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Stairs is one of the most underutilized spaces in a house. So, how does one maximize on the underutilized space under the staircase?
When thinking about how to utilize the under-stair space, always factor in safety and functionality. Here are a few ideas on how put into good use this space:
Playroom
Under the stairs can be a perfect children playroom for homes that do not have an exclusive play space for children. Create a room with a door under the stairs with sitting area inside for a child to play.
The door could have open spaces in place of glass windows to allow ventilation into the space but the solid part of the lower door will hide away the clutter of toys as it allows a child to play in a designated area.
Fill up the place with age appropriate toys, colouring books and crayons as well as building blocks and keep children busy with exploration.
Reading desk
Lacking space for a home office? Take advantage of the space underneath the staircase and place a reading desk and chair there. To differentiate the space, paint it in a different colour. Personalize the space with motivational quotes, a laptop, happy photos of family members and fancy stationery and the table will be beckoning you to work.
Bar
Under the staircase is the perfect place to construct a mini-bar. It can be as simple as a trolley, well-arranged with your favourite drinks or it could get more complex and include a small fridge to chill your wine.
Alternatively, create a lockable cabinetry to keep off under-age persons from accessing the drinks or toddlers causing accidental breakages. Provide an additional place to serve tea and coffee.
Bookshelf
Offer household members alternative entertainment to television by installing bookshelves to store novels, magazines and board games. Your family will cherish the memories made from interactive games. If space allows, include a reclining chair where one can laze off to the wondrous and imaginary world of books.
Kitchen
If the space under the stairs allows, you could maximize its use by inserting a kitchenette. The sink and open and closed shelved cabinets are placed under the stairs as the cooker is positioned in an adjacent open area with an extraction fan to absorb any kitchen scents and fumes.
Think through various options on how to utilize the space under the staircase and maximize on its functional aesthetics.
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