Who says the area under your stairs has to be a no man's land for stashing cardboard boxes, empty suitcases or the occasional young wizard? We say it's time to open up that space to new possibilities. Here, a small desk fits neatly into an alcove carved out behind a set of Hollywood stairs - in plain sight yet completely unobtrusive. 

Hints for a hideaway desk

1 Use decorative boxes with lids to keep stationery supplies and electronic chargers out of sight.

2 Choose a desk with drawers, cubbies and built-in shelves to tuck away papers and odds and ends.

3 Commandeer every ounce of space; tight spots can be used to house extra seat cushions or a bed for Fido to lie on while you work.

4 Opt for easy cleanup. This drop-down desk surface means all your work can be out of sight with just the turn of a key.

5 Make your furniture work for you with choices like a foldaway stool or pieces on wheels that can be moved quickly when necessary.

Tip: Unifying your colour scheme keeps any storage space easy on the eyes. Decrease visual clutter by using a simple colour palette like the black, white and silver one shown here to give the illusion of a more organized environment.