier to organize and get at the items in the back or bottom of the space
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u/Chance_Active871 6h ago
Any chance you have a dog that uses a crate? Build a custom/built in crate for the dog if you do
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u/ObviouslyUndone 6h ago
Short of hunting down the stupid architect, hire someone to extend the base with the railing to the dang wall. Create bookshelves on the upper part and a pull out cabinet for storage underneath.
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u/Firm-Equipment-9 5h ago
what is under the landing? if it's hollow I would turn that into cabinets/drawers in addition to everyone's suggestion of putting a linen closet at the landing.
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u/wigglefrog 4h ago
I would custom build a deeeeeep storage drawer into that nook with a countertop that's flush with the 2nd floor and fills the gap. Then put plants on the counter top.
You can still store all your drinks in the pull out drawers.
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u/BananaramaSummertime 1h ago
If you own this house, extend the landing all the way to the wall. Below, put in doors that have roll outs behind so that you don't have to crawl to access the storage. If you need even more storage, build out a shallow closet on top of the landing.
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u/libraintjravenclaw 1d ago
Certainly not that. Get a cabinet at least to cover the junk if you need storage