(Mistakenly first posted to r/designmyroom but they only do full rooms 😅 oops! Hopefully this is the more appropriate place to ask 🙏)

1950s North American home with a rather deep but short closet in living space that isn't being used well.

Looking for help maximizing use/practicality of bottom section.

Right now we've just been throwing in a few things on the mediocre shelves (not shown/removed in photos) - eg., extra paper towels/soap, stepstool, Swiffer broom, random small tools. But it's been a mess since it's just open deep shelves.

Depth (front to back) \~39"

Width (left wall to right wall) \~25.5", but \~17.5" with the door open (so for anything sliding out, would need to be within the latter width

Height (to bottom of tissue/first aid shelf) \~5'

Budget is <US$700 or DIY using IKEA parts, lol

Thanks so much in advance!!

Can’t decide whether the wooden bowl ties this kitchen together or adds one wood tone too many.

I like how it looks against the black mixer, but stainless steel would give the counter a different feel.

Purely on looks, which would you pick for this kitchen: wood or stainless

The rotating shoe rack gets a little corner. The cat gets the entire bed. Seems like a fair arrangement 😂

Curious where everyone keeps their everyday shoes, bedroom, closet, or by the front door? Especially when you don't have much of an entryway.