When HGTV’s Joanna Gaines began the renovation process of her latest major Fixer Upper project (aka the Colorado mountain house!), she knew she had to do something for a grand entrance. She became fixated on a big blank wall that greeted guests as they stepped into the home.
It was the wall beneath the stairs, which Gaines calls a “dead space” — a spot in the home with major untapped potential (especially in small spaces) — and she shared with her fans that she could turn it into something not only beautiful but useful, too.
“Under most stairwells, there’s a hollow wall,” Gaines said in a recent Facebook video. “And this is a really good example of [something that] doesn’t require a lot of money or thought, but you can really add value and story to your space by simply cutting out — correctly — what’s underneath the stairs, creating bookshelves, more storage, or even like we have …this little reading nook.”
Joanna Gaines’ Tips for Making the Most of Dead Space
Gaines knocked out the drywall under the stairs to install built-in drawers and a daybed for reading on (similar to this $400 DIY update!). This upgrade could also serve as a makeshift mudroom, with gloves, hats, and shoes stored in the drawers.
In the Instagram caption, Gaines adds, “All the things you could create under the dead space of your stairs: reading nook, bookshelves/library, coffee bar, desk/office nook, toy storage, Etc. etc!!” There are endless possibilities!
To really capitalize on the opportunity, Gaines also suggests updating the stair railing to be “more reflective of your style.” She did just that at Mountain House, switching out the decorative iron railing for a design inspired by vintage ski chalets.
If you’re dealing with stairs that curve around a corner, that dead space under the landing may be best used as an indoor doghouse or small playroom for kids. Or, on the contrary, the space may be large enough to install a full door and convert it into a pantry or closet.
Look at the dead space under your stairs and start mapping out its potential. This project may just be the one that changes the flow of your home for the better!