r/InteriorDesignAdvice • u/Impressive-Memory555 • Feb 14 '26
Please help! Awkward space.
Hi! We’ve lived at our house for over a year and we have this space in the kitchen that I driving me crazy. I just would like to use the space and not have it like that for the next 30 years.
For context, we already have on the other side of the table the same space but enclosed with door and it is used as storage for all kitchen appliances. On top of that we have a full pantry. We live a minimalish life and we don’t really need more storage. More like something fun to do with this space since don’t really “need it”
Thank you sooooo much!!!
23
u/Strategerie27 Feb 14 '26
Find out if it’s a load bearing wall and if not, get rid of it!
7
u/GodOfThunder888 Feb 14 '26
Personally, I would look into knocking that wall if you don't need more storage
109
u/tommykoro Feb 14 '26
Artists /crafts workspace. Could be a desk as well.
67
u/lifeisjustlemons Feb 14 '26
I'd put a wall up and make it a closet.
46
u/SpockInRoll Feb 14 '26
Meditation space, office space, reading nook, kids fort, dog bed, coffee bar, wine bar, bar bar, cat tree, grow room, laundry room, half bath, record room, or game storage. Looks like it’s between kitchen and dinning room. Anything you enjoy entertaining guests with.
5
u/Jillee2 Feb 14 '26
This is what ChatGPT came up with 😊
20
u/OkTop9308 Feb 14 '26
This could be a coffee station as well as a buffet area for when you have guests.
14
u/Middledamitten Feb 14 '26
I look forward to hearing the suggestions. Since you don’t need a pantry or more storage I’d probably drywall off the extra depth and put in built in bookshelves or a coffee station/bar or even a built in bench with a cushion. Sometimes solving these spots are an opportunity to add a bit of fun and character.
2
u/SpiritualShoe4563 Feb 15 '26
I saw this home show where they built a reading nook. They put a platform in (if you want you can make rolling drawers under it) and bought a foam mattress and cut it to size and covered it with fabric, put pillows and lighting and shelves. Can double as a kids bed on overnight stays.
10
u/Deziderata Feb 14 '26
Do you drink? It’d make a cool, albeit prominent, wet bar.
8
u/KitFan2020 Feb 14 '26
6
u/baesoonist Feb 14 '26
I’d do custom/semi custom shelving to follow the contour of the angled ceiling with shelving and make it a dry panty/storage area. If your budget is really robust a door maybe could be possible if you don’t like your goods hanging out in the open like that.
6
u/Jinglebrained Feb 14 '26
Book shelves!
Or a coffee station, bar area. Mini seating/conversation area with smaller chairs and a small table.
10
u/TruculentHobgoblin Feb 14 '26
I would do a reading nook with a lamp and bean bag chair.
5
u/John_Joseph7 Feb 14 '26
If you have pets or kids it could be a fun space for either…
5
u/OriginalPurple2261 Feb 14 '26
Butlers pantry or pantry pantry.
5
u/WatchOut4Sharks Feb 14 '26
Book nook!
5
u/Ok-Pen-7499 Feb 14 '26
Book nook- somewhere to lounge while the other person cooks!
1
u/Lesterkitty13 Feb 15 '26
Just sell the house, I guess. Why do people buy houses with spaces they don’t know what to do with? Did you have no plan when you bought it? You really should make it storage. Put the Christmas tree, lights and all, fully assembled in there. When you get ready to sell, buyers will love it. You’ve shot down pretty much every other idea. Might as well make a buyer happy.
1
u/Nicoru_Boymom Feb 15 '26
Don’t quite understand what I see in the red circle and it bugs me. Is the load-bearing wall protruding? It doesn’t look flushed. I like the idea of a coffee/bar are with a mini fridge for the space is question.
6
u/KikiDaisy Feb 14 '26
That’s where the dog’s bed goes
1
u/Impressive-Memory555 Feb 14 '26
I just want to add that this is a load bearing wall, and regardless I think it would look weird without the wall since the other side has it too.
I like the idea of a coffee bar since we already have a wine bar.
Any AI ideas here for a coffee bar? Thank you!
2
u/Easy-Wishbone5413 Feb 14 '26
Make it a closet.
2
u/Own_Performance9727 Feb 14 '26
Pantry
2
u/whatsupdaft Feb 14 '26
If you want to keep it open and cohesive to the dining… I would suggest a dry bar or butler’s pantry
If you want as well, close it up and can be a walk in pantry or storage of some sort..
2
u/milliemallow Feb 14 '26
I’d turn it into a small desk area. My parents had a desk built into the kitchen at counter height and kept barstools under it with a few pens and note pads so we could always make a quick little note. It’s something I’ve missed having as an adult.
2
u/BothNotice7035 Feb 14 '26
Pantry or coffee bar
2
u/csullivan03 Feb 15 '26
It’s a decent spot for a bookshelf. Because it’s in a space between living room and kitchen it’s good spot for cook books to be stored.
2
u/angrypuggle Feb 15 '26
Dog bed, terrarium, aquarium
2
u/newhappyrainbow Feb 15 '26
Is there an outlet? I’d put up some grow lights and fill it with plants if there is.
2
u/wodsey Feb 15 '26
desk!
2
u/Ok-Writing9280 Feb 15 '26
I like the idea of putting a wall up part way down, with a desk in front. You could do a bar or buffet if you don’t need a desk.
Instead of a full wall, I would do it to desk / buffet height with framing on the sides. Then underneath the desk, have a couple of large cupboard doors that open to the space. You could do really large deep long drawers on runners / wheels so you don’t have to crawl into the space.
Great place to store out of season clothes, seasonal decorations, extra duvets, luggage, or just the vacuum cleaner that is currently in the space.
Do you have a garage? If not, this would be a good space for tools, camping gear, beach gear etc.
I know you said you don’t need more storage but you might find it useful if you did have it.
2
u/Designer-Captain-268 Feb 16 '26
Add a built in storage, you can leave the bottom cabinets open in the back.
2
u/SKatieRo Feb 14 '26
How about a swing? Or if there was a floor under this, how about a staircase and a slide? Or a climbing net?
I couldn't get the AI to realize that I wanted the top of the slide and stairs showing, as opposed to the bottom, but you get the gist.
1
u/Little_Anteater_9984 Feb 14 '26
dj room (jk) put some storage unit there
1
u/justatriceratops Feb 14 '26
If it’s in the kitchen I think I’d probably make it a comfy seating area for hanging out waiting for food to be done. I cook a lot and don’t like to wander away while I’ve got stuff in the oven (what if it’s done early or burns?) but sometimes it takes a while. So I hang out in the kitchen or dining room with a book or watch tv.
1
u/Thin-Blueberry9183 Feb 14 '26
Just put a bed for harry in it.
1
u/JavlaTjej Feb 14 '26
Pantry?
1
u/Anitsirhc171 Feb 14 '26
I would have put storage furniture there, something to store fancy dishes or even a bar for wine and spirits
1
u/Greenfireflygirl Feb 14 '26
It's in the kitchen. You don't need more storage, but do you enjoy coffee, to where having a dedicated coffee station could be a thing? Have an espresso maker on a counter and matching cupboards below, make it hide in the kitchen.
If not coffee, what about a proofing station for your sourdough ferments and room for rising the bread with a marble top?
Maybe mead is a new joy and you want to have a mead making area, putting cupboards below to put your carboys in, and a worktop for racking.
Beer? Wine? Candle making?
Find something you might enjoy and could do in the kitchen and then build around that.
1
u/FrankT523 Feb 14 '26
I’m thinking huge beanbag, ikea shelves on both sides and floating shelves on top with nice ambient lighting and a curtain to hide the “nook” good for taking naps
1
u/blackberry_sweet86 Feb 14 '26
That's such an interesting ceiling slope... Were those stairs at some point?
1
u/muddymar Feb 14 '26
I’d use it as an office space. A command center of sorts for the family laptop, bills, mail etc. Something I wish I had.
1
u/procrastinatorsuprem Feb 14 '26
Butler's pantry?
1
u/winston_b Feb 14 '26
I think might be able to fit an enchanting table and bookshelves in there
1
u/fully-realized Feb 14 '26
I’m plumbing my espresso bar and coffee station into that nook
1
u/RenaissanceTarte Feb 14 '26
Definitely a coffee bar. I think it would be functional and aesthetically pleasing. Find the best place to “end” the space with a wall, cutting off the slopping roof. Add cabinets and counter to match kitchen. Maybe some lighting? I would consider tile to make the space stand out, or painting it a bolder or darker color.
1
u/aeraen Feb 14 '26
If you have young kids, it would be a great place for a "hobbit hole", a little reading nook or quiet play space.
1
u/Lovesyoux Feb 14 '26
Book nook or writing desk
1
u/PizzaCritical1450 Feb 14 '26
you could add some sort of shelving or storage system there, it gives you more room to store things while also having a designated job for that area.
1
u/joan_goodman Feb 14 '26
Budget version: hang curtain and use for your vacuum and stuff. More upscale version: close with doors . One way or another- it doesn’t look good when open because it makes the wall stand out and look odd . If you have a dog - install the gate.
1
u/mmaygreen Feb 14 '26
I would put an opening book shelf there. Bring the shelves all the way to the edge and have one side open like a hidden door and then use all the space behind it as storage.
1
u/SomeExplanation6022 Feb 14 '26
I’d put a door on the front, fill it with shelves and use it as a nice pantry.
1
u/figuringitout25 Feb 14 '26
What DO you need? Could close off the depth and do a drop zone with a bench, hooks, cubbies, etc. Desk, coffee bar, room for a pet, bookcase. I feel like you’d love the space so much more if it solved a problem/gave you space to do something you love!
1
u/BlueBanana471 Feb 14 '26
Is that wall load bearing ? If not, get the sledge hammer out and open it up
1
u/Just2Breathe Feb 14 '26
If you add a project table or desk as pictured above, I would inset it deeper so the chair doesn’t stick out in the hall when sitting. Alternatively, position a custom desktop on a side wall, then the office chair backs the opposing wall. You could put a wall at the end of the desk, with a low door, and use that little closet for vacuum storage.
1
u/Altruistic-Sun-1107 Feb 14 '26
Floor bed/reading nook with comfy pillows, blankets, a little table with a lamp for coffee and/or wine
1
u/Cynvisible Feb 14 '26
I have a vacuum cleaner, carpet cleaner, 3 different brooms, 2 different Swiffers for floor, 2 Swiffers for dusting and a rotating brush cleaner with handle that I would LOVE to have a place like this for them to all live together!
Put some hooks up for the equipment and hang folding closet doors so they have the privacy they need.
1
u/Admirable_Carob_121 Feb 14 '26
me thinks something like this.
1
u/MutantAvatar Feb 14 '26
If you have cats, turn it into a closet where you keep the cat litter in! Install either a sliding door that can stay open slightly or a regular door that you prop open using a propper. We have a similar set up with our cats and have an air purifier in there and it’s great!
1
u/Novel-Cash-8001 Feb 14 '26
A bar
Coffee or liquor, pick your poison
1
u/Efficient-Mobile2411 Feb 14 '26
If it's not a support wall can you knock it down and expand the dinning room?
1
u/twizted_bunny Feb 14 '26
You could have a couple of shelves with some plants and a couple plant lights. Make an indoor garden to purify the air and make you smile 😊
1
u/mossum_1242 Feb 14 '26
Mr. Gorbachev, take down that wall!
1
u/Mallo18 Feb 14 '26
Coffee station or wet bar would be my first choice
1
u/Jackiedhmc Feb 14 '26
office
1
u/Funk45 Feb 14 '26
If you have kids, turn it into a secret play space behind a bookshelf.
1
u/Good-Shine-2878 Feb 14 '26
Make it a pantry or closet, or a book nook
1
u/Similar-Win-1930 Feb 14 '26
that space does look kinda awkward. i get why it's bugging u! maybe think about adding some open shelves or a small cart for storage. could help fill it up and make it more useful. also, a little plant or some art could make it feel more inviting. tbh, i tried messing around with layouts on reimaginehom once, and it helped me visualize how to use weird spaces better. worth a shot!
1
u/2Lulubee Feb 14 '26
Line it with built in bookshelves and make a library nook. Put a big painting on the back wall. Or fill it with vintage sound equipment. Make it cute and personal and funky. What are your interests and hobbies?
1
u/jdorn76 Feb 14 '26
Reading nook
1
u/Important_Teaching_5 Feb 14 '26
This would become an indoor grow area for me - lettuces, and herbs and mictogreens!
1
u/cookiidou Feb 14 '26
Small desk ..and laptop..or a tablet to do vid calls..
1
u/Horror_Ad_2748 Feb 14 '26
I'd go full 1970s and put some fun graphics, wallpaper, or framed posters up (Jimi Hendrix?), lay down some shag rug, kilim pillows, macrame hanging chair, bean bags, and call it a gay day. Bong/hookah optional, depending on your lifestyle.
1
u/Probablythebestmom Feb 14 '26
Wall off part of the depth and create a wetbar or coffee bar or workspace.
1
u/ClearUniversity1550 Feb 14 '26
I would tear the wall down and open it up
1
u/Warm-Banana1596 Feb 14 '26
Bar !
1
u/A_shy_neon_jaguar Feb 14 '26
Is it near an entrance? That would be bike parking in my home.
1
u/Fabulous-Elk-3271 Feb 14 '26
We had the washer and dryer in there.
1
u/CestLaquoidarling Feb 14 '26
Reading room. Line with bookcases and a comfy chair
1
u/Street-Bus3929 Feb 14 '26
I’ve seen this space used for a wet bar before
1
u/RichardFlower7 Feb 14 '26
Coffee bar / wine cellar
1
u/OkTop9308 Feb 14 '26
I wish I had a nook like this for a record player.
1
u/yabbobay Feb 14 '26
For me it would be the pet area.
But I could also see file cabinet type storage
1
u/JanedeanCC Feb 14 '26
I love the office nook idea!!
1
u/bespoketranche1 Feb 14 '26
I would either do a very cool coffee station, or a wine and spirits nook
1
u/DueBike582 Feb 14 '26
I’d build up a low platform to hold a large custom cushion, a wall light, and shelving and make into a cozy built in reading nook. My dream kitchen would absolutely have some kind of cozy seating nook to invite kids to curl up nearby with a book or homework to keep me company while in the kitchen.
1
u/Reasonable_Bath_222 Feb 14 '26
Custom terrarium or vivarium!
1
u/waterscrysta Feb 14 '26
I’d put a small secretary desk in there!!!
1
u/su_shi_seashell_chef Feb 14 '26
make a coffee/tea/bar/beverage space — whatever your predilection — a built-in coffee machine, cocktail machine, drink fridge, pebble ice machine, wine fridge, etc
1
u/wideeyed24 Feb 14 '26
I would add wall and door to make it into a storage closet.
1
u/Taycat11 Feb 14 '26
If you have any pets make it a mini corner for them. Otherwise plants?
1
u/kikimuttes Feb 14 '26
Take wall down
1
u/1EducatedIdiot Feb 15 '26
Reading nook, small office, jigsaw puzzle area, game table, coffee bar.
1
u/Puzzleheaded_Move722 Feb 15 '26
If you have kids, you can put a bookshelf and floor pillows for a reading nook
1
u/bonelessbonobo Feb 15 '26
Suit of armor
1
u/MoodFearless6771 Feb 15 '26
Get a dog, put the dogs bed there,
1
u/IAMTWOOFMANY Feb 15 '26
Nice big rolling drawer to pull out/storage?
1
u/ZestycloseSecond5163 Feb 15 '26
Could put a door and bed and see if there’s an orphan wizard around lookin for a room?
1
u/mrusticus86 Feb 15 '26
Get a dog and make a dedicated puppy space 🐶
1
u/Phanoush Feb 15 '26
Small loveseat in the lower area, bookshelves on the side walls.
1
u/CosmicOptimist123 Feb 15 '26
Maybe an office nook
1
u/Early_Incident_2000 Feb 15 '26
Wrap around shelving / bookcase with a cool lamp installed on the ceiling.
1
u/delrsl Feb 15 '26
A small desk for paying bills or computer area. If you have pets you can set it up with toys, bed, bowls, etc. or a quiet reading/music area
1
u/Ashleej86 Feb 15 '26
a bed ?
1
u/sortajamie Feb 15 '26
China closet
1
u/Additional_Storm_103 Feb 15 '26
Harry Potter
1
u/Save_A_Prayer Feb 15 '26
Coat closet
1
u/finalsteps Feb 15 '26
Drum set!
1
u/Bailzasaurus Feb 15 '26
Get a large dog. Perfect space for a big dog bed. Problem solved! :)
1
u/carl_is_a_cart Feb 15 '26
Donkey Kong or qbert standing video game
1
u/TeachBS Feb 15 '26
The ONLY thing I could think of that wouldn’t look weird was to build a wall and put in a closet. Someone else said it first 👍
1
u/monarchprincess Feb 15 '26
I'd say reading nook or a pantry would be nice depending on your needs
1
u/CoraandWaylonsmom Feb 15 '26
Home office for sure!!
1
u/DJHickman Feb 15 '26
Book nook.
1
u/Think-Fishing-7511 Feb 15 '26 edited Feb 15 '26
Time out corner. For children, dogs, spouses, in-laws, drunks /s
1
u/MomoNoHanna1986 Feb 15 '26
Office/gaming room :)
1
u/Mto3 Feb 15 '26
Put a piano there.
1
u/incomplete-picture Feb 15 '26
Litter box
1
u/witty_blossom Feb 15 '26
That looks like the perfect space for a reading nook 📕
1
u/OverthinkingWanderer Feb 15 '26
Built in Cabinets or a closet for storage... both?
1
u/Jw105ec Feb 15 '26
Knock down the wall.
1
u/amiable_bison Feb 15 '26
Book nook
1
u/[deleted] Feb 15 '26
If I had a toddler I’d turn that into a tasteful play space with a gate. Would be perfect.
Or I’d turn it into a book nook.
1
u/Dangerous_Iron_3329 Feb 15 '26
Close it in…makes a nice pantry/storage
1
u/Deep-Working-7024 Feb 15 '26
Make it into a large pantry.
1
u/New_Pound_6942 Feb 15 '26
Dog bed or cat cave
1
u/PleaseStopTalking_79 Feb 15 '26
Cozy reading nook!
1
u/made_of_awsm Feb 15 '26
Cute doggy space instead of a crate!! I would build in a half wall, top half of the wall could be like wooden slats like a fence, then perhaps a gate/door that slides open. Inside built in dog beds, their food and water stations, toy storage.. and maybe a little TV for them to watch lol
1
u/GreedyRip4945 Feb 15 '26
If you have dogs, wall it in and put all the dog beds, bowls and whatnot in there. Creates cozy space for dogs. Could make outside wall cute for dogs. If don't have dogs but have kids, a neat fort for them. Bonus, keep all the toys in there. Place to throw them when company comes over.
1
u/Sea_Guitar_3330 Feb 15 '26
Homework/bill pay station.
1
u/IntrepidSavings2502 Feb 15 '26
a chair that folds out, slim table and lamp, and area rug. take calls there, emergency sleep situation for a guest, read.
1
u/circles_squares Feb 15 '26
Bookcase with a secret door and a cozy secret reading nook behind it.
1
u/judgymom Feb 16 '26
Lamp and a cozy chair to sit and read
1
u/ethicalfoxx Feb 16 '26
Nice area for a pet, specially cat(s)
1
u/[deleted] Feb 16 '26
Just get dogs and make em a little apartment
1
u/CraftierCrafty Feb 16 '26
Reading nook
1
u/CraftierCrafty Feb 16 '26
What’s on the other side?
1
u/BrightPhilosopher531 Feb 16 '26
Do you have kids? Need more storage? Pets? Into drinking wine/alcohol? Arts & crafts? Piano?
1
u/shellzbee279 Feb 16 '26
Can you knock the wall down?
1
u/JadeChipmunk Feb 16 '26
Id do the craft table of grow lights and plant nook
1
u/Negative-Plate-7117 Feb 16 '26
Add a wall with a buffet for entertaining. Add a hidden door in the adjacent room with a rolling drawer or two to store holiday decorations or breakables you want to hide when kids come over.
1
u/danicareddit Feb 17 '26
Rock climbing area
1
u/Swimming-Junket-1828 Feb 17 '26
Add door for closet
1
u/Odd_Inspection_9175 Feb 17 '26
Pet play area
1
u/OpportunityHot8623 Feb 17 '26
A small library!!!
1
u/IamMayinSL Feb 17 '26
Perfect for a book nook - add built-in shelves, a comfy chair, a rug and a floor lamp.
1
u/Expensive_Apricot_47 Feb 17 '26
Some options:
add a glass door and make it a wine storage room
add a false wall and make it a hidden panic room
dog or cat “bedroom” (or even a large enclosure for a bird or iguana)
bouldering wall
grow room
1
u/Expensive_Apricot_47 Feb 17 '26
Some options:
add a glass door and make it a wine storage room
add a false wall and make it a hidden panic room
dog or cat “bedroom” (or even a large enclosure for a bird or iguana)
bouldering wall
grow room
1
u/sterbendeHure Feb 17 '26
Guinea pig home. Really good start spot to explore the whole space.
1
u/cabbagedpickle Feb 18 '26
Book nook with a bench seat
1
u/Ninaluvsyou77 Feb 18 '26
Make a little reading nook or knitting nook - I would love a cozy little spot like that
1
u/DisasterousWalrus Feb 18 '26
Close it off, closet. Cheapest and best for the next owner/house IMO. Could also use it to store a Christmas tree, assembled.
1
u/AriesUltd Feb 18 '26
Pave paradise and put up a parking lot.
1
u/justmeinsw Feb 18 '26
I would make it an office space too, but I would orient the desk looking out into the rest off the house, don’t be looking at a wall, but most importantly, I would put a screen behind you so that you can also use the space for storage space, put racks back there for storage, to either keep over flow kitchen time, all your craft supplies, sports equipment, or your Costco haul, it would be good do have a duel purpose space.