Home Improvement Project: Staircase Landing Part 1

How will you use the empty spaces at the landing of a flight of stairs in your home? For my case, it has turned into another messy, unorganized shoe storage area which keeps piling up over time. After almost three years, I decided it is time to do something about it before it turned into another infamous leaning tower of shoebox as the collection grew. If a picture paints a thousand words, then the photo below shall explain everything.

I have been considering the following options, weighting the pros and cons.

1)Moving these shoe boxes to another location – this will most likely move the mess from Point A to Point B, not a good option.

2)Getting some readymade shoe storage/cabinet – it’s probably an easy option and cost effective too, but the only thing with readymade solution is whether it fit in properly into the space and the overall interior design theme.

3)Installing adjustable wall shelving system such as ANTONIUS series from IKEA with options to leave it in open concept, or hide it with curtain or some custom doors – such system can be customized, change, reconfigured and expanded overtime when needed which is a practical solution.

4)Custom made to order furniture piece – could be pricey, and even outdated if designed to be trendy. Some may last a lifetime too if built with quality in mind carrying design which is not easily be replaced over time.

I’m very much inclined toward option 3 and 4; however it is also the costlier options. But thinking about the possibilities for multiple usages beside storing shoes, I think it is an option to go for as a long term solution despite, a bigger hole in the pocket.

After taking some measurements (as usual, before shopping for furniture/pieces), I discovered that the developer who built my house gave me slanted walls. Sigh.., besides that, I’ve also discovered, the various walls and ceiling that made up that area is actually a couple of trapeziums instead of right angled rectangles....I made a call to a close family friend who happens to be a good and skilful carpenter for advice. He will be coming over to have a look before making any recommendations. He shall be visiting us soon...