Alcove / Cupboard Under the Stairs

2 years ago

Hello beautiful people, I'd really appreciate some inspiration.

I have a modestly sized two bedroom semi (which I am rennovating) and in the kitchen / diner there is a smallish sized alcove (1.6m / 1.5m) that backs onto a smallish sized cupboard under the stairs (0.9m width).

I have messed around with a number of ideas such as a reading snug, or a dining table but I think I've settled on having a walk in larder / cupboard as there isn't a massive amount of storage in the house. The gas / electric metres are in the cupboard under the stairs which largely rules out pull out units (and I want to put a table along this wall) .

The broader issue I have is how to connect the cupboard-under-the-stairs space with the alcove space and how to best to finish this as there are no obvious lines (to me at least).

Does any one have any thoughts on how to best utilise this awkward space, can anyone provide inspirational photos please?

Many thanks.

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PRO

TheosArt Interior Architecture & Design

2 years ago

Hi, Luke! This space looks great to be purposed as a pantry. A bespoke design of shelving and cupboards would make the small space so beneficial as storage, I have a range of proposals when it comes to flexible smart use of furniture units. I also think this space should be enclosed, due to small bits and pieces being stored in there, they will get dusty and also would look tidier to have everything hidden behind. I think you should go for some thin partition wall panels with a sliding mechanism, positioned on the upper and the bottom level of the wall.

Please, keep the door to the basement and don't replace it with a curtain as you might end up having terrible mould and moisture throughout the house, this isn't sustainable. If you need more help designing it and would like to see it in a 3D model, before building it up and investing in the final product, drop me a message and I will be happy to help you with that one. Either way, good luck with your project! 😊

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Comments (6)

katlucy
2 years ago
Hi Luke,

I think a walk in pantry would look amazing. if done well it could be left open.

I would remove the door and architrave to the understairs cupboard and replace with a floor length blind or curtain and use as a broom cupboard, this should allow shelves to go around most of the right angle.

I would tongue and groove the walls and paint a dark colour, add shelves with lighting under, or wall lamps, a work surface in wood or white, or to match your kitchen ….Humphrey Munson have examples of walk in pantries ….with decanted pasta and cereals and whicker baskets under…many will be envious…

….trying to box it in with a doorway may impede chair placement and your table…

i look forward to seeing what you decide
Luke Conway thanked katlucy
Lisa D
2 years ago
I also thought walk in pantry when I saw this corner. I would block up door to the understairs cupboard so you can have shelving around all the walls. Then have full height cupboard doors that match your kitchen to open outwards. Make a pop open hatch door on the outside of the stair cupboard so there is access to the meters but you can place your table in front of it for day to day.
Luke Conway thanked Lisa D
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tab darcy
2 years ago
Maybe another way to look at accessing your gas etc is to replace the stairs with one that can be lifted up / hinged half way when you need to get under the stairs. Search for tiny house solutions. I imagine that's not accessed too often. That way you can do what you like with the alcove, I'd bring it out to the line of the stairs, adding narrow bifold doors. Consider boxes on wheels instead of a bottom shelf, they could be 0.8m deep.
Luke Conway thanked tab darcy
PRO
Organise Space
last year
pantry, all the way! :-)

Our products would only really suit a 60's 70's vibe but if that's where your at ...

https://www.designandinstall.co.uk/elfa-equipment-has-so-many-applications-in-the-kitchen/
Louise Burke
last year
I would remove the door and architrave from the understairs cupboard then incorporate it to make a bigger walk-in larder. Continue the wall on the right so it goes above where you will walk in. Build it down to a suitable height to allow a hanging door as shown by TheosArt_ or panel the existing wall and new top section to incorporate a pocket door. This will still allow for a table to be placed against that wall with the door sliding behind it.

Alcove / Cupboard Under the Stairs

TheosArt Interior Architecture & Design

Comments (6)

katlucy

Lisa D

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tab darcy

Organise Space

Louise Burke

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