Often dismissed as an afterthought, the nook beneath the stairs has become prime real estate for creativity. Utah design pros are transforming these overlooked spaces—from clever storage solutions to statement-making style—proving that what’s underfoot can, and should, be unforgettable.
1. A four-level staircase in a Park City mountain residence revolves around a cozy gathering spot just inside the main entry. Mont Bleu quartzite atop a sleek bar teams with a rustic accent wall clad in mixed limestone varieties, echoing the home’s exterior views. Overhead, staggered pendants by Hubbardton Forge draw the eye upward through the soaring stairwell. Architecture by Upwall Design; interior by Carrie Delany. Photo by Lindsay Salazar.
2. A playful kids’ cottage makes the most of every inch of under-stairs space in a large family home. To the left, a secret, child-sized hallway leads to a color-packed playroom swathed in woodland-themed wallpaper. Architecture by Inouye Design; build by Regent Custom Homes; interior by Spruce Hill Design. Photo by Utah Valley Videos.
3. Complementing a mix of oak flooring, layered stone and sharp-angled glass, a boldly curved banquette anchors the dramatic stairwell of a ski-in, ski-out residence. Jewelry-like sconces and a stone-clad back wall deliver gravitas to the lounge, elevating the under-stair hideaway into a chic gathering space. Architecture by Otto/Walker Architects; build by Upland Development; interior by Mark and Aly Design. Photo by Scot Zimmerman.
4. In St. George, lively colors and modern forms take center stage in the light-filled alcove beneath this contemporary home’s staircase. A vivid checkerboard rug lays the groundwork for modern furnishings and eye-catching art that energize the inviting lounge. Architecture by McQuay Architects; interior by Gregory Abbott; build by Markey Johnson Construction. Photo by Scot Zimmerman.
5. Clever lighting highlights a tucked-in library beneath the stairs of a home showcased in the 2025 Utah Valley Parade of Homes. Wood shelves echo the surrounding flooring and stair treads, seamlessly tying the space to the rest of the home. Directly beneath the stairs’ landing, an overstuffed ottoman provides the ultimate casual reading corner. Architecture by Upwall Design; build by Raykon Construction; interior by Interior Concepts Design House. Photo by Utah Valley Videos.
6. Beneath an artfully stacked, freestanding white oak staircase, a tranquil striated-stone fountain and elegant pottery deliver instant serenity. A solid stone platform serves as the foundation for the undulating stairs, and teardrop Apparatus pendants unite the space from above. Architecture by Upwall Design; interior by AMB Design; build by Magleby Construction. Photo by Joshua Cald
7. In smaller homes, every nook counts. In an Old Town home in Park City, an under-stair nook that some might consider unusable is fashioned into a home office. Colorful seating and intriguing lighting make the workspace pop against stark white walls and a sculptural sandblasted glass staircase. Design by Plunkett+Kuhr. Photo by Scot Zimmerman.
8. Designed by Utah’s Denton House Design, this Cabo home centers around an open courtyard, where cantilevered stairs in Lioli Ceramic Calacatta Borghini Satin marble connect levels of modern design. To add to the sleek aesthetic, a dark, negative-edge reflecting pool anchors the base of the jaw-dropping staircase. Interior by Denton House Design. Photo by Lance Gerber.
“Anything you can do to increase texture and warmth on a back wall is key to creating an under- stairs space where you want to pause, rather than just walk on by.“
Designer Carrie Delany
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