Ok, here’s the deal. We fell in love with our home for several reasons. One of those reasons was that we felt that our home was unique and had character, and definitely isn’t “cookie cutter.” Not that cookie cutter type homes aren’t nice – many of them are beautiful. We just wanted something different for our family. Our home is a split-level and has a unique layout. Here is the basic rundown: The bedrooms and 2 full baths are upstairs. On the “main level” (where the front door is located), there is a living room/office, dining room and kitchen; and if you go down a few stairs from the kitchen, there’s our family room, half bath, and door out to the garage. Then, if you go downstairs again, there is our terrace level basement/play room. Now, with our home’s “character,” also comes some quirks.
For now, this is as creative as I’ve gotten. Our covered storage basket which holds blankets and sometimes toys. (See photo above.) As you can see, this space needs help!
I am enlisting the help of my trusty blog readers to please help me figure out what on earth to do with this space. Here’s the dilemma: there is no lighting in the nook, nor is there an electrical outlet nearby. I had thought about putting a little desk or something in there and creating a mini-workspace, but we are not going to do anything electrical and we can’t have cords running across the floor. I also thought of maybe doing a reading nook, but the lighting issue comes into play again. One possibility I am considering is finding a hutch or bookcase to redo (in turquoise!) and putting it there, but not pushing it back all the way against the wall since the space is rather deep. I really just want this space to be more functional and serve some sort of purpose.
What are your thoughts? I need advice! The more suggestions, the merrier.
This will not be the last time I ask for your help with a design dilemma. I have a couple others up my sleeve too. Thank you all!
Please leave a comment and let me know your ideas/suggestions!
How about making it a storage area and curtaining it off?
This is a possibility, thanks!
Add a door to make a closet or add just add shelving.
Thanks for your suggestion. Shelving is a possibility. Unfortunately we are limited since we are renting (hoping to buy when we sell our old place) so can’t frame out/install a door. But maybe someday!
I like the idea of just adding shelving to display pretty things. This would be similar to your hutch idea. Could you knock out the wall and expand your pantry? This is a tough little space! Good luck and I can’t wait to see what you come up with.
Shelving is a good possibility. We are renting (hoping to buy it though) so can’t knock out the wall, and since it’s a split level the pantry is on a higher level and the floor is not even with this nook. It’s a very odd space!
Do you need a place for backpacks and shoes? I was thinking of those built in looking benches with the hooks above and basket storage below.
Good idea, Sally! This is going on the list of possibilities.