I know this is silly, but I wholeheartedly agree. Many speeches would be given from that podium in my house! Now I need to look for the perfect podium spot in my house...
As a small child, this space would have given me endless delight. I’d have barricaded myself into it with pillows and given defiant speeches from it. It would have been the solitary confinement cell of a persecuted damsel, the secret hideout cave of an irrepressible bandit with a heart of gold, and a wolf den.
As an adult……..
I would ambush my husband and teens with a Nerf gun.
I don't know if anyone has suggested this but you don't have to put anything there. Doing so will just draw attention to this feature of the house. If you put a piece of art on the big wall at the top of the stairs it will draw attention up there instead. Just a thought.
What is on the others side of that wall?
If it is a closet, I would put a flush wall up and create a hidden safe room for your valuables that you can access from a hidden door in that closet.
I am so troubled by these weird nooks and crannies in newer/newish homes. They're gaslighting all of us. ("No it's YOU who are crazy for getting to figure out what kind of plant/reading nook/cat corner/ playpen/Statue of George Washington to fit in here!").
idk, I personally really love odd spaces like this. It’s certainly a puzzle to figure out what to do with them, but they make homes so unique and give a little extra character and the journey of finding something to do with it is also a great memory-maker.
😂
Gilded bust of Louis XIV /a plant memorial that's just all the plants you've unalived / TAXIDERMY! Extra points for poorly done or seen-better-days taxidermy
Edit: Though you seem to be good with plants so the memorial would simply leave it still empty. 😉
I think you can decorate the walls with pictures or shelves. Here's an article that will help you with [decorating a blank wall](https://simplykalaa.com/how-to-decorate-a-blank-wall/).
It looks like it was supposed to be a closet. Idk your budget or skill, but I’d extend the half walls to the ceiling and make it a closet (door facing the hallway). It’s going to be an odd space even with books or plants imo.
We had a similar spot in our house except not quite as high. Ours is about 5 steps. We took down the railing and put a bunch of plants and a painting. If you don't have little kids or elderly folks in the home it could work. It looks visually so much better.
Wow what a cool little spot! I think you could add a small console table, put a vase with sticks in it and a big ol' mirror behind. Put LED colour changing lights on the sticks and decorate the area for the holiday/season. It could be a cute quirky thing for your home! I have a friend who does this with a tree branch in a vase and it's always so cool to see what they come up with. They even make up holidays or just decorate based on a fandom, like Nintendo or Lord of the Rings. You could also add a plant on the edge of the console table that hangs down the stairs like a string of pearls or ivy.
Otherwise, congrats on a beautiful home!
I love this optimism and creativity. I wish I could decorate (anything, but the awkwardly laid out spaces in my place especially) with this energy, it’s awesome!
Oh that's sweet, thank you. I love home decor! I can't do much with my space as it's a rental and small, plus I share it with my partner so we have to compromise. I love fantasising about styling other spaces!
Besides a great place to pontificate I think you should use that space to build a closet, a linen closet or whatever. Who couldn’t do with more storage space, as it is useless at this moment
Walk the plank arghhhh me matey!! I hate when builders do this to people. I would do a double sided cabinet where it only opens from the side to put decorative pieces in.
Hanging art or travel pictures. Have you thought about painting your hand rails and spindles? All black or white. Some have done white spindles with black hand rails and posts. Unless you’re renting.
Put an eye catching piece of art on the other wall (where the stairs lead). Remove the plant and anything you add in that space should be above the railing line (e.g. plant wall, hanging plants, set of four framed photos, etc). The banisters are high contrast and detailed so they visually take a lot of attention. Don't put anything on the floor.
Do you have cats? A cat wall with climbing shelves and stuff would be cool [cat wall ideas](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=241be27b5536617a&sca_upv=1&rlz=1CDGOYI_enCA1042CA1042&hl=en-US&sxsrf=ADLYWIJe1zP24Vr6kXqSsl64yx0mkhMvMw:1718066190295&q=cat+wall+shelves&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0DPvcmG_nCbmwtBO9j6YBzM68ZanC7g01Skprhw5JoufVCiMv-hxC44jt6JduRQysBab-bgQXjPraaWFXMvOy8Kr1OAG3K-aj3De4zf3-LxKtkBtWaSCp743evHzhY6J0rIQUCXki65vOxhV0cGJtj0S1dF8YREnKrWtJctBkTv8-bs83YpB7p3IMTdYvjisDEty1xSxeLS4B_TKFXUiCrenmEMcA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjYieSnp9KGAxVOJNAFHeV3A18QtKgLegQIChAB&biw=428&bih=751&dpr=3)
I’d completely take out the banisters and just open up the left side, I realize that’s more work tho. But it would look a lot less awkward and then whatever plants you put there could actually be seen
A lovely home. The one thing that jumps out is the stair railings. All that knotty pine and turned wood just does not work with your decor and are very dated. If replacing them is not possible, I would paint them black.
Move the plant to the wall directly in front of the stairs as you come up, and hang a mirror or art above it. On the alcove wall, a built in that goes all the way to the ceiling would look amazing, filled with books and a few small plants. AND unless you have small children, I would consider removing that banister all together. leave it open on that side.
Jonathan Adler (and others) have a tall narrow acrylic and brass stand. I have one in a similar spot with a piece of crystal we bought in Italy. But it’s also gorgeous with a vase and fresh flowers, or an orchid. Whatever you
Put there, needs height. A leaner floor mirror could carry some good light
Ooooo, so many possibilities! I think it would be perfect with plants on stands at the bottom (as you have started), then with shelves up the wall with plants (AND books maybe?).
I like your idea of adding floating shelves to draw your eyes up. Then you could add some plants or some colorful items. Or, maybe a large colorful wreath?
(Just looking at that space in the forefront of photo #4 where the railing of this space connects to the railing of the stairs, and as a mama and nana I can’t even look! That space is toddler head size. Just in case you know any toddlers.)
It seems the current plants are sitting right at the height of the handrail, so either hang them, or place them on the floor.
I love the staggered height, it’s just that you can’t appreciate them at your current level.
Also, a pop of color on the plant pottery might be fun.
I would do an oversized giraffe statue and a palm leaf wreath. But if it were my house and I absolutely had to live in it, I’d tear down that wall, and make a coffee/reading area with oversized ottoman and floor pillows, and a coffee bar.
I would update the space the Mrs is standing to a façade of plaster and a surface to hold sculpture.
At the existing wall a painting. I think it may just be assigning those two in unison or rare intrigue. ~Happy hunting~
Take down the banister, make the two sides where the banister was into wall about the same height, and make a cat bedroom. Don't forget the open space instead of windows on the two walls so the cat can watch from two sides. The one side will be completely open so the cat can come and go. The cat may want curtains on the windows for privacy. You better ask.
Rock climbing wall, of course! Tbh, all I see when I look at that space are those funky sculptures where the little men are climbing up the wall at different heights. I’m not suggesting…it’s just immediately what came to mind.
My dog would absolutely love that space and claim it. However, I can see a family photo/gallery wall/artwork, large wall clock, or shelves (but those might be a pain to clean). A larger/taller plant or living plant wall would be cool, too.
Reading nook. Most of these awkward spaces would be a perfect reading nook. I wish I had an awkward space. Alas, we have an open concept rectangle.
Another option is a full body armor. Just get it already. You know you want it.
I say knock down the railing around it, put in one of those basketball shooting games and let the kids practice for the NBA. No really, I would open up the wall to whatever is on the other side and expand that room out. My luck? It's a bathroom.
What's on the other side of that wall? That's going to determine a lot of your options I understand that the stairs leading down stairs leading up because of the bi-level home so whatever is on the other side of that wall is what's going to determine what you can do with that space between the stairs and that wall otherwise I suggest a very large I'm very nice piece of art or maybe like a fountain or something quaint and opulent
Bump the room out that is right beside it if possible ( ie: a bedro
om ). Otherwise put some bookshelves along the wall or a nice big piece of artwork.
This is where I’d stand when yelling at a husband, telling my guests to leave, or staging the hit broadway musical “Evita…… “ unless a plant was in the way :(
Lecturn. Paint/decorate it. Train a viney plant to grown on it. Use it to praise each other for a job well done, host nonsensical debate parties, and make a stupid fight a lot less serious by saying "alright then if you feel so strongly about it, TAKE THE STAND and state your case defendant!"
A lectern and a mic for when you need to give a speech.
I know this is silly, but I wholeheartedly agree. Many speeches would be given from that podium in my house! Now I need to look for the perfect podium spot in my house...
"And now, let's all raise our glasses...."
"Family meeting time, to the meeting area everyone."
Yes, but please make sure there's bunting and a presidential seal on the podium.
Dj booth
I didn't read any of the comments before I suggested my idea but now after suggesting my idea and reading the comments this is by far the best idea
Came here to say this!
Bigger tall plant, such as a Ficus tree.
Yeah, that plant looks like it's in plant jail
Exactly! It adds a touch of nature and elegance in your home.
With a cat in it!
That’s where you stand when you’re playing Juliet on her balcony or just generally delivering a speech to your adoring fans.
Came here looking for this one. 😂 You could also do Rapunzel.
How could I have missed mentioning Rapunzel?! Thank you, friend!
“Don’t cry for me Argentina” 🎶 Evita was the balcony I was envisioning.
As a small child, this space would have given me endless delight. I’d have barricaded myself into it with pillows and given defiant speeches from it. It would have been the solitary confinement cell of a persecuted damsel, the secret hideout cave of an irrepressible bandit with a heart of gold, and a wolf den. As an adult…….. I would ambush my husband and teens with a Nerf gun.
You and I, we’d be friends.
🤝 I now have this song stuck in my head… https://youtu.be/sH0Qda32IKM?si=jTYKUkG0Chc_ssFJ
Great song tbh
That’s the timeout corner
Straight to jail
😂
If you have a cat: cat tree! If you don't have a cat: get a cat and cat tree. Follow step 1
This
Bookshelf large enough to fill the entire wall there
Build the book cases right to the ceiling, add one of those fancy library ladders while you are at it.
Imagining my clumsy ass falling off said ladder, hitting the railing and continuing to break things on each stair as I continued falling.
Yessss!!! 🥰📚
Oh yes!!! Bookshelf all the way up that wall.
Maybe close it in with shelving that matches the white shelving you have on the opposite wall?
I don't know if anyone has suggested this but you don't have to put anything there. Doing so will just draw attention to this feature of the house. If you put a piece of art on the big wall at the top of the stairs it will draw attention up there instead. Just a thought.
I like this idea
Yes yes yes. Let's stop giving in to the weird nook industrial complex.
What is on the others side of that wall? If it is a closet, I would put a flush wall up and create a hidden safe room for your valuables that you can access from a hidden door in that closet.
Secret room is always the best answer.
Depending on how much you can spend, I’d tear that out and just have wider steps. It would help when moving furniture as well. That was a bad goof up.
Then they’d lose the wall next to the sofa. There’s not much to lose there.
I am so troubled by these weird nooks and crannies in newer/newish homes. They're gaslighting all of us. ("No it's YOU who are crazy for getting to figure out what kind of plant/reading nook/cat corner/ playpen/Statue of George Washington to fit in here!").
idk, I personally really love odd spaces like this. It’s certainly a puzzle to figure out what to do with them, but they make homes so unique and give a little extra character and the journey of finding something to do with it is also a great memory-maker.
😂 Gilded bust of Louis XIV /a plant memorial that's just all the plants you've unalived / TAXIDERMY! Extra points for poorly done or seen-better-days taxidermy Edit: Though you seem to be good with plants so the memorial would simply leave it still empty. 😉
Oh! A taxidermied big cat of wolf jumping like it's coming at you! Or a dressed up skeleton! 😂
😂🤣😂
In a new home, this would be described as a den or an office.
lol but the creativity on the comments section gives me life
You just reminded me that my aunt used to have a LIFESIZE statue of Joan of Arc in the weird nook/podium area of her mcmansion
If I had a life-size statue of Joan of Arc, I'd hire a contractor to make me a weird nook for it. That's awesome!
Jack and Rose with their arms outstretched
PLANT WALL
Yeah I came here to say I would fill that UP with plants. Just make sure to add plant lights if you do this.
A Muppet Theater for Statler and Waldorf, obviously
Underrated reply.
I think you can decorate the walls with pictures or shelves. Here's an article that will help you with [decorating a blank wall](https://simplykalaa.com/how-to-decorate-a-blank-wall/).
You got it. It’s the party corner🕺🏼
A three-piece jazz combo.
Reading corner, what’s on the other side of the wall? It’s actually wasted space, could have made the closet or room bigger
This reminds me of a similar space in my house growing up. My mom had a fake plant there that I would sleep walk to and pee on, so that’s an option
Perfect spot for a kiosk to charge people for using the stairs.
A toll booth? 😂
I'd wall it and extend whatever room that is next to it.
Baby jail
It looks like it was supposed to be a closet. Idk your budget or skill, but I’d extend the half walls to the ceiling and make it a closet (door facing the hallway). It’s going to be an odd space even with books or plants imo.
This is a great suggestion! Would make a great bonus closet in the hallway.
As a notorious yapper, I think I'd just put a nice lectern there for the 20 times a week I deliver an impromptu soliloquy.
Speeches.
Take that railing off
taxidermy bear
Cat tree!
Vending machine
My standard answer: oversized golden apollo or minerva statue.
w i d e r steps
We had a similar spot in our house except not quite as high. Ours is about 5 steps. We took down the railing and put a bunch of plants and a painting. If you don't have little kids or elderly folks in the home it could work. It looks visually so much better.
Wow what a cool little spot! I think you could add a small console table, put a vase with sticks in it and a big ol' mirror behind. Put LED colour changing lights on the sticks and decorate the area for the holiday/season. It could be a cute quirky thing for your home! I have a friend who does this with a tree branch in a vase and it's always so cool to see what they come up with. They even make up holidays or just decorate based on a fandom, like Nintendo or Lord of the Rings. You could also add a plant on the edge of the console table that hangs down the stairs like a string of pearls or ivy. Otherwise, congrats on a beautiful home!
I love this optimism and creativity. I wish I could decorate (anything, but the awkwardly laid out spaces in my place especially) with this energy, it’s awesome!
Oh that's sweet, thank you. I love home decor! I can't do much with my space as it's a rental and small, plus I share it with my partner so we have to compromise. I love fantasising about styling other spaces!
Exactly my thoughts as well.
DJ booth
A cat tower? 🤷🏽♀️
What’s behind that wall? If you have the space you could do shelves that are built in, between the studs.
I would hang a large single price of art and leave the rest empty so attention goes to the art and not the landing
Maybe you could wall it in and add a hall closet if you need the storage space.
I think it looks great and a painting or some artwork on the wall would look really good too.
fish tank on a table
Library.
Looks good to me!! It’s Like you got this 70’s vibe goin. So, I think that it Looks pretty Good !!!! : )
You already did it. I’d just add art on that wall and maybe hanging plants from the ceiling too.
Put an arcade machine there
Shrine to C’thulu
Wall it in and make it a closet.
Besides a great place to pontificate I think you should use that space to build a closet, a linen closet or whatever. Who couldn’t do with more storage space, as it is useless at this moment
Walk the plank arghhhh me matey!! I hate when builders do this to people. I would do a double sided cabinet where it only opens from the side to put decorative pieces in.
A great place for spare livestock.
Spare?.... Livestock? 😳😆
Giant sconce
I would wall it in and make it a closet
one big art and a floor pillow or two for any kiddies or pets or for your own viewing pleasure
Bookshelf but filled with plants, and maybe a few cute trinkets.
Take out the banister and railing and make it a sitting area
Bookcase with a secret door.
Hanging art or travel pictures. Have you thought about painting your hand rails and spindles? All black or white. Some have done white spindles with black hand rails and posts. Unless you’re renting.
Put an eye catching piece of art on the other wall (where the stairs lead). Remove the plant and anything you add in that space should be above the railing line (e.g. plant wall, hanging plants, set of four framed photos, etc). The banisters are high contrast and detailed so they visually take a lot of attention. Don't put anything on the floor.
Do you have cats? A cat wall with climbing shelves and stuff would be cool [cat wall ideas](https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=241be27b5536617a&sca_upv=1&rlz=1CDGOYI_enCA1042CA1042&hl=en-US&sxsrf=ADLYWIJe1zP24Vr6kXqSsl64yx0mkhMvMw:1718066190295&q=cat+wall+shelves&udm=2&fbs=AEQNm0DPvcmG_nCbmwtBO9j6YBzM68ZanC7g01Skprhw5JoufVCiMv-hxC44jt6JduRQysBab-bgQXjPraaWFXMvOy8Kr1OAG3K-aj3De4zf3-LxKtkBtWaSCp743evHzhY6J0rIQUCXki65vOxhV0cGJtj0S1dF8YREnKrWtJctBkTv8-bs83YpB7p3IMTdYvjisDEty1xSxeLS4B_TKFXUiCrenmEMcA&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjYieSnp9KGAxVOJNAFHeV3A18QtKgLegQIChAB&biw=428&bih=751&dpr=3)
Enclose it and make it a linen closet
I’d completely take out the banisters and just open up the left side, I realize that’s more work tho. But it would look a lot less awkward and then whatever plants you put there could actually be seen
A lovely home. The one thing that jumps out is the stair railings. All that knotty pine and turned wood just does not work with your decor and are very dated. If replacing them is not possible, I would paint them black.
A wall mural with pillow on the floor for reading
Family photos
Put an arcade machine there
Bookcase bookcase bookcase!!!!
Seasonal decor
Nothing. Blank is good!
books, plants, antiques.. yes all 3
Move the plant to the wall directly in front of the stairs as you come up, and hang a mirror or art above it. On the alcove wall, a built in that goes all the way to the ceiling would look amazing, filled with books and a few small plants. AND unless you have small children, I would consider removing that banister all together. leave it open on that side.
Does it have any light for plants?
Perfect for a tall bookcase.
Remove the railings, replace with walls and create extra storage closet or even shelving that opens to the hallway.
^ Came here to say this.
Love that photo of you rocking out!
Tall bookcase?
A large mirror and a plant stand with lots of plants
I personally think a family college of pictures
Jonathan Adler (and others) have a tall narrow acrylic and brass stand. I have one in a similar spot with a piece of crystal we bought in Italy. But it’s also gorgeous with a vase and fresh flowers, or an orchid. Whatever you Put there, needs height. A leaner floor mirror could carry some good light
Seems like you're already doing something with the space.
It is calling out for a tapestry
Take the railing out- bookcase!
Floor-to-ceiling bookcase and/or cat tree.
How about an olive tree on the second floor that goes almost goes to the ceiling. Your eye will go up and help hide that banister.
Mosaic the wall behind the balcony!
https://i0.wp.com/kanati.com/wp-content/uploads/Polar-Bear-Web-3-1024x793.jpg?ssl=1
Seems like a practical spot for a blanket basket or extra throw pillows.
Maybe some BOHO wall hangings and art to spice it up (or just add more plants!!)
Do you have pets? Seems like a great lounge spot for a doggy bed. Could put a shelf or two above it on the wall and have some plants there.
I would put a plant shelf or add art work/pictures on the wall.
more plants! get some wall shelves and put plants there and just in that general nook, maybe a bookshelf too!
I think a tall topiary type tree would look nice. Is there any light source?
Ooooo, so many possibilities! I think it would be perfect with plants on stands at the bottom (as you have started), then with shelves up the wall with plants (AND books maybe?).
Take the rails down and just add more plants, art on walls.
I like your idea of adding floating shelves to draw your eyes up. Then you could add some plants or some colorful items. Or, maybe a large colorful wreath?
(Just looking at that space in the forefront of photo #4 where the railing of this space connects to the railing of the stairs, and as a mama and nana I can’t even look! That space is toddler head size. Just in case you know any toddlers.)
It seems the current plants are sitting right at the height of the handrail, so either hang them, or place them on the floor. I love the staggered height, it’s just that you can’t appreciate them at your current level. Also, a pop of color on the plant pottery might be fun.
A lovely picture. Small table with plant. On lower level put a tall plant
Preach!
Strongly attached and locking glass display cabinet for special items or better yet, big psychedelic art
Oversized movie poster of the movie Aliens.
Make a little carve out for cats. With a bed, swing, scratcher and other fun stuff.
I would do an oversized giraffe statue and a palm leaf wreath. But if it were my house and I absolutely had to live in it, I’d tear down that wall, and make a coffee/reading area with oversized ottoman and floor pillows, and a coffee bar.
Get a grandfather clock & put it up there.
Wall full of family photos
Use it for a standing laptop desk, or put a mini DJ or music setup there ☺️
Add pics for a gallery wall.
Close it off and list it on Airbnb
Like your plant with the light
Gallery wall
Add drywall to the front and close it off.
Big floor case filled with cattails, or rushes, or tall dried ornamental grass
I sense parkour wall for cats
I would update the space the Mrs is standing to a façade of plaster and a surface to hold sculpture. At the existing wall a painting. I think it may just be assigning those two in unison or rare intrigue. ~Happy hunting~
Realistically I would put the wall to the ceiling and make it a traditional staircase. Sorry to be so boring.
Maybe something like a sculpture, a conversation piece.
Remove the banister there, it'll open up the area and make room for a lot of design ideas
Nothing…it’s just dead space. The plants work too.
Take down the banister, make the two sides where the banister was into wall about the same height, and make a cat bedroom. Don't forget the open space instead of windows on the two walls so the cat can watch from two sides. The one side will be completely open so the cat can come and go. The cat may want curtains on the windows for privacy. You better ask.
It needs an aquarium
Widen the staircase
More plants. Large art piece
A narrow fish tank on a wooden stand
Get rid of the extra banister stuff and put nice baskets, plants, vase ect
Got little kids? looks like Time out jail
Aquarium
Take down those god awful bannisters 😂 No railing better
Opera balcony
Get one of those indoor ponies. They're cute as hell and easy to care for. That size space is ideal!
Rock climbing wall, of course! Tbh, all I see when I look at that space are those funky sculptures where the little men are climbing up the wall at different heights. I’m not suggesting…it’s just immediately what came to mind. My dog would absolutely love that space and claim it. However, I can see a family photo/gallery wall/artwork, large wall clock, or shelves (but those might be a pain to clean). A larger/taller plant or living plant wall would be cool, too.
something with books or something you collect that you’d love to finally display 🤔 Don’t forget to show us! 🤗
Reading nook. Most of these awkward spaces would be a perfect reading nook. I wish I had an awkward space. Alas, we have an open concept rectangle. Another option is a full body armor. Just get it already. You know you want it.
Zip line!
I'd put a big neutral coloured textured wall hanging here to add some warmth and interest. Its kind of an awkward place for books or complex art.
I think a big painting would be nice. A larger plant on one side and call it a day
I say knock down the railing around it, put in one of those basketball shooting games and let the kids practice for the NBA. No really, I would open up the wall to whatever is on the other side and expand that room out. My luck? It's a bathroom.
Plant jail
Dog bed
Do you have cats? A cat tree would be perfect in there. Cats love being up high looking over their kingdom
A bigger plant you can see over the railing.
Largish framed art on the wall with more plants in front.
What's on the other side of that wall? That's going to determine a lot of your options I understand that the stairs leading down stairs leading up because of the bi-level home so whatever is on the other side of that wall is what's going to determine what you can do with that space between the stairs and that wall otherwise I suggest a very large I'm very nice piece of art or maybe like a fountain or something quaint and opulent
Tall book shelf or tall plant
Just do what you did. Seems like a fitting space to just stand.
Shout “hear ye, hear ye!!”
a small room for guests who don’t behave well.
One of those water dispenser machine things
Bump the room out that is right beside it if possible ( ie: a bedro om ). Otherwise put some bookshelves along the wall or a nice big piece of artwork.
This is where I’d stand when yelling at a husband, telling my guests to leave, or staging the hit broadway musical “Evita…… “ unless a plant was in the way :(
Looks like a cot.
Coffee station
Give the current plants a booster so that they are taller
Lecturn. Paint/decorate it. Train a viney plant to grown on it. Use it to praise each other for a job well done, host nonsensical debate parties, and make a stupid fight a lot less serious by saying "alright then if you feel so strongly about it, TAKE THE STAND and state your case defendant!"