Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward Interiors would like to share her experience and idea about creativity to make use the space under your staircase.
As a kid, the thought of what could be under the stairs gave me an unsettling feeling. Maybe my parents were to blame for allowing a child with an overactive imagination to watch horror flicks — particularly ones with stair dwellers. Cue the chills and goosebumps. Now that I’ve become more courageous, I realize the place where hairy monsters and creepy spiders once dwelled is now a space full of possibilities and free of ghost and goblins.

Eager to find creative uses for an otherwise wasted space, I’ve compiled an ideabook full of great ideas on getting the most out of your square footage and banishing the bogeyman under your stairs — especially if he isn’t paying rent to live there.

Outfit your nook in rich, wood shelving. Sturdy planks make for a beautiful backdrop to display artwork, tschotskes and collectibles.

Create a personal retreat. A quiet corner with a comfortable seat and a toss pillow set the atmosphere for an evening of getting lost in your favorite bestseller. Drawers underneath the seat provide storage for your favorite reads as well as a blanket for drafty nights.

Create a bookworm’s paradise. Built-in shelving under this circular staircase emphasizes its architecture and provides a handsome library for the homeowners.

Make your space work for you. Just when you thought you didn’t have the square footage for a home office. Employ your space with simple furnishings and a clean color palette for a workspace that is equally functional and charming.

Make your space easily accessible. When the doorbell rings unexpectedly, there is no need to sweat. Quickly gather the kids’ toys and other misplaced items and store them in a nearby nook. Cleanup is a cinch with this open-and-closed storage system.

Go for broke. Thinking outside the box is easy when you make the space conform to your immediate need. Whether it’s a bonus bath or a place for bike storage, your new-found nook is waiting to become something spectacular.

Build a media center. Tucked away under the stairs, this streamlined media center hides unsightly cords, preserves precious floor space, and boasts back-lit alcoves for display.

Allow your space to serve a dual function. Mirrored doors camouflage storage underneath and visually enlarge a small space.