Try a mirror and table OR a mounted rack for coats

What else do you all suggest doing for this space?

Maybe use this space for storage .. have a a built-in made? The dog looks a bit sad in the space :(

any more ideas? thanks

What a fun idea. Found a couple dog lounging ideas for you.

How about a library wall? 12 inches deep along the entire right side, maybe a whimsical folding stool hanging on a neat hook on the far wall?

First rule in design is function. So, what do you want it to be? A library? A place for the dog? A storage area? An art display?

Your pup looks like he has found his home - and with that he deserves the cutest place ever. I'm planning on doing this for my kitties in our new home. It may have to be "super-sized" for your sweetie - but this is an entrance for an entrance! Or maybe an inspiration for something over the top.

across the narrow end I could see a bench with pegs above and a shelf you could use the space for leashes , a basket of dog toys tucked under the bench , a bulletin board with pics of the family and dog behind above the bench and below the shelf, something like this but it would need to be scaled down for the space

The idea of upper storage and lower doggie den does seem natural given what you said when you posted. I Like the "New England Transformational style' above. But it also depends on your family's habit with the dog -- the dog won't want to be in that den if everyone else is in the living room. But if the dog is used to 'his spot' for periods of the day, then OK. The area does seem to be crying to become a closet, entrance rack (jacket hooks, bench to sit and take your shoes off,etc. Could be a small built in desk depending on what rooms are to either side. Dumbwaiter for what has to go up or down stairs

You could add a lovely bench to store his goodies, toys and such (inside it) plus a custom doggie bed? The dark brown one is from Kohl's(.com) the medium brown is from Wayfair.com, if you like either of them...

Is he crate trained and does he have one? In that space I can see a built in/surround (like the ones pictured in previous posts on this thread) with provision for sliding out the crate when needed for travel, and yes, peg racks for his kit (leads, harness, his and your snow boots, etc).

Have you considered putting in a bench seat so that the area has a dual purpose and the area will be neat and not so bare...such as this
http://houzz.com/photos/813243
Our dog loves sleeping in a little nook

Also maybe add something like this at the top
http://houzz.com/photos/3449087

Wallpaper.

This is a cut out under my stairs. You can also see the dog door to the left. Space is actually larger than it needed to be. If you kept it smaller, it would be hardly noticeable and your dog will love it's little cave. Mine had food bowls on a tray to the right as well.

Looks a bit drafty for a dog, and lonely. I would put in a built in bookcase at the end and built in shelves or cabinets under the stairs. If you really want the dog in that area, perhaps make the bottom portion of the book case an elevated dog bed a food station built in under the stairs so that no one trips over it and it's somewhat out of sight but accessible.

They do make furniture style kennels these days... http://www.petedge.com/assets/product_images/styles/alternate_large/NW100_ALT2.JPG
Maybe something like that with a mirror above it on the wall. Maybe some framed vintage dog prints and nice dog food and water bowls on a place mat. And a runner rug. Add a nice looking basket with his toys and a couple of hooks for leash collar.... Doggy sanctuary!

That space is ideal for a large grandfather clock. It looks just like the place my grandmother placed her clock, to make a statement as people entered, have it handy to check the time, keep the ticking in the hall so that it was not too intrusive, and keep it out of harm's way from grandchildren.

A mirror in the shape of a tall window with many divided panes would also look good.

If you want to be really artsy. a false trellis arch in perspective, perhaps with mirror in its center, could be interesting. A bench could then sit in front of it, for pulling boots on and off, etc.

The ticking of a clock might disturb the dog's snoozing. I'd just put a small bench at the far end and a picture that doesn't have glass above it. Does your dog like to snooze on chairs? maybe a chair for him to snooze on.

Ticking clocks actually soothe dogs and babies, which is why old ticking clocks were put in puppy beds and near cribs; ask your grandmother...

I'd go with the bookcase along the wall, maybe a recessed one, and put a large floor mirror on the back end. I'd also brighten it with color, maybe a beautiful orange or teal.

dog bed or wardrobe

Dogs need things to entertain themselves. If it is just a place for a bed for him to nap when not running around the house, I'd use a bench with a little cubby under it . Mine loves her little hidey hole under the bed skirting ~ You need to take into consideration the preferences does your pup like to stretch out or sleep somewhere which is a bit more secluded . You could skirt the bench with a velcro cover and a good indoor out door fabric. Books and brick a brac I'd avoid like the plaque because you'll constantly have to deal with dog hair in the tops of the books or on the pieces. A big mirror to enhance a natural light source if you have one and open the stairs up to keep food water and toys . a simple shelf built inside would even allow the furchild to get their own toys .

Love, love, love the cute dog bed ideas!!!! that is the solution. Make one work for you. ( If you have a handy man, you can put one together with boards, paint, and covered cushions for little $).

do some creative up-lighting

What about making built in desk look at recent articles added about small spaces and desks.
Or built in reading nook with bookcases on the wall

Turn this space into your dog's personal R&R space. A built in wooden dog house with a mural of handpainted trees above- encompassing all three walls. That would be awsome.

I would do a built in. With doors at top and opened at bottom for the doggie bed. Inside closed doors I would have a fold out desk top, or slide out. And place a small bench next to wall and just slide to desk when needed. Also, a long runner with pops of color

What great ideas and pictures...

To kill two birds with one stone, I would add cabinetry down the right wall, with an opening for your dog's bed. Then you have storage of doggie stuff as well. See last unit in picture below. Then paint the area a great color, add a colored mat and a dog picture on wall with stairs. Fun.
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Old post from 2013