Question: What can I do with the area underneath my floating stairs? It is now a space to dump groceries and the kids’ stuff, but I don’t want to close it up to create storage.

Answer: A clean, minimalist design concept like a floating staircase would be ruined if you have clutter collecting under the stairs. This tends to happen if the front door is close to the stairs.

It is always useful to have some place right by the main entrance where you can put down your keys and files, with a stool where the kids can take off their shoes when they come in.

So, why not turn the neglected under-stairs area into such a space? Provide simple storage with a long console table or low bench, with a cupboard beneath for shoes and such. Add extra portable seating that’s also a style statement – something sleek like Ikea’s classic bentwood designs or Kartell’s colourful, see-through acrylic drum stools.

In this design (above), Fuse Concept decided on a simple display ledge for knick-knacks. The back wall is covered in textured wallpaper for a pleasing contrast to the white plastered stairs and marble floor.

Design Fuse Concept