Every older or quirky house has one feature that makes the new owners stop and ask what on earth the builders were thinking. For one couple, it was a sunken space under the staircase filled with piles of rocks. Rather than tear it out, the homeowner has decided to turn it into one of the coziest corners in the house.
The project belongs to @carolynbythecoast, who introduces herself, her husband and the quirky house they bought about two years ago.
@carolynbythecoast
A rock garden nobody asked for
Carolyn explains that she and her husband bought a super quirky, 1980s style mid century modern house that she is obsessed with. When they moved in, the space under the stairs was a rock garden, with piles of rocks sitting on top of a strange sheet of plywood. She suspects that it was originally a fountain, adding with a shrug that to each their own.
She decided she did not love the rock garden, so the family cleared out hundreds of pounds of rocks. For a while, the space served as a temporary dog bed with a leftover papasan cushion. Now that the family is more settled and her boys are a little bigger, she wants something more useful: a reading nook, a cozy corner for the kids.
Taking the space down to the basin
The work begins with clearing. She removes dog cushions, wooden boards and framework from the recessed area while her dogs wander around and watch. A framed sign on the wall reads honey it’s alright, which fits the mood. Then comes the least glamorous part of any renovation, cleaning. She vacuums out the sunken base with shop vacuums and a cordless vacuum until the metal basin underneath is visible and ready to be imagined as something new.
She has already bought a box of laminate flooring. The next decision is whether to keep the metal basin, and she admits she does not know whether she is crazy or lazy, but she is leaning toward leaving it. Now that it is clean, she says, she can begin to visualize what will go inside.
Why the space under the stairs is worth using
Stairs create awkward triangular space that often ends up with vacuum cleaners and forgotten boxes. Designers frequently turn that kind of dead space into built in storage, a desk, a pet bed or a reading nook because the sloped ceiling naturally makes a space feel snug and enclosed. A low, cozy corner also suits children, who tend to love small hideaways.
Keeping a quirky feature, like a metal basin, can also be a smart design decision. It saves demolition work, preserves character that new builds rarely have and gives the finished space a story. Cushions, a rug and good lighting can soften a hard edge easily.
Planning your own under stair nook
- Measure carefully. Note the height at the lowest point, since kids and adults will want to sit comfortably without bumping their heads.
- Never cut into stair framing, stringers or any wall without checking with a licensed professional first, because staircases and the walls near them can be structural.
- If a basin or any old plumbing feature sits in the space, make sure it is dry and that no pipes are still connected before you cover or build over it.
- Choose soft, washable materials. Cushions with removable covers and a washable rug stand up to children and pets.
- Add layered lighting such as a plug in lamp or a battery powered light. If you want wired lighting, ask a licensed electrician.
- Plan storage for books, such as low shelves or baskets within a child’s reach.
Common questions
Is laminate a good choice for a nook? It is a common, budget friendly option that works well in dry indoor spaces, though it should be installed over a clean, flat surface and given room to expand according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
What should you do with a leftover plywood base? Check that it is solid and dry. If it feels soft or shows water stains, it may need replacing before anything new goes on top.
Can an old fountain or basin hold moisture? Yes, so inspect it for rust and leaks before you build around it.
Takeaways
This project shows that a house with odd features is not a house with problems. A rock garden became a dog bed, and the dog bed is becoming a reading nook, one step at a time. The lesson for anyone with an awkward corner is to clear it first, clean it thoroughly and then give yourself time to visualize what it could become before spending money on finishes.
Credit for the original post goes to @carolynbythecoast on TikTok.
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