We all have them! Those spaces that we just don’t know what do to with, from under the stairs, awkward alcoves, empty corners to bare walls. Letting the spaces stay bare leaves them lacking and looking unfinished. Frustratingly, these spaces are either too small or odd shaped for any solution you thought you found, often resulting in these spaces being left unfinished.
So, what can you do? Well, firstly, it helps to ask yourself what you want from this space. Can this space accommodate what your home still needs. This may sound silly however so many are tempted to put the first thing they find just to stop it looking like an eyesore and then feel stuck with something they don’t want or need. Also, measuring your space will help you avoid getting something too big or small.
Once this is done, you are ready to tackling your problem area. To help, here are some ideas which can help you turn what was once a problematic area into something special, useful or both!
1) Console tables/Sideboards
These are great to fill bare walls. Hanging artwork or mirrors above them can work really well too. Creating a vignette using your sideboard or console table can turn your bare walls into a focal point showcasing your beautiful lamp, frame photos or those ornaments which you haven’t found a home for yet.
2) Accent chairs or benches
By adding a beautiful chair with a side table and warm blanket, even some potted plants if the space allows, can be all you need to create a cosy reading corner. If lighting is poor, you could invest in some task lighting so day or night this cosy corner will always be welcoming and functional.
Bench seats, either custom build or bought, are a useful way to use up unused space under your windows or perhaps you’ve a blank wall where you can add some extra seating . Also, some can be used for storage too which is a win, win in my book!
3) Coat racks /wall hooks
Decorative wall hooks in your home, can be arty, fun and functional all at once! There are many different styles to choose from and you can find these in many different outlets, in store or online
4) Potted Plants
Plants, in my opinion, are great addition to your home and squeeze into almost anywhere. They can bring a sense of tranquillity and some even offer health benefit too! Tall or oversized can liven up a lonely corner. They can work well on shelving too. Investing in some beautiful pots in different sizes, and having them at different heights can be really visually appealing and helps creates a more homely atmosphere too!
If you are unsure which plants would best suit your home, you should ask your local gardening professional for their advice.
5) Work/Study Corner or Nook
Creating a study/work area is a great way to utilise the space in your alcoves. However, if you have no need for a work corner, perhaps this is where your reading nook could be. If a reading nook isn’t your vibe and you have no need for a work corner, having fun and being adventurous with an either an accent chair, oversized lamp or vase, tall, oversized plants or wallpaper can liven up and complete your look.
If you are wondering what to do with the space under your stairs, this could be another place to build a study/work area. Now, I know, many Irish homes have toilets already built in under the stairs. However, this suggestion is for the ones that don’t! Also, this may work better if you have a stairs in a more open plan setting for example, if you have stairs on your landing leading up to your attic. Now this suggestion I know won’t work for most people, however I have seen it done so thought it would be no harm mentioning it.
Another way to use the space under your stair is by installing a custom-built pull-out storage unit……in my opinion a home can’t have too much storage!
Floating Shelves / home library
Adding floating shelves to an empty alcove where you can add ornaments or frames is a lovely way to show what you’ve collected over time.
If you are a collector of books turning your alcove or a bare wall into a mini library with bookshelves is another way of adding a lovely feature to your home. Careful where you add this though, as you don’t want to create clutter in your space either!
Mirrors
Mirrors are great for reflecting their surrounding and throwing light back into the room. This can give a sense of space where there is none, making your room feel more spacious.
Artwork /Framed photos
Artwork or photos are another great way to fill an empty wall. If you have a high ceiling, hanging large artwork will bring focus down to eye level . This would also work with an oversized mirror.
Another option, if you do not have a lot of artwork you could make a memory wall. This can be lovely way to show off your photos of your loved ones and your happy memories.
I do understand sometimes a professional point of view is what’s needed however I do hope these ideas have helped.
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