Need help decorating small space next to staircase hall

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

We just recently built a room on the second floor that has the door opening close to the end of a runway hall. There is now space on both sides of the door, between the wall and the side of the staircase. The entire house is quite an open layout with lots on natural sunlight, and this area is also very well lit through the day. I would like to get advice on how to decorate these spaces, since they are both visible from the 1st level of the house: the one from the entryway, and the other one, from the kitchen. Ideally, the space should be practical, but given its limited width, I don't see many possible options. I have thought of having a bookcase, pots stand with flowers cascading down, console table, some tall statues and/or paintings on both wall above the level of the stairs. Any ideas on how to use/decorate these spaces will be greatly appreciated. I am attaching photos for reference. The house is new colonial style with contemporary finishing throughout.

Featured Answer

Judy Mishkin

10 years ago

just art, don't try to squish something in.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (13)

grapefruit1_ar
10 years ago
I would put some colorful art on the walls and nothing else. It looks very nice!
tuitivanya thanked grapefruit1_ar
Related Professionals
Paducah Interior Designers & Decorators · Louisville Interior Designers & Decorators · Alexandria Interior Designers & Decorators · San Antonio Interior Designers & Decorators · Janesville Interior Designers & Decorators · Napa Interior Designers & Decorators · Hattiesburg Architects & Building Designers · Newport News Architects & Building Designers · Dubuque Architects & Building Designers · Westerly Architects & Building Designers · Crestview Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Hannibal Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Aberdeen Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Olympia Kitchen & Bathroom Designers · Cowansville Kitchen & Bathroom Designers
Judy Mishkin
10 years ago
(i hope the sections of railing are all finished or your painter is reallllly skinny....
tuitivanya
Original Author
10 years ago
The paint job and the railings are all finished. My husband managed to do it with an extended roller
auntthelma
10 years ago
Very pretty.
Jillian - Interior design student
10 years ago
Treat the walls symmetrically with art.
Madison Park Tranquility Gel Coat Canvas 2-piece Set · More Info

Alexis Bueno 'Floral' Oversized Abstract Canvas Wall Art (2-Piece) · More Info
tuitivanya
Original Author
10 years ago
The paintings in blue will go very well with the décor color scheme throughout the house.
leelee
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago
I'd completely ignore these areas. So what if they're visible from below? They really don't look bare or unfinished. You might look up but no one else probably would. They'll be even more visible if you put anything there. These aren't areas that need attention called to them.

Focus on the downstairs. Is everything perfect there?
tuitivanya thanked leelee
PRO
Foley & Stinnette Interior Design
10 years ago
Hello!

What an interesting space! lol!

Hanging art or framed mirrors on either side of the door is a good idea, also consider sconces on either side of the door. Seeing that the space is already well lit with natural light, the sconces would not need to be very bright. If installing wiring is an issue due to space, maybe sconces that hold candles would be more appropriate.

Another idea would be to paint or wallpaper the wall that the door is on. As you mentioned, your husband was able to paint using an extended roller, so painting is something you could handle yourself, but wallpaper wouldn't be too much of a challenge for a professional.

If you'd like something dramatic, hang drapery rods and drapery panels on either side! Inexpensive drapery hardware can be purchased just about anywhere, and because the panels aren't covering any windows, you could use any kind of lightweight material. Sheers would be lightweight and easy to move around for cleaning. How about painting the wall a dark color, then hanging a lighter color sheer drapery panel over that?!

Hope that helps!
tuitivanya thanked Foley & Stinnette Interior Design
Bette P
10 years ago
I think part of me likes it bare, or maybe just add a colourful persian type rug. If you do add art, I would think the image should be bold/large enough to see it from the main level.

Fox Run 13 · More Info

American Gothic Country Retreat · More Info

gallery · More Info
tuitivanya thanked Bette P
tuitivanya
Original Author
10 years ago
last modified: 10 years ago

The downstairs entryway is already done. Pardon the messy console table in the picture, and some of the seasonal decoration. It's a large entryway, and the house has a vestibule area that opens into the entryway.
Lila
10 years ago
A large piece of art on each side pulling out the colours from your entryway; probably sepia or black and white.
tuitivanya thanked Lila
sheilaskb
8 years ago
You might add some wainscoting in the same color as the wooden rail and keep the upper wall white. Then, add a colorful tapestry on each side or wall art that matches or at least harmonizes.