Utilizing the normally unused space under the staircase, we have added in pull out for hanging, shoe storage and some nice deep drawners. Photo credit: Kris Harley-Jesson of Creativ Chops

Need more places to put things? We can create custom-built storage out of otherwise wasted space, hidden underneath your staircase.
Inspiration for a timeless staircase remodel in DC Metro

Under stairs childs nook. These are a custom project we specialize in.
Basement photo in DC Metro

Under stairs storage with four sections, 2 x hinged doors, and 2 x pull out shelves. Designed for kids clothes storage. Modern look, push open doors.
Inspiration for a contemporary home design remodel in London

custom built-ins under stairs
Inspiration for a modern home design remodel in Orange County

This staircase remodel completely transformed the entry and upper loft area from an outdated builder-grade design into a custom architectural feature that feels integrated with the home’s updated modern aesthetic. The project included demolition of the existing railing system and under-stair enclosure, fabrication and installation of custom wood railings, new balusters and posts, and the construction of a fully custom under-stair storage system with decorative panel detailing.A hidden pull-out coat and jacket storage solution was custom built into the staircase enclosure to maximize functionality while maintaining a clean, seamless appearance. The stair treads and railing system were refinished and painted to create a brighter, more elevated look that complements the surrounding flooring and kitchen remodel. Every detail was carefully designed and custom fabricated to improve both the appearance and functionality of the space while giving the staircase a completely updated architectural presence.

  Download our free ebook, Creating the Ideal Kitchen. DOWNLOAD NOW   Lakefront property in the northwest suburbs of Chicago is hard to come by, so when we were hired by this young family with exactly that, we were immediately inspired by not just the unusually large footprint of this 1950’s colonial revival but also the lovely views of the manmade lake it was sited on. The large 5-bedroom home was solidly stuck in the 1980’s, but we saw tons of potential. We started out by updating the existing staircase with a fresh coat of paint and adding new herringbone slate to the entry hall. The powder room off the entryway also got a refresh - new flooring, new cabinets and fixtures. We ran the new slate right through into this space for some consistency. A fun wallpaper and shiplap trim add a welcoming feel and set the tone for the home. Next, we tackled the kitchen. Located away from the rest of the first floor, the kitchen felt a little isolated, so we immediately began planning for how to better connect it to the rest of the first floor. We landed on removing the wall between the kitchen and dining room and designed a modified galley style space with separate cooking and clean up zones. The cooking zone consists of the refrigerator, prep sink and cooktop, along with a nice long run of prep space at the island. The cleanup side of the kitchen consists of the main sink and dishwasher. Both areas are situated so that the user can view the lake during prep work and cleanup! One of the home’s main puzzles was how to incorporate the mudroom and area in front of the patio doors at the back of the house. We already had a breakfast table area, so the space by the patio doors was a bit of a no man’s land. We decided to separate the kitchen proper from what became the new mudroom with a large set of barn doors. That way you can quickly hide any mudroom messes but have easy access to the light coming in through the patio doors as well as the outdoor grilling station. We also love the impact the barn doors add to the overall space. The homeowners’ first words to us were “it’s time to ditch the brown,” so we did! We chose a lovely blue pallet that reflects the home’s location on the lake which is also vibrant yet easy on the eye. Countertops are white quartz, and the natural oak floor works well with the other honey accents. The breakfast table was given a refresh with new chairs, chandelier and window treatments that frame the gorgeous views of the lake out the back. We coordinated the slate mudroom flooring with that used in the home’s main entrance for a consistent feel. The storage area consists of open and closed storage to allow for some clutter control as needed. Next on our “to do” list was revamping the dated brown bar area in the neighboring dining room. We eliminated the clutter by adding some closed cabinets and did some easy updates to help the space feel more current. One snag we ran into here was the discovery of a beam above the existing open shelving that had to be modified with a smaller structural beam to allow for our new design to work. This was an unexpected surprise, but in the end we think it was well worth it! We kept the colors here a bit more muted to blend with the homeowner’s existing furnishings. Open shelving and polished nickel hardware add some simple detail to the new entertainment zone which also looks out onto the lake! Next we tackled the upstairs starting with the homeowner’s son’s bath. The bath originally had both a tub shower and a separate shower, so we decided to swap out the shower for a new laundry area. This freed up some space downstairs in what used to be the mudroom/laundry room and is much more convenient for daily laundry needs. We continued the blue palette here with navy cabinetry and the navy tile in the shower. Porcelain floor tile and chrome fixtures keep maintenance to a minimum while matte black mirrors and lighting add some depth the design. A low maintenance runner adds some warmth underfoot and ties the whole space together. We added a pocket door to the bathroom to minimize interference with the door swings. The left door of the laundry closet is on a 180 degree hinge to allow for easy full access to the machines. Next we tackled the master bath which is an en suite arrangement. The original was typical of the 1980’s with the vanity outside of the bathroom, situated near the master closet. And the brown theme continued here with multiple shades of brown. Our first move was to segment off the bath and the closet from the master bedroom. We created a short hall from the bedroom to the bathroom with his and hers walk-in closets on the left and right as well as a separate toilet closet outside of the main bathroom for privacy and flexibility. The original bathroom had a giant soaking tub with steps (dangerous!) as well as a small shower that did not work well for our homeowner who is 6’3”. With other bathtubs in the home, they decided to eliminate the tub and create an oversized shower which takes up the space where the old tub was located. The double vanity is on the opposite wall and a bench is located under the window for morning conversations and a place to set a couple of towels. The pallet in here is light and airy with a mix of blond wood, creamy porcelain and marble tile, and brass accents. A simple roman shade adds some texture and it’s top-down mechanism allows for light and privacy. This large whole house remodel gave our homeowners not only the ability to maximize the potential of their home but also created a lovely new frame from which to view their fabulous lake views. Designed by: Susan Klimala, CKD, CBD Photography by: Michael Kaskel For more information on kitchen and bath design ideas go to: www.kitchenstudio-ge.com

Modern design under stairs units with big wine storage. Pull outs designed for general storage. At the units back, push open glass doors for wine storage, For more design ideas, visit Avar Furniture web site: http://www.avarfurniture.co.uk/

Under stairs storage with interior adjustable shelves and fake wall side panels
Staircase - huge zen u-shaped glass railing staircase idea in Vancouver

Under stairs storage with interior adjustable shelves and fake wall side panels
Example of a huge u-shaped glass railing staircase design in Vancouver

This large, light blue colored basement is complete with an exercise area, game storage, and a ton of space for indoor activities. It also has under the stair storage perfect for a cozy reading nook. The painted concrete floor makes this space perfect for riding bikes, and playing some indoor basketball.

Warm LED lighting adds the perfect finishing touch to this custom wine cellar, built under and existing staircase. A combination of bulk storage bins and individual slots makes up the wine racking. Photo Credit: Sebastian Burzynski

Custom 3D CAD design drawing and architectural rendering of the under-stair framing, showcasing the precise layout for the hidden pull-out coat rack and integrated storage solution before workshop fabrication.

Modern under stairs units. Designed for storage and small home bar. Spray painted matt black, decorated with stone. Units have 2x pull outs, integrated fridge, small pull out at the end and top shelf. On the end section wine chiller. Above floating L shaped shelves with glass insets, integrated RBG philips LED lighting. Small bottle upstand and glasses hanger fitted at the bottom of shelf.

Custom 3D CAD design drawing and architectural rendering of the under-stair framing, showcasing the precise layout for the hidden pull-out coat rack and integrated storage solution before workshop fabrication.

Modern under stairs units. Designed for storage and small home bar. Spray painted matt black, decorated with stone. Units have 2x pull outs, integrated fridge, small pull out at the end and top shelf. On the end section wine chiller. Above floating L shaped shelves with glass insets, integrated RBG philips LED lighting. Small bottle upstand and glasses hanger fitted at the bottom of shelf.

Modern under stairs units. Designed for storage and small home bar. Spray painted matt black, decorated with stone. Units have 2x pull outs, integrated fridge, small pull out at the end and top shelf. On the end section wine chiller. Above floating L shaped shelves with glass insets, integrated RBG philips LED lighting. Small bottle upstand and glasses hanger fitted at the bottom of shelf.

Modern under stairs units. Designed for storage and small home bar. Spray painted matt black, decorated with stone. Units have 2x pull outs, integrated fridge, small pull out at the end and top shelf. On the end section wine chiller. Above floating L shaped shelves with glass insets, integrated RBG philips LED lighting. Small bottle upstand and glasses hanger fitted at the bottom of shelf.

Size doesn’t matter when it comes to quality of design. For this petite Cape-style home along the Eagle River in Ipswich, Massachusetts, we focused on creating a warm, inviting space designed for family living. Radiating from the kitchen – the “heart” of the home – we created connections to all the other spaces in the home: eating areas, living areas, the mudroom and entries, even the upstairs. Details like the highly functional yet utterly charming under-the-stairs drawers and cupboards make this house extra special while the open floor plan gives it a big house feel without sacrificing coziness. In 2018, the home was updated with interior trim details, including new shaker paneling on the staircase and custom newel post, a TV built-in with shelves and drawers and beadboard back, and a half wall bookshelf with columns to replace the wall dividing the living room from dining room. The client also wanted a gas fireplace to enjoy during the winter, but didn't want to lose their beautiful marsh views. We designed the fireplace to go below the window, vented out the rear, with pebbled tile surround and benches flanking either side for storage.