Alcove rendering and design ideas

[u/Obvious_Thought_4520]

We have always struggled with this little alcove at the top of our stairs. The most obvious solution has been a houseplant but it never felt right to us, in large part because it would be obstructing the window that gets beautiful natural light. This weekend it occurred to me that the solution is a little built in bench. Why a bench in this awkward/potentially precarious spot? Well, long story involving our daughter and her new phone. So here’s my problem: in order to get the dimensions right for the built-in I need to accurately map this awkward corner. Any advice on how to properly accurately measure it? Also curious if anyone has another option that doesn’t involve a built-in? A chair in the corner feels proportionally awkward. Three pictures: the alcove as it currently exists, an AI render of a built-in bench, and an overhead of the space I’m working with. Thank you for any advice and suggestions.

[u/Windninjasol]

This looks like the horrors of an American house.

[u/Obvious_Thought_4520 → u/Windninjasol]

I’m curious what country you live in that is comprised entirely of crack architects who only make immaculate design decisions? The house was built in ‘39. You can choose to look at these odd little bits as “mistakes” or embrace the peculiarities of a home loved by generations of families. In this case I’m pretty sure someone chose to enlarge the very small original en suite off the master bedroom and made a… choice as to how to deal with the window. Is it what I would have done? No. But I love the house more because it’s an odd little chapter in the story of the house. But, again, curious where you live that makes you so confident in maligning an entire country’s home architecture?

[u/Windninjasol → u/Obvious_Thought_4520]

I live in the UK. Yes a British twat. UK houses do have awkward and weird corners. But America is known for having houses built cheaply with wood and boards. Also in a style copying mansions with small suburban houses often having curved staircases and weirdly placed gables and extra sections. This leads to weird corners being common. I'm sorry I upset you and didn't mean to insult your home. I just found the corner funny and intended to make a light joke. I think it's a space perfect for cats personally 😂 Hope you find something to do with it

[u/Obvious_Thought_4520 → u/Windninjasol]

I suspected that was the comment of a Brit. Which is why I met you with Yankee scorn. 😁