piano

Hang a curtain and put on a show!

Really though, it doesn't look like you'd want to do anything there, or stay for any length of time, so perhaps it could be an art gallery, or some other impractical wish (can the ceiling support a trapeze?).

I would make that area my office, personally. But I live alone and am always on the computer for work.

I would put a big desk against the wall and a comfy chair in the corner. I like to cook too, so this would work out well for me because I could look up recipes online, or surf the web while something is baking or take phone calls. It would also be like my home command center where I have my mail, pay the bills and write letters.

That's just me though. You really need to figure out what you need the space for and don't waste it. If you have kids, you could make that a little play area. If you have dogs, you could put some big pillows a rug and a basket of dog toys.

Don't under estimate the value of keeping it sparse.

If it were my apartment, I'd turn it into a library. I'd line the walls with bookshelves, complete with lights above the shelves and a ladder to reach the tallest shelves. Ikea has some good options.

It's sort of a transitory / transition space, more for passing through than hanging out. If you put seating there, the people who sat there would feel like they were "on stage," which would be awkward. A library makes sense as a place for walking through, maybe stopping to browse a bit.

It's not the kind of space you will linger in, so I think it would be great for display-style-storage; like a nice big "hutch" cabinet/china closet. You might consider using the long wall to show off your china, and the small corner space could use a small, mostly glass cabinet for your fine glassware/crystal.

Maybe a small bookcase to hold your cookbooks and cooking magazines? I second the art gallery idea.

The area is best suited for display -- your china, glassware or some art. A large hutch/china closet aginst the long wall, and perhaps something small (glass enclosed0 in the corner for your glassware.

credenza
rug
art above the credanza
paint below the chair rail

Ooh... I like romateamo's idea-- a library, with a comfy reading chair!

I love Rometeamo's idea of the library...

My web service is acting strange today -- humble apologies for the double post.

I would put something long up against the step on the living room side - a low bookcase, sofa or even a demi-wall. I think some of the "awkwardness" is it doesn't feel like a room unto itself (it currently has no purpose) so much as a huge step / trip hazard. If the tops of the two walls in this area were a different color and the table had a couple chairs for casual dining, I could see using this area for daily eating, as opposed to the "official" dining room.

I almost think you should hang a semi-sheer curtain to create a semi-transparent "wall" on the side opposite the kitchen door (ikea's kvartal ceiling tracks and panels come to mind) and leave the other side open. If either of you are artists/crafters it could be a perfect work area setup. Otherwise, I second the library idea - you could put some lower bookshelves on the side with the curtain and taller ones on the wall perpendicular. Then a chair in the corner where the small cabinet and mirror are, and maybe a lamp and you have a reading nook. The chair in your 3rd pic with an ottoman might be a good idea. It might also be a good space for a friend to lounge & visit while you're cooking?

Why not find a couple of cozy club chairs and set them along the wall where the drop-leaf table is now? Add a small table between them. Then beef up the bar you have in the corner — use a bigger piece of furniture, one with a little countertop area to give you space to mix up drinks. Put up lots of artwork, throw down a rug, and voila! Instant lounge.

It would be ideal for parties, when everyone wants to congregate in the kitchen but not everyone fits. It would also be a great place to wait while your water boils/cookies bake/etc.

I'd be tempted to get some kind of screens/curtain panels to close the area off partly and make it more into a separate 'room'. That might help remove the on show feel.Also, I don't know if it's just me but as it is it looks like a terrible tripping accident waiting to happen.

After that use it for whatever you like. Personally I'd use it as kind of a kitchen pantry . I'm thinking shelving with all my ingedients, jars of jam, less regularly used kitchen equpiment,cook books, etc.

I have a lot of books, so I like the library idea, too. I'd put bookcases/shelves along the wall where the drop-leaf table is and a comfy chair or a bench in the opposite corner.

Or, if you entertain a lot, that spot where the little cabinet and mirror are might be a nice spot for a bar cart. Convenient to the kitchen, but not in the kitchen.

Please report back and show us what you come up with.

Thanks!

I also agree with the library idea. Add a comfy chair and little side table to hold a lamp and a cup of tea. If you're allowed to paint, you could also paint the walls just in that one area a different color to set it off. Make it obvious that it is its own special, unique area.

I was thinking it screams library!!! Turns out I am not the only one :-) I agree with the wall to wall bookshelves and would even add a reading chair if the lighting is good...I love the space.

Ha, piano was my first thought as well. I second the idea of painting below the chair rail.

It seems to me that one of the reasons this space is problematic is that you'd be constantly be afraid of furniture (or people for example seated on furniture) falling off the edge. I think it's no coincidence that the only things on this platform (even the bag) are on the "walled" sides.

If you own this place then I would immediately put in a waist-high railing around the either the long side of the platform, leaving the short side open, or else around both the long and the short side with an opening in the corner (depending on the layout of the rest of your apartment, and which direction it would be best to access it from). There may even have been a railing there before but a previous owner got rid of it.

If you put in railings then I think this would make a lovely eating area, especially as it seems to be just off the kitchen. I think the railings would then make the small area to the side of the platform a lovely little corner that could be a reading corner.

If you don't own and can't put in railings then I think you should put a bookcase down the "step" in that small area beside the platform, so that it backs up against the step. Ideally I think that bookcase should be nearly as wide as the step is, so that it forms a visual barrier. Then you should put another, lower, bookcase on the platform itself so that you have a two-sided bookcase forming a half wall. I'm not sure if this would be possible without some good DIY skills, but it would be easily removable if you move. Again, this would leave you with a defined but three-sided space that would make a lovely eating area.

In both cases I think an eye-catching rug that covers most but not all of the platform would be a good move too.

I too love the library idea. I'd put bookshelves along both walls to cover them completely (personally I have more than enough books for that) and a rug in the middle.

Another idea is an informal eating space but then again you may already have an eat-in kitchen.

Good luck!

Library FTW

That's called a "dais", right?

Since it is next to the kitchen, I would assume it to be used as a dining area or breakfast nook. That is what I would use it for.

I would go with a bar area/breakfast or coffee nook. A small cafe table would fit there and a turned around bookcase or an actual cabinet for liquor or storage provided it was tall not long. It would make a great hub for parties b/c you could set out drinks and appetizers before you move into the dining room and so guests are close to your kitchen but not in it b/c it looks smaller. If its just for you then you have a nice little area off the kitchen to sit and chill.

I like idontdobeige's idea --- seems the most natural of all the ideas...

Is it level with the kitchen, or is there a step down? If the latter maybe you could just remove the whole stage?

I wonder what's under there? There must have been a reason to built it?

I agree with idontdobeige. It's next to the kitchen, I'd make it the dining area. Then put a piano where your dining table is now!

I'll send you over here to look at the French Country Collection:
http://www.homedecorators.com/S/FrenchCountryCollection/

I don't know the measurements of your space, or how high the wainscoting is.

I think you already know what to do with the space, but haven't realized it yet. LOL! It looks like there is a bag or back pack or soft side briefcase right there on the edge of the landing. And their may be something else on the floor nearby? Middle picture, on the very right, lower corner.

Those things don't have their own space.

That collection of items you can mix in that space to accommodate the "things that don't have their own space".

A cabinet or low boy can handle the bags, backpacks, even shoes. Or a larger storage armoire that can hold shoes, coats. For family, and the coats for guests too.

There is media storage, desks, drawers, display cabinets. I see you have lovely French doors, as well as having pane glass cabinets in the kitchen. So you might need covered space for less than attractive house items. Or seasonal items that you don't really NEED in the kitchen all year. Like a giant roasting pan.

They have hampers and wastebins and recycling centers. You might not want the laundry next to the kitchen (unless your washer is in the kitchen area) but it could be splendid for recycling.

Filing cabinets, benches, coat trees. It can be a very useful, utilitarian space. It would be the perfect "landing strip" area. Where the family checks in and checks out. Incorporating what St@cy mentioned, the bill paying area. The paperwork area.

Take a look around for things that don't have a home. And then use your neat landing spot as a place for them to have home.

Ooh a giant floor mirror would be lovely - especially if it reflected a piece of beautiful furniture or artwork across.

There are some at DWR, West Elm and IKEA right now - all price ranges available.

I also love the library idea!

Fun post!
~k

I really like idontdobeige's DIY wall/bookshelf idea. I think it could be a perfect bar/relax and read area for you. Place a tall open hutch in the corner then line the longer wall with shelves (as everyone thinks it's perfect). Tuck a reading chair in your "created" corner with the DIY wall and it's a cozy place to unwind!

I agree with Daffodill. Since you have a dining room and apparently otherwise eat informally, create a sitting area out of the "stage". Many people have sitting areas in or adjacent to their kitchens, which allow people to comfortably socialize while cooking. So place some comfortable seating in the area and arrange it so that you can cook and hold a conversation with someone.

I wouldn't try to turn it into an independent space or quasi-room. That wouldn't work in this case because it's a busy pass-through area between the kitchen and rest of the apartment.

If I lived there, I'd line the walls with bookshelves, but that wouldn't make sense if you don't have much of a library or already have a book storage area.

I like Daffodil's idea best. Get a big credenza for the longer wall and use it as a bar area. Add a rug (something heavy so it won't get kicked around), a lamp, and a bigger, more dramatic piece of art or a large mirror (that smaller one is a little awkward-looking where it is). Replace the smaller bar with an armchair and a small table. Or if you have a stereo system, that shorter wall that might be a good place to put it.

It's a funny space, but a beautiful apartment! I love old-school ny apartments.

Why do anything with the space? It's such a luxury to have open floor space - gives some nice breathing room and keeps the energy flowing. (Some kind of good Feng Shui, right?)

If anything, maybe clear out all the furniture, try out a dramatic rug and a modern pendant light?

If you feel the need for furniture, maybe a round "foyer" table, with some dramatic flower arrangement on it.

Check out this foyer:
http://www.elizabethmayhew.com/magazine/
The table cloth is a little fussy in this example, but you get the idea.

Wish I had empty unused space...

Good luck!

I like the idea of a gallery and especially a library, but my first thought was also to put a bar-area there. I agree with putting a tall credenza where the table is, which would give you storage for bottles and glasses below (maybe even a stereo), and a work surface for mixing and pouring drinks. This would be especially good if you entertain a lot. Putting a few comfy chairs in the corners would also make the area feel welcoming.

i think hanging some semi-transparent curtains in a "hospital curtain" track that mimics the curve of the step, leaving an opening in line with the kitchen doorway would help to make it a defined, intimate dining room.

Since frugality is the mission, take what you have and crank it up a few notches. The two ideas that resonate with me are: library and bar. Do both.

This larger foyer with staging area/dias is probably a natural spot where people would hang out between dining area and kitchen. I think Nate Berkus has his bar tucked in a nook in his foyer; there's easy access for guests to fix a drink.

The two pieces you have would benefit from a swap out. I like the Duncan table but that space could handle a nice hefty verticle piece of furniture in place of the Duncan table like a breakfront or credenza/bookshelf combo, fill it with books and collectibles and objects d'art. Maybe a slipper chair next to it or a second winged chair similar to the one in the foyer.

The small cabinet/night stand that currently houses the bar in the corner could be amped up well. A wide variety of Craigs list credenzas could be revived and repurposed for along that short wall. Find a cool, funky lamp to provide both a vertical element and create ambient lighting. A torchiere or floor lamp in the opposite corner of the stage would provide ambient lighting as well. Maybe that torchiere tucks behind a leather club chair but not too big -- proportion is important in this space. You want to fill it up but not overpower because the it's ultimate function is a walk through but when people are over, it's a mingling space.

Of course, cool art and personal collectibles that will insight curiousity and intersest. For more on that, read the Domino interviews on Casasugar.com this week.

Good luck and thanks for posting this great space!

The owner has indicated that there is no specific need that the space cries out for. So, I would turn it into a bit of a cocktail area because of it's adjacency to the kitchen. I would install a rail around part of the space as per Daffodil's suggestion. I can't tell what the size of the space is, but I would install some attractive colorful pendants (with dimmers to set the mood), place a console parallel to the railing, place a small love seat against the wall with a small table alongside, place an decorative/cozy chair in the space - also with a small table adjacent for guests to place their drinks or snacks. There appears to be a good amount of wall space, so I would hang a few pieces of art along with a mirror in the mix to give the added illusion of even more open space. If done correctly this space can be used as a reading room, cocktail area, wine gallery, study space, etc. It will become the space that everyone will run to when they want to relax. The console should contain a wine rack along with space to store glasses so that this area services itself as much as possible. A small fridge can also be placed inside of the console if the piece is large enough. I could work this space! I would incorporate a little of the green wall color in the dining room into a few pillows and other small decorative items to link the two rooms. Maybe the light fixtures could have a touch of the color in them. You have so many options. I think you can have a lot of fun with decorating this space.

library/reading nook, definitely!
looks like you already have a dining area.

I just moved out of an apartment that had the exactly same kitchen/stage combination. We had a china cabinet and dining area here, but I always wanted to change it into an extension of the kitchen and put an island/bar type piece of furniture right in the middle for extra storage and counterspace. I think if you were to put pendant lighting above the island it could look natural enough.

Or if you have an overhead light in that space like I did, you could put an amazing entryway light fixture there and make it a cocktail area.

I'm pretty sure it's supposed to be a breakfast nook. Why is your dining room so far from the kitchen anyway? Maybe do your dining room in this space and use your other space for the popular library idea.

Library/pantry/bar: with some open/some closed shelving

Art space with a large painting above and a low bench beneath

Office

Stage (how cool would it look with a cello there? And I don't even play the cello! Or simply a music stand and invite friends to sing or give their Oscar speech?)

Take it out and make it a nice extension of the living room. The floor will be trashed underneath, but FLOR carpet tiles would cover that up nicely.

I'd place an antique buffet where the drop table is now and it could serve as a food line when you have guests over for dinner and as mentioned before maybe a bar area as well! I'd definetly give the "stage" area some color too!

i vote for library and art gallery area....i, too, would be nervous about people tripping. you might want to put some large potted plants/trees on the 1 side of the 'stage' to help people notice the height difference. this would also free u up to create a small sitting area where you can enjoy the library. a chair won't slide off if you sit it on those rubber grips. don't know the real name for them.

think that romateamo's idea is the best. a small library space with perhaps a comfy chair in one corner. you could also sit there while waiting for the water to boil. maybe put a radio on one shelf to have something entertaining while you're in the kitchen. i'm so envious.

I immediately thought library too. Though if you include a chair, I'd make sure the footprint is small.

Looks like you have a nice space.

I'm thinking a large circular pedestal entry way table, with a stunning chandelier above it, and decorative vases on top of it. I agree with the large art idea, too.

Also, I'd pull all the furniture along the wall so that the space feels more like a hall.

I like the library/cozy reading area the most. Also, think about putting a short wrought iron fence on the right straight area of the stage, a small bistro table, 2 chairs, maybe even a patio umbrella tilted (if room) or a valance from the ceiling that mimics the shape of the stage edge. My idea was to make it look like an outdoor cafe area.

The other idea is to fill it with lots of plants, sitting at different heights and hanging potted plants.

2 words: stripper pole

I would utilize that "odd" area for somthing dreamy that you often find in a book or magazine and think "I wish I had a space like that!" You could put two comfy chairs and a small tea table and invite friends over for tea in your very own tea room, or maybe a luxurious chaise lounge and a privacy screen where you can indulge in that chocolate cake you just baked in your kitchen while reading the latest hit novel! Have fun with it and enjoy that fact that you have too much space! I'm uber jealous!

Looks like it was made for a breakfast nook, but I agree with the concern about people tipping backwards off the edge. The library idea is the best. Too bad you probably can't remove that chair rail.

well, if you own the place i would say a kitchen reno to creat an open concept that would extend into the space. from the picture the kitchen looks small but photos can be deceiving. if you don't own, go big and bold: art, lighting, perhaps paint color or wall paper and a credenza or wall unit w/glass doors.

good luck.

Stripper pole, all the way!

Oh my gosh people.

Yes, a library would be lovely, but does she have a lot of books? Or should she go out and buy a few hundred to make her library? Same thing with the piano. Does she play?

I hope the owner takes her own life into consideration when deciding what to do with the space and doesn't just think she should do what a house in a design magazine would do.

And paint under the chair rail? yuck.

You can use the space to extend the adjacent room. I had a space like this and found that removing the legs from the sofa made it the perfect height to sit on the edge of the "stage"--presto, three extra feet of space in the living room (when you sat on the sofa, your feet were still on the lower part of the floor).

perfect spot for a drum kit.

I'm guessing that the reason for the step is that the plumbing and drains for the kitchen and possibly a bathroom is beneath the step - above the main floor slab rather than below.

I'm also guessing from the backpack on the floor that this is an entryway where you would step down into the rest of the apartment. Railings, draperies and furniture placed at the step would unnecessarily chop off this space from the remainder of the apartment as well as appear silly and contrived - so I'd go with a credenza, artwork and lamps with a Wing Chair in the corner where the drinks cabinet is now as a place to sit to remove shoes, etc.

I am fairly sure this was meant to be a breakfast area or whatever you want to call the daily eating spot while the dining room is meant to be more of a holiday area.

If it was my place, I'd be tempted to do a few low-rise bookshelves on the ground pushed up against it to make this feel a little bit less like a stage. I'd then either a) put a small table here with a couple chairs, b) make it an office area, or c) go with a reading nook.

I look at that space and just want to fill it with plants of all sizes. Sort of an indoor greenhouse with interesting under lighting and trails of leaves leading into other the areas.

st@cy, she asked specifically for ideas -- and that's what people are giving her.

maybe she does have books, maybe she doesn't. i for one own hundreds of books, so creating a library would be natural and certainly not doing 'what a house in a design magazine would do'.

i think i'd use this as the dining area, and purpose ur dining room for something else. or just put a round table in the middle and put flowers.

and it really depends on ur interest. library if you read, bar if you drink, a studio if you paint.

I like the library idea....but it is in the kitchen. Wouldn't be too peaceful, I wouldn't think.

I would put a bar area up there. I think it would be a good place to put drinks and snacks if you have a party.

Plus, it would give you space to do your thing in the kitchen while keeping you connected to your guests (and keeping them from being underfoot).

I only skimmed the comments (so many), but someone mentioned a library area with built-in shelves and a reading chair. I like that idea.

Library or non-formal dining like a breakfast 'nook'.

Since this is probably a high-traffic area, I would keep it open. Put a long credenza along the wall and use that as your bar area, with some art or something interesting above it. In the corner, I would put a chair. Or maybe a small table, a coat rack, and an umbrella stand with that mirror to make an entry-way area.

Library/bar combo. Even if they don't drink...bet they know someone who does and having a separate place to mix a drink can be nice for a cook....

I had two ideas:
Avant garde:
Use the space as a mini art gallery. Place art objects on pedestals of varying heights and photographs/paintings on easels. Place a large painting on the wall to establish the setting.
Conventional:
It would make a lovely, not to mention convenient dining room. Use the aforementioned dining room as a library/den.

Definitely a library with a beautiful rug in the middle.

yes, romateamo, a library would be fantastic!

otherwise, my first thought was a breakfast nook.

You know where's an even better place for a library....an actual library.

just sayin.

I want this problem. Instantly, I thought of books, floor to ceiling. All my cookbooks in one place, plus, many other books. And, I'd put in a table and a chair or two, so I could eat breakfast, or drink coffee surrounded by books. Or spread out books on the table for something I'm researching.

So, yeah, a library.

lol Oh, no! I've too much space... what to do, what to do? lol

Informal breakfast nook sounds cool... OR you could just get rid of that wall and expand your kitchen, since it looks TINY.

A stripper pole is a bit much but an old fashioned console stereo would fit nicely where the table is. Then get or make some vinyl footprints and put them on the floor - it's so smooth and shiny the vinyl may stay put with no adhesive.

Naturally the footprints wouldn't be random, but would lifted straight from Arthur Murray.

One, two, cha cha cha.

Thanks everyone for the ideas! I will have to digest.

We already have a wall-to-wall library shelving in the living room - as well as a separate crafting room/office. I like the idea of a sideboard/display kind of area.

This is a rental, so we can't really add railings.

You would think the step would be a tripping hazard, but we recently had a raucous house party with no trips, so I'm not worried about that.

I think a rug would be helpful too - we will definitely keep you posted on what we end up doing!