Step 1 ‘Measure the height of your alcoves and work out how many shelves you want,’ says Bonnie. ‘From there you can work out how far apart the shelves need to be, and how tall they need to be.

5. Mirrors and glass. Filling an alcove with glass shelves and a mirrored back adds a lot of layered depth, making the niche feel almost like a window or a passageway into a distant room.

5. Combine hidden storage with open shelves. Built-in cabinets and drawers are a practical way to provide lots of storage. However, an entire wall of cabinetry can look overpowering. Break it up a ...

Alcove shelves made of reclaimed wood add a characterful patina. Viewing the living room from the kitchen it becomes clear just how spacious this first floor living area is.

A: The simplest solution would probably be to hang some new shelves and a shoe rack in the closet. You can then just keep its door closed and focus on sprucing up the kitchen itself.