Turning Tricky Spaces into Treasure

I’ll admit it – I have a bit of an obsession with remodeling and DIY. There’s just something so satisfying about taking a space that’s a little awkward or underutilized and transforming it into something functional and beautiful. And let me tell you, when it comes to tricky nooks and alcoves, I’ve seen it all.

A few years ago, a reader named Cori reached out to Remodelaholic with a design dilemma involving one such awkward space in her family room. It was this long, narrow alcove that she was struggling to figure out what to do with. Should she cover the back wall in mirrors and greenery to create a little zen garden? Or opt for a nautical-themed gallery wall?

As soon as I saw Cori’s photos, the creative ideas started flowing. While her initial suggestions were on the right track, I knew I could take this space to the next level. After all, as someone who’s made a career out of making things look good, I live by the motto “make everything beautiful.” And that’s exactly what I set out to do with Cori’s tricky little nook.

A Soft, Serene Nautical Retreat

Rather than going the fully mirrored or overtly nautical route, I wanted to create a cozy, calming oasis that still had that beachy vibe. The key was finding the perfect balance of textures, colors, and functional elements.

I started by covering the back wall in a soft, muted wallpaper – nothing too busy or bold, but with just enough pattern to add visual interest. Then I layered in some natural wood tones with a rustic bench and shelves, giving the space an organic, driftwood-inspired feel.

To really drive home the nautical theme, I incorporated pops of indigo blue through a chunky knit throw and an assortment of throw pillows. The combination of the neutral wallpaper, warm wood, and cool blue hues created such a soothing, serene atmosphere – exactly the kind of calming retreat I had in mind.

But it wasn’t all about just making it look pretty. I also made sure to include some practical storage solutions to help Cori keep her family room clutter-free. Those baskets tucked under the bench? Perfect for stashing toys, remotes, and other odds and ends. And the open shelves above provided a place to display a few meaningful decorative pieces without overwhelming the space.

Bringing Function and Style to Awkward Nooks

Cori’s situation is just one example of how you can transform an awkward nook or alcove into a truly functional and beautiful space. The truth is, these odd little architectural details are everywhere – and they present a unique design challenge that I just love to tackle.

A quick search online turns up all sorts of creative alcove ideas – from built-in bookcases and cozy reading nooks to hidden home offices and pet stations. The key is to approach each space with an open mind and a willingness to get a little…well, creative.

Take that hallway alcove, for instance. Sure, it might be too narrow for a typical piece of furniture. But what about a slimline storage unit instead? Or maybe you turn it into a dedicated drop zone for coats, bags, and shoes. Suddenly, that awkward gap becomes a super practical and stylish addition to your home.

Even in the kitchen, alcoves can be a total game-changer. If you’re short on pantry space, why not build out a custom shelving system to keep all your dry goods neatly organized? Or carve out a little coffee bar or baking station in that nook next to the fridge. It’s amazing how much function you can pack into those odd little corners.

And let’s not forget the bedroom – that’s another area where alcoves can really shine. Whether it’s creating a cozy reading nook, a built-in wardrobe system, or even a mini home office, these weird little spaces are the perfect spots to add some personalized flair to your sleep sanctuary.

Embracing the Awkward

The truth is, alcoves and nooks aren’t going away anytime soon. They’re a common architectural feature in homes both old and new. And while they may seem a bit awkward and challenging at first, I truly believe they’re also full of untapped potential.

Sure, you could always just ignore them or try to hide them away. But where’s the fun in that? Instead, I encourage you to embrace the awkward and get creative. Think outside the box, experiment with different materials and styles, and don’t be afraid to try something a little unexpected.

After all, the best part about these tricky little spaces is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. The options are endless – you just have to tap into your own unique style and vision. And who knows, you might just end up transforming that weird little nook into the most charming and functional spot in your entire home.

So the next time you find yourself staring at an awkward alcove, don’t get discouraged. Get inspired! Grab a cup of coffee, start scrolling through Pinterest, and let your imagination run wild. Because trust me, the possibilities are truly endless.

And if you ever need a little extra help bringing your vision to life, you know where to find me. I’m always just a click away at Sofas Spectacular, ready and waiting to lend my design expertise and make your cozy little nook look absolutely spectacular.