Lots of newer construction homes have wall niches of different sizes built into the drywall. What do you do with the niche? It's a question people ask a lot. Well, Tiffany of Happy Day blog came up with an ingenious idea. Jump below to see what she created out of this awkward niche.

Impressive, right? She used beadboard, paint, some wall hooks, a piece of wood for the bench seat and some pillows to create this nifty spot for putting on shoes, hanging up a scarf and setting down your bag, a necessity when you have kids. Tiffany turned what was once an awkward eyesore to an enviable feature. Check out her blog for more photos.
Image: Happy Day


Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
Oh, adorable!! Makes me wish I had an awkward wall niche!!
Very nice! Not sure I would've called it an "eyesore" before, though. Kind of seems like this was the builder's intention anyway? It looks much better "dressed up" regardless. Built-ins are great, even if you have to figure out what the heck to do with 'em.
By the way, living in an old house, I didn't realize this was a trend in new construction. Maybe it's a movement toward the way homes used to be built with lots of cool built-in features? One can hope.
I feel like those spaces in new construction are usually intended to showcase some large piece of unattractive artwork (or maybe several glass shelves filled with smaller knick knacky objects), the way they often have that little spotlight built in. To me, this always comes off as tacky, no matter what you put in there. Turning it into a little built-in landing strip, with the contrasting paint and the beadbord and the wood and the handsome hooks, though--genius!!
I agree with hyzen. I imagine in a model home this space would've been filled with an oversized vase with a tall, leafy plant, or a modern art sculpture.
I much prefer the niche created. It's very warm and inviting.
Great job!
oh my! I want to carve out a hole in my wall for this!
Such a great idea, I love it.
Emily @ http://456eleven.com
so great.
my cousin put a large, framed chalkboard in hers.
I agree with milardi. I want to carve a hole in my wall too!! This is soooo cute.
One of the best before and afters I have seen. Seriously AWESOME. Really like the sign too.
I would never have thought of this myself. It is such a great use of the space and looks like it's always been there! Well done.
Kim @ http://www.lwlp.blogspot.com/
Very nicely done, but sort of depends on where it is located relative to sight lines from other rooms... not sure I want to make hanging coats and muddy boots a focal point.
That is great!
Love it, great idea and well executed.
To me, this always comes off as tacky, no matter what you put in there.
I don't agree. I've seen great-looking things in niches like that one. Just because YOU don't like it doesn't mean it's always tacky.
By the way, living in an old house, I didn't realize this was a trend in new construction. Maybe it's a movement toward the way homes used to be built with lots of cool built-in features?
A trend, yes, because it allows you to install something without having to hire a contractor to redo a wall.
Our family area has one meant for AV with the wiring preinstalled, but that doesn't mean you can't skip it and put in a large bookcase, a Murphy bed for guests, a huge aquarium, or whatever tickles your desire...