Bespoke Under-Stairs Storage and Fireplace Recess Drawers

Making better use of overlooked spaces

After moving into their new home, the owners found that it did not offer quite as much practical storage as they needed. So they asked us to create some bespoke storage solutions for them. Firstly, fitted cupboards beneath the staircase for coats and shoes, and secondly, made-to-measure drawer units for the recesses on either side of the living-room fireplace.

Although the two areas serve different purposes, both demonstrate the value of designing furniture specifically for the space available. Rather than introducing freestanding pieces that might feel awkward or out of proportion, the new cabinetry sits naturally within the architecture of the home.

Bespoke storage beneath the stairs

The entrance hall contained a generous area beneath and alongside the staircase, but its sloping shape made it difficult to use efficiently. Bespoke cabinetry allowed the entire area to be transformed into practical storage for outdoor clothing, footwear and everyday household items.

Tall cupboards were fitted alongside the staircase, while angled doors follow the line of the stairs beneath it. Designing each section individually enabled Holmewood to use much more of the available height and depth than would have been possible with standard furniture.

The simple Shaker-style doors give the installation a calm, traditional appearance, while the soft neutral finish complements the pale flooring, grey walls and natural oak staircase. Small crystal knobs add a subtle decorative detail without detracting from the clean design.

Internal lighting makes the cupboards easier to use, particularly when looking for coats or shoes in the darker areas beneath the stairs.

Designed around the architecture

One of the most distinctive features of this home is its exposed oak framework. Rather than attempting to conceal or compete with it, the fitted furniture was carefully designed around the existing beams and staircase.

The result feels integrated with the building rather than added as an afterthought. The understated cabinetry allows the warmth and character of the timber to remain prominent while providing the practical storage the entrance hall previously lacked.

Made-to-measure fireplace recess drawers

In the family living room, the recesses on either side of the fireplace presented another opportunity to introduce useful storage.

Matching three-drawer units were designed to fit neatly between the brick chimney breast and the exposed oak posts. The made-to-measure proportions ensure that each unit fills its recess precisely, creating a balanced and symmetrical arrangement around the fireplace.

The broad drawers provide discreet storage for items that might otherwise be left around the living area. Their generous width also makes them suitable for belongings that can be difficult to accommodate in smaller cabinets.

Practical furniture with a considered finish

The drawer fronts continue the Shaker styling used under the stairs and are also finished with crystal knobs. Stone worktops provide durable surfaces for lamps, flowers and decorative objects, helping the units function as both storage and display furniture.

Small timber upstands were carefully scribed around the walls, window reveals and structural beams. These details help the fitted furniture sit cleanly against the surrounding surfaces while introducing a subtle link to the home’s exposed oak features.

Bespoke storage for individual spaces

This project shows how made-to-measure furniture can bring purpose to areas that are often difficult to furnish. The space beneath a staircase and the narrow recesses beside a fireplace could easily have remained underused, but thoughtful design has turned them into valuable everyday storage.

At Holmewood Interiors, we design bespoke furniture around the proportions, architecture and practical needs of each home. From under-stairs cupboards and alcove cabinetry to home offices, media units and complete living spaces, every installation is created to make better use of the room available.

Visit our Horsham showroom or speak to our design team to explore what could be achieved in your home.