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 DesignMany of our clients come to us from an hour or more away, often from the greater Charlotte metro area. A common question we hear is, “Why make the drive to Shelby when there are design centers closer to home?” It’s a fair question—and one we completely understand. That’s why we’d like to share a few key reasons why we believe the experience, service, and value you’ll find at Greenbrook Design make the trip well worth it.
Walker WoodworkingThere are many elements that help assemble the perfect design for your space, such as color, texture, and pattern, but one, in particular, plays a key role in making a statement: the focal point. Without a focal point, a room can feel busy or even boring, as it lacks something that immediately draws the eye. This is one of the reasons it is essential to include a focal point in the design; however, given its critical role, sufficient thought should be given to placing it in the optimal location. How do you design the perfect focal point that stands out without overpowering everything else? How do you best use focal points in a room or design with it in mind? Let’s explore the answers to getting the most out of your focal point.
Greenbrook DesignThe sofa is often one of the first things we notice when entering the living room since it tends to be the largest object in the room. We love to stretch out to watch TV or curl up under a blanket to read a book. Sometimes it also ends up being the quick solution to an additional place to sleep when in a bind. Designers have verified that this is a key piece of furniture for the living room, making it a sizable investment when the time comes for it to be replaced. As it is so important to the design, it stands to reason that there should be some things considered before making your next purchase. What things, exactly, should you look for before finalizing your choice, and what makes a sofa perfect for your home? Read on to find out some helpful tips that can assist you in picking your next sofa.
Home is the place where everyone can fully relax and be themselves. It is the center for all of our main activities, but sometimes we need a space that caters to our specific needs, especially when it comes to husbands and wives. This is why his and her spaces were invented: to give each an area to call their own, tailored to function just for them. From bathrooms to bedrooms and even the home office, having something that functions for your unique lifestyle routine can make a big difference in how you accomplish your day-to-day tasks with minimal stress and maximum success. When designing for these spaces, what should you include? What areas matter most, and how do you create the perfect his and her space within the same square footage? Let’s answer those questions for multiple areas within your home.
Walker WoodworkingPersonal Expression Through Design. There is no denying the truth found in the statement, your home is your castle, and who doesn’t want a custom castle? Now, more than ever, there are items available to help you completely personalize your spaces to reflect your unique personality. There is freedom to break the traditional design rules of the past and express yourself in so many ways by combining what you love into something new. Every area of your home should tell guests your story; it should speak to them of the things that matter most to you. By selecting colors, textures, patterns, shapes, and art that accurately reflect your individual tastes, you can achieve that goal. Don’t be afraid to step outside of the box and share what matters to you. At its core, that is what design is about: using a combination of varying elements to tell your story to the world.
Greenbrook Design 