Dream Nest Ideas

The space under a staircase is easy to ignore, but it is one of the best places for shoe storage. The slope gives you a lot of volume, and it sits close to the front door, where shoes are taken off. The trick is planning around the angle, because the ceiling drops as you move toward the low end. These 21 under-stair shoe storage ideas cover the structure, how to organize for your household, how to keep shoes fresh, and how to finish the space. Sizes are rough guides, so measure your own stairs first. Before You Build: Measure and Check Measure the height at three points: the low end, the middle, and the tall end. Also measure the width and depth. Mark the outline on the floor with painter’s tape. Check for electrical panels, gas or water meters, and pipes. These need to stay accessible, so do not enclose them without a way in. Do not cut, drill into, or remove the structural supports of the staircase. Ask a qualified carpenter or builder. Some building codes have rules about enclo...

10 Small Entryway Ideas to Make Your Home More Welcoming (With Real Sizes) A small entryway has one job: help you get in and out without a mess. The best ones combine a few pieces of storage with one or two things that look good, and they leave room to walk. Here are 10 ideas, with the sizes that keep a tight entrance comfortable. 1. Add a Slim Console Table In a narrow entryway, choose a console about 25-30 cm (10-12 inches) deep, so it does not block the walkway. Aim to keep at least 90 cm (36 inches) of clear space in front of it, and never less than about 75 cm (30 inches). On top, keep to a lamp, a small tray for keys, and one decorative item. 2. Hang a Large Mirror Hang a mirror with its center at about 145 cm (57 inches) from the floor. Above a console, leave about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) between the console and the bottom of the mirror, and choose a mirror about two-thirds of the console’s width. Facing a window or a light, it brightens the whole entrance. 3. Install Wall Hooks...