Design Notes
When you think of creating a unique space or finding extra storage, does your mind go to your stairs? Probably not, but there is so much that can be done with this unique space. Let’s explore what you can do with your staircase to get that little something extra you have been looking for.
Kids Reading Nook
The stairs are a perfect solution for kids who love to read but always struggle to find a little spot just for them. They are just the right size for them and give them a little space where they can safely have an adventure within their book. Add some special task lighting and a comfy seat; they might not stir for hours.
Pet Kennel
Stairs offer a perfect place to create a little kennel for pets. It is usually near the front door, within sight of you, which is very important and roomy. Lining the floor with a soft pet bed and their favorite toys will ensure your pets never feel neglected.
Bookshelf
Once a reader, always a reader, but sometimes it can be hard to know where to put your books, especially the ones that come with a beautiful cover worthy of displaying. What better way to show them off to your friends than by placing them on your staircase? Not only are they within easy reach, but they also make a fantastic statement on your wall.
Playroom
The littles are always asking you for a special spot in the house just for them. Why not give them one under the stairs? It is a perfect size, and adding a little pop of color and a few baskets for their toys will entertain them for hours.
Mudroom
We all need that area in the house where we can simply drop our stuff from the office. Sometimes there is not enough room for a full mudroom, but your staircase can provide just enough space to hold shoes, a backpack, and a briefcase. Consider adding a few built-ins paired with some decorative hooks to create a little space for those essential items. Mornings always run smoother when there is a designated pick-up point.
Extra Storage
Adding special drawers and cabinets can turn a simple staircase into the perfect hiding spot for all those extras you need only a few times a year. You can easily store holiday decorations, extra clothes, or children’s sports equipment. The possibilities are endless, and the convenience is perfect. View this historic project where we utilized the stairs for additional kitchen cabinet space.
Additional Pantry Space
While we all love our kitchens, sometimes there is not enough space to store all our food items. The staircase can provide the perfect overflow pantry. Consider adding this to store the dry and canned goods from your kitchen, or even some of the pots and pans you don’t use regularly.
Coat Closet
When guests come for a visit, finding a spot for their coats can be a challenge, let alone knowing where to hang our own. The staircase is an excellent spot for a coat closet since it is near the front and easy for guests to grab their coats when leaving, or yours, for that matter.
Wine Room
Many people enjoy coming home and unwinding with a glass of wine, but most of us don’t have a space to store it. That space under the stairs is perfect for a little wine room or even a small wet bar. Who said a wine room had to be large? It must only be big enough to keep some of your absolute favorites on hand.
Mini Office
Do you need to jot down a quick grocery list? Maybe the kids need a little area to do their homework? Have you been looking for the perfect spot to have a charging station? The stairs could be your answer. This little area is perfect for creating a study nook or mini office.
Greenbrook DesignOne of the most exciting and anticipated times of the year has arrived, as numerous paint and design companies announce their Color of the Year choices. Designers and manufacturers alike look forward to this pronouncement as it provides inspiration and even direction for the coming year. Many companies use these colors to shape the new products that will be released in the coming year, and homeowners often enjoy incorporating them throughout their homes for added enjoyment
Paint companies like Sherwin-Williams have already announced their amazing Color of the Year choice, Redend Point, which draws from nature’s calm color palette. Benjamin Moore’s choice of Raspberry Blush, though, is closer in shade to the color selection made by the one company everyone in the fashion world looks to, Pantone. Designers and manufacturers alike waited with eagerness to hear Pantone’s color of the year announcement, and for 2023, their choice was Viva Magenta, a color described as a “crimson red tone that presents a balance between warm and cool. This hybrid of red and pink is a reflection of our current world’s relationship of living in both a physical and digital world. More and more homeowners are learning to blend their work and home lifestyles, which have become deeply entwined over the last couple of years. We know that color is much more than a splash of paint on a wall or cabinet; it speaks a language all its own, something Pantone seems to grasp and express well. So what influence will 2023’s Viva Magenta have on us? Let’s explore the answers today.
Greenbrook DesignWhen you first moved into your property, you took the time to come up with the perfect design for a space you’ll call home. However, over time, circumstances change, and so do people. And, now, you’ve found yourself in a situation of wanting to change things up a bit. If you’re wondering how to tell it’s time to redesign your home, sit tight and let us walk you through all the major signs.
Greenbrook DesignHomes are a collection of things we love, and sometimes those things can come from places outside the traditional sources, such as your typical home furnishings stores. Increasingly, designers and homeowners alike are discovering the benefits of antique stores. These places, often thought of as the last stop for items no one else wanted, have become a popular shopping stop for those who want to have something unique in their home and enjoy the thrill of “treasure hunting”. More and more design styles are also embracing vintage finds, seeking to blend them together to create something special, such as the grand millennial and mid-century modern styles. Millennials are also enjoying the freedom to branch out in their design choices, creating a home that is customized to their own personality. Antique shopping can be a wonderful way to uncover those special touches that can make all the difference in your home, so let’s explore how to get started and what to do with all of the treasures you find.
Walker WoodworkingMore designers and contractors are incorporating this secondary space into the kitchen to gain square footage and have an area that works as an extension of the kitchen. Let’s dive deeper into what a butler pantry is and what the benefits are for you.
Greenbrook Design 