Off the Beaten Path: Delightful Alcove Spaces
Create a mini retreat within your home with a recessed nook, dormer or under-stair hideaway
My favorite spot to watch the hustle and bustle at New York's Grand Central Station is from one of the stairs overlooking the main concourse. From this vantage point I get to be a part of all the activity in that great space while being safe along the periphery.
Whether for art, a bed, a chair, a tub or any other reason, alcoves provide those special spaces that give us a place to rest, recharge and get "away." Sometimes these spaces are carved out of leftover spaces, like the underside of a roof in a Cape Cod styled house. Sometimes these are "found" spaces like reusing the area below the stairway. And sometimes these are bump-outs added to provide a space for a cherished work of art.
Whether for art, a bed, a chair, a tub or any other reason, alcoves provide those special spaces that give us a place to rest, recharge and get "away." Sometimes these spaces are carved out of leftover spaces, like the underside of a roof in a Cape Cod styled house. Sometimes these are "found" spaces like reusing the area below the stairway. And sometimes these are bump-outs added to provide a space for a cherished work of art.
An alcove at the stair landing provides a great place to sit in the sunshine and watch the world go by both inside and out. And the alcove's strategic placement centered on the flight of steps extends the space of the stairway to the outside.
Built to hold a favorite sculpture, this alcove adds light and interest to the room. By extending the space of the "hallway" between the eating, kitchen and sitting areas of the larger space, the alcove gives definition and distinction to each functional area. And it's no accident that the shape of the alcove makes a house for the sculpture within the larger house.
A place for the bed is carved out of the leftover space under roof, while the eyebrow dormer adds joyous light to this bedroom. In a child's room, placing the bed in the alcove frees up the main area for play.
The little desk in the alcove makes a secret place to hide for the lucky owner of this bedroom.
Here's a beautiful spot to sit and wait for that person to come downstairs and join you.
Found space in an upstairs hallway now serves as a cozy reading and napping nook.
Our best friends deserve alcoves too. And certainly an alcove they can call their own located near the kitchen makes it all the better.
Like a big, bright, red piece of sculpture, the Aga range sits in its alcove in this classic kitchen design.
An outside alcove carved out of the space under the stair provides a bit of shelter and great place to take a nap.
More: Dreamy Window Seats
9 Window Seats that Command Attention
More: Dreamy Window Seats
9 Window Seats that Command Attention