Turn homely into helpful

A structural post in the "wrong" location, can become a functional

and stylish feature in your space. Picture from Houzz: Modern

Basement design by Dc Metro Design-build Wentworth, Inc.


 

Some rooms can be tricky to "get right". Space may be tight, the existing flooring may dictate a certain traffic pattern, and there may be unsightly ductwork and structural posts to deal with. That was the situation at a consultation I was called to recently.

The homeowners wanted to use their basement as a TV room, but a column in the middle of the space made most furniture plans less than ideal. The solution? Using the "lost" area below the staircase to host the TV. This plan created more flexibility for TV watching and also minimized the importance of the structural post. Clever use of lighting, eye-catching wall art and inviting seating will further divert the attention from the less-than-beautiful column.

Let the space below a staircase "work" for you.

Traditional Basement design by Toronto Interior

Designer BiglarKinyan Design Partnership Inc.

Had we had the space, we might have decided to let the column "work" for us instead of trying to camouflage it. Alternative solutions could include transforming it into a practical shelf to display treasures on, turning it into a slatted media unit, or using it to display art. Check out these pictures from Houzz for inspiration. Have you dealt with similar situations in your home? I'd be delighted to hear how you solved them!

Create a second post, add shelves and transform
the column into a practical bookcase or
display unit. Contemporary Basement design
by Calgary General Contractor Urban Abode. 
Photo from Houzz.

Put up your favourite artwork on the column.
Basement design by Chicago Interior Designer

Your Favorite Room By Cathy Zaeske. Photo
from Houzz.