Awkward Spaces Can Be Transformed

These odd nooks and crannies are opportunities to create functional spaces!  The obvious and most expensive way is to have a carpenter build a custom built in to fill every inch of the space.  This could be a simple bench with storage underneath in an entryway or hall.  It could be an elaborate build out of a wet bar (add in the plumbing, lighting, and additional materials) in a living or dining area.  It really depends on the location of the space and what function would enhance the experience.

Squeezing in a Daybed

In a recent project I needed to furnish two small bedrooms that had odd nooks.  The small size of the rooms meant that making the most of the nooks was even more important.  In the green room below, which was designated as an office / guest (specifically toddlers) overflow, I fit a twin daybed (base frame only) in the space (which filled it wall to wall,) and topped it with pillows, a sconce and some art.  This made it also a fun reading nook but also accommodated a younger guest without taking space away from the office, and without needing a typical sofa bed solution. 

A cozy reading nook

In the other room, also a guest room, I was able to find a chaise that fit nicely into the corner nook, adding a sconce, art and a small side table, this dead space became a coveted reading nook in a busy vacation home. Both of these solutions added more functionality to the rooms and were accomplished without building in anything elaborate or permanent. 

Perfect Spot for a Desk

In this case, my client requested a work area be available for friends or family visiting (the project was a vacation home) and I had a nook in the family room that was too awkward for extra seating, but just perfect and out of the way enough for a desk.  In order to get the room ready for summer visitors quickly, I opted for a store bought piece (too little time to get custom made or schedule a carpenter.) I needed to find the perfect dimension and this desk just fit (note the right side just fits in next to the moulding.) I measured, measured and measured and still sweated it out until it was delivered and set in place, a perfect fit!

Highlight some Art or Furniture

Sometimes an empty nook can be filled in with a beautiful piece of furniture and used as an opportunity to highlight some art. It’s also the perfect place for an accent wall (as seen to the right with the neutral grass cloth covering the inside of the nook.)

If we are talking about just a lonely empty corner, say in the dining room, I like to put a small round table (small in diameter, but higher than a typical side table, 28”-32”) in the corner and top it off with something decorative, like a plant, family pictures, or a statue.  And then on the wall above the table I balance it out with a piece of art.  This creates a little vignette.  Or, instead of a table, you could get a taller pedestal and top it off with a larger plant with trailing vines.  The empty corner is now a useful display area and brings some character into the room.

A nook under the stairway is a bit trickier, depending on the angle and height of the stairs.  This is where I think a built in make the most use of every inch.  Typically this space is deep (think of the width of the stairs) and if storage is lacking in the house it’s the perfect place to add in some closed storage with shelves.  This can be done with a single door, or even double doors for better access. Sometimes the doors need to be custom made to accommodate part of the angle.  This is perfect for an entry if closet space is limited.  You can designate the tallest space for long coats and the area under the slope is great for bulky items, like baby strollers, the baby carseat, luggage, etc.  I find this solution works really well for young families because there always seems to be more “stuff” you need as you come in and out the door with babies and toddlers.

When the stairway nook is not in the entry, it can be a great space for things you want to display, so built in open shelves, with perhaps a closed bottom storage space.  A carpenter can easily do this.  It’s a great opportunity to incorporate an accent color on the inside of the space with paint or wallpaper.

Another great option for the nook under the stairway is a built in desk. I like this option if you have at least 42” wide at 30”H, so there is a decent amount of desk space and headroom above the 30” desktop.  Maximize every inch with a built in and get an electrician because you are going to need chargers, wifi, etc. 

In general, my advice is to fill the odd nooks with a function and make use of every inch possible and then it often seems like those were completely planned rather than tossed off dead spaces.