Feeling awkward in your own home? If you cringe every time you look at a space in your house, here are some tips for embracing awkwardness and making those spaces organized and efficient. Without major structural change, these spaces can be functional and contribute to the overall look of your home. All it takes is some creative thinking and a good designer.

Corners

Awkward and unused corners can be transformed into beautiful and functional areas in your home. These spaces can become a small office, reading nook, eating area or even a beautiful art studio.

Sloped Ceilings in the Attic

Sloped attic ceilings just need a bit more planning. It can make the room small, but with a creative touch, it can become a beloved space in your house. Low bookshelves, fitted wardrobes, and dramatically colored wallpaper are great solutions. Or sometimes just some great furniture placement is all it needs as our clients did in this whole home remodel and addition.

Spaces Under Stairs

With vacant space underneath the stairs, there are options that can make your home more functional with some organization and construction. Built-in storage, wet bars, and reading benches are some creative ways to make the space functional. This cozy and functional space under the stairs was inspired by Kristen Bell for a basement remodel we did for her sister.

Laundry Room Gaps

Appliances often leave awkward spaces where the washer and dryer float in the laundry room. Since more storage is always a plus, you can fill the gaps with floor-to-ceiling stacked custom storage cabinets and narrow roll-out shelves. We used lighter finishes and left the basement ceiling open in this laundry/butler’s pantry – part of a whole-home remodel we completed in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Kitchen Spaces

Awkward spaces between the top of the kitchen cabinets and the ceiling, between kitchen appliances, and on top of the fridge are the best place to store, organize, and decorate your kitchen. Install shelves above cabinets for more storage or to keep cookbooks organized and get custom-built cabinets for a more seamless fit.

Are there other spaces around your home that feel awkward? Start writing down a list of things that feel awkward to you. When planning your next remodeling project, talk to your designer about how to turn your awkward spaces into gorgeous, functional spaces.