Here’s how to use that space under the staircase

Whether you’re

writing the great American novel or just enjoy reading them, you might love a reading nook with a comfy bench, plush pillows, shelves to store all your favorites and plenty of light.

UNDER THE STAIR SPACE

How to make the most of your home’s hidden gem

BY KRISTEN SEYMOUR

Finding clever ways to utilize previously unused space in your house is always a smart idea — and it’s never been more on trend than during the last several months, when so many of us are spending more time than ever at home.

One of the areas homeowners and designers alike are finding creative uses for is the space beneath the staircase.

Whether you opt to tackle this project yourself or enlist the help of a professional, “The space under the staircase is a hidden gem,” says Nicole White, president and principal designer for Nicole White Designs in Miami. From streamlined storage and workstations to mud nooks and powder rooms, this space has the potential to become a cozy and coveted corner of your home — especially if you keep the following in mind.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Don’t start swinging that sledgehammer just yet, cautions White, who says you should never assume the space exists. “There could be plumbing or electrical (systems beneath your stairs), so don’t just start knocking out walls.” In fact, if you have a bathroom at the top of your stairs, it’s very likely that you’ll have plumbing in that area — which can be a good thing if you’re interested in turning the space into a powder room. You may be able to tap into that existing plumbing, but you’ll need to embark on the demolition process with care.

If your home has a staircase below your main stairs, you may not be able to do much with that space, says Ben Herzog, principal at Ben Herzog Architect, PC, in Brooklyn, N.Y. At least, not without a little extra work. “If you can relocate that lower stair or eliminate it, there are loads of options,” he says, although he recommends thinking long and hard before removing a lower staircase entirely in case you (or a prospective buyer) need access to your basement in >

The area

beneath the stairs of this home is transformed into a functional and stylish workstation, complete with shelving and drawers.

the future.

Your first instinct may be to place a coat closet in the space, but consider your family’s needs when deciding what will work best, says White, who is converting her under-stairs closet into a workspace/coffee and wine bar. “COVID has taught us all to purge, so think about it,” she says. “Do you really need a closet there, or would you rather have a workstation now that you work from home?”

You may end up with a little less height than you expect once you factor in the structure of the stairs above and the ceiling below that structure, says Herzog. But, at the same time, you might be surprised by how little space you need for something like a powder room. “One pro tip is that you can easily locate the toilet on the ‘low’ side underneath the stairs, as you only need about 5 feet of height for the wall behind the toilet,” he says.

White is also a big fan of adding a powder room, noting that it’s a solid investment if space and budget allow. “You will never lose value in adding a bathroom to the home,” she says.

MAKING IT YOUR OWN

While hidden storage and powder rooms are popular picks — and are generally beneficial when it comes to resale — you need not limit yourself to what you’ve seen in magazines.

“It’s your house. Do what you want to do. I would love to walk in and be surprised — not just that you’re using the space, but with how you’re using it,” says White. “I love to be dramatic in a small space, so if you love leopard print, leopard print that wall. Put in wallpaper, tile, shelves. If a stripper pole under the stairs would be fun for you, do it!” By using the space to reflect your interests, you can let your personality shine. Bring in a turntable and LPs to create a little music spot, make a little library station and use materials and surfaces that speak to you.

With the right planning — and maybe a bit of professional help — this can be an interesting, intimate, one-person alcove, says Herzog. “It doesn’t have to be a Harry Potter-esque cell,” he adds. “A desk or customized daybed, a reading nook or a playroom can be a really neat use of that space.” l

Pull-out drawers for shoe storage

Make Your Space Great

Don’t create a closet of consternation. “Stairs are typically about 3 feet wide, which is a bit deep for a closet, and things can get lost back there,” says Herzog, who suggests using pull-out or roll-out shelves for shoes or sports gear. Cut back on customization. Not everything needs to be custom, especially if you’re on a tight budget, says White, so don’t be afraid to buy retail cabinetry if space allows. “Go to a big box retailer, get a couple drawers and cabinets. Have fun!”

Power up. When creating any sort of workstation or nook (versus storage), don’t forget to add plenty of outlets or charging stations, says White.

BRIGHT HORIZONS

Keep calm and carry on with these colors

BY AMY SINATRA AYRES

Looking ahead during trying times with a shot of optimism, Pantone chose two hues for its color pairing of the year for 2021: Ultimate Gray, for fortitude, and Illuminating, a vibrant yellow that signifies hope.

Many paint companies also offer color-of-the-year choices, tapping into or creating trends — but Pantone’s choice often gets the most buzz. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should feel compelled to change the color palette of your home, but it might give you some design inspiration.

“It does provide a nice conversation starter for the beginning of the new year about color and paint ... and a fresh new start,” says home improvement and lifestyle expert Kathryn Emery.

“Gray matches anything, but it is not a warm color. (It’s) best used for a home office or dining room — or trending now — that

Skype/Zoom wall behind you.”

As for yellow: It provides energy where you want to evoke emotion and happiness, she says.

Meanwhile, paint companies are choosing cozy, saturated colors this year.

“Warm browns, rich wine tones and dusty earthy shades are very of-the-moment,” say

Beth Dotolo and Carolina Gentry of Pulp Design Studios, with locations in Seattle and Dallas. “Everyone is wanting to be enveloped in a bit more comfort, but without sparing a bold approach.”

You could choose to use these colors as paint for your walls, which can be an affordable and relatively easy way to update your space, or you might want to incorporate them on an accent chair, throw pillow or cabinets.

Dotolo and Gentry weigh in on a sampling of trendsetting colors for 2021:

ULTIMATE GRAY AND ILLUMINATING

PANTONE

“The combination of yellow and gray is so telling for where we are at this year,” Dotolo and Gentry say. “Ultimate Gray is that perfect solid-as-a-rock shade, while Illuminating shines a bright light of happiness.” uWhere to use them: as accents in pillows, rugs and lamps; Emery suggests gray for an office or dining room and yellow for kitchens or entryways

BE WELL TRIO

PPG

Misty Aqua, a soft turquoise; Big Cypress, a ginger shade; and Transcend, an oatmeal color, come together in a calming palette. Together, they are warm and earthy, and the aqua color offers a dash of freshness. This combination “exudes security and peace,” say Dotolo and Gentry. uWhere to use them: with walls in a whole room, kitchen cabinets or as design accents

AQUA FIESTA

GLIDDEN

The company’s first-ever accent color of the year, this hue “is all about looking ahead, reminding us of fun, vacations and socializing after tough times,” Dotolo and Gentry say. “There’s comfort and optimism in being bold and playful in your interiors.” uWhere to use it: kitchen island cabinets, on a painted piece of furniture or on the back of bookshelves

EPOCH

GRAHAM & BROWN

This “wonderfully amethyst shade” brings in both red and purple tones. “It’s exactly what we need to make us want to hunker down, stay a while and be creative,” Dotolo and Gentry say. uWhere to use it: home office, bedroom or home bar

AEGEAN TEAL

BENJAMIN MOORE

A “forever favorite,” this is a bold color in a muted hue, allowing you to play with color. “The soothing blue reminds us of the ocean, and the earthy undertones keep this color grounded,” the designers say. uWhere to use it: any room, floor to ceiling; kitchen and bath cabinets; as an accent color for furnishings

PASSIONATE

HGTV HOME BY SHERWIN-WILLIAMS

A modern color with historic influences, this deeply saturated red (pictured on the wall) pairs with the other choices in the Delightfully Daring collection. “Rich wine and red tones are definitely of-the-moment in 2021,” say Dotolo and Gentry, adding that they create a dramatic, yet cozy vibe. uWhere to use it: home office, bedroom, library or cabinetry