Give yourself more room under stairs

One of the best-kept secrets about a way to create extra space in a two-story home has to do with the attraction we all have to hiding spots.

What kid doesn’t like to sneak into a closet or cupboard under the stairs when playing hide and seek? In fact, I deliberately designed a really clandestine place — behind the hanging clothes in my husband’s closet — where I might someday snuggle to read with my grandchildren.

There are dozens of creative uses for the typically long narrow space directly under a staircase. It can be an awesome storage place for traditionally awkward items such as bikes, snow skis or luggage.

One danger is that if you keep stuffing things into the space because it is easy to do so, it can become difficult to access the stored items. Then you end up with an aggravating situation, and you may as well keep everything in the garage or outside storage shed.

So my first bit of advice is to attempt to organize these types of spaces either with custom-designed built-in storage or by purchasing some “off-the-shelf” types of storage shelves or drawers. With bins or pullout drawers, you could fashion a little play area for the kids under your stairs.

I’ve seen people build in a little computer station for their children in a central spot under the staircase, easily seen from the vantage point of the kitchen or living room, yet a little quieter than the family room. A little desk might also serve as a sewing spot or a hobby area where one might do everything from tying flies to making jewelry. It doesn’t have to be a huge spot to deliver more function to a busy household.

In the accompanying photo is an elegant design by architect Mark English that seamlessly captures all of the space under the steps to the second level for a kitchen. Not only does English achieve clever storage, he recesses the cooktop under the remaining space with the most headroom. I have personally designed wide, shallow drawers for table linens, placemats and silverware in similar space.

When stairs are literally in the entry hall, there are all sorts of other uses for the room. You could build in file drawers for family bills and even allow for a small stand-up telephone/bill-paying station. Another use could be for homework bins for each child in the family, along with a cubbyhole for each school backpack. A family message center could be created along with a telephone station for everyone or maybe just for the kids. I’ve seen wonderful built-in library shelves and display shelves built in other situations.

Don’t forget the appropriate lighting for any work function or even for bookshelves. A hallway can be a dark area without an added light source.

Because the space can be irregular once the steps and risers are carved out, some interesting shapes can result. The under-the-stair application can quickly be turned into a kind of whimsical area. Even if you are not interested in extra storage, the display of art or accessories up a stair wall can be fun. A series of plates, framed mirrors or family photos can be arranged in compelling ways up and down the stair wall. Remember, of course, that any objects displayed are also very susceptible to getting bumped as people travel up and down the stairs.

A slightly more ambitious use might be to create a little sleeping alcove under the stairs. Provided that you have enough floor space, a trundle bed could be nestled in the cavity and then pulled out perpendicular to the steps. Again, remember an electrical outlet so that the occasional houseguest might enjoy a night lamp and be able to read in bed. This might be a good spot for a toddler bed, provided that Mom and Dad could be sleeping close by on the living room sofa or in a bedroom.