We’ve all got them – those weird little nooks that make zero sense, those corners with bizarre angles that seem to defy geometry, and don’t even get me started on that mysterious triangle of space under the stairs!
You know exactly what I’m talking about, right? Those architectural head-scratchers that somehow end up as glorified storage for holiday decorations or the place where random items go to be forgotten. But hang onto your paintbrushes because these oddball spaces might actually become the absolute stars of your home design show!
Interior design expert Hayley Servatius has a unique talent for turning challenging architectural features into standout design elements. Her approach reimagines awkward spaces, transforming them from puzzling layouts into thoughtfully integrated highlights. Here’s a closer look at how she makes it work.
Flip the Script on Awkward Spaces
When most homeowners encounter an awkward space, their first instinct screams “hide it!” or “disguise it!” or my personal favorite – “throw a plant there and hope nobody notices!” But Hayley Servatius takes a completely different approach.. She actually spotlights these quirky areas, turning architectural “oops” moments into intentional “aahs.”
Imagine transforming that bizarre triangle under your stairs into the reading nook of your dreams, complete with cushiony seating, dreamy lighting, and enough books to make your inner bookworm squeal with delight. Or how about that awkward corner between your living room and kitchen morphing into a stunning cocktail station that makes entertaining an absolute breeze while giving guests something to ooh and aah over.
Magical Lighting Tricks Elevate Everything
Okay, so hear me out — nothing ruins an already-challenging space quite like terrible lighting. You know those shadowy corners that somehow manage to look gloomy even on the brightest summer day? Yeah, those need serious help, and lighting becomes your absolute best friend when tackling awkward spaces.
Hayley Servatius really nails this concept when she says, “Lighting can make or break a space. I love a room that feels bathed in warm light, like a fall afternoon, any time of day.” Gosh, isn’t that the dream? And it’s especially crucial for those weird architectural moments!
Awkward spaces typically suffer from one of two lighting problems — either they’re light-starved caves tucked away from windows, or they have such strange angles that light creates bizarre shadows that make everything look… well, awkward! Strategic lighting flips this entire situation around.
Try layering different types of lighting to create magic in these spots. Wall sconces work wonders in narrow spaces where floor lamps would be laughably impractical. LED strip lighting can highlight a peculiar architectural feature in a way that makes it look intentionally artistic rather than like someone’s measuring mistake. Small table lamps create pools of warm light that instantly make odd nooks feel cozy rather than cramped.
Custom Solutions Create Showstopping Moments
Trying to furnish a non-standard space with standard furniture feels like trying to fit a square peg into a triangular hole, and nobody has time for that frustration! Those mass-produced pieces from big box stores were designed for perfectly rectangular rooms that exist mainly in furniture showrooms and rarely in actual homes.
When dealing with real-world awkward spaces, custom solutions become your absolute superpower. Hayley Servatius absolutely gets this, saying, “Your home needs to feel easy to live in, even when it’s fully styled. The balance between beauty and function is everything.”
Custom-built shelving that follows the exact angle of your sloped ceiling? Yes please! A weirdly-shaped window seat that perfectly fits that bay window with inexplicable dimensions? Absolutely divine! A built-in desk that tucks precisely into that random alcove in your hallway? Life-changing!
While custom pieces might cost more initially, they deliver incredible value by transforming previously unusable spaces into fully functional parts of your home. What’s even better is that they look like they were meant to be there all along, creating a lovely sense of intentionality in your space. When guests ask, “Was this built with the house?” you’ll feel that special thrill of knowing you’ve truly mastered your awkward space.
Personal Style Shines Brightest in Unexpected Places
Okay, here comes my absolute favorite part about awkward spaces — they practically beg for personality! Think about it: conventional spaces often end up looking… well, conventional. But those weird architectural moments? They’re already breaking the rules, so why not go all out with your personal style?
Hayley Servatius captures this perfectly when she says, “Design brings a space to life by telling the story of the people who live there.”
Have you always secretly wanted a leopard-print reading nook but worried it would overwhelm your living room? That random alcove might be the perfect spot! Dreamed of a boldly colored meditation corner but feared it would clash with your otherwise neutral bedroom? That odd corner with sloped ceilings could be ideal!
Awkward spaces give you permission to experiment with colors, patterns, and styles that might feel too bold for larger areas. They become these delightful surprises throughout your home — little pockets of pure personality that make visitors smile and make you feel completely at home.
Consider turning these spaces into mini-galleries for your favorite collections, creating themed vignettes that showcase your passions, or designing functional spaces that support your unique hobbies. A music lover might transform a strange corner into an audio listening station, while a craft enthusiast could turn an odd nook into the perfect creative spot.
What once drove you absolutely bonkers about your home — those strange angles, bizarre niches, and architectural oddities — might actually become your favorite features with a little creative thinking!
Next time you find yourself glaring at that weird space under the stairs or that random bump-out in your hallway, take a breath and consider: this could become the most interesting part of your entire home! With thoughtful lighting, custom solutions, and a healthy dose of your unique personality, those awkward spaces might soon have everyone asking, “Wow, how did you come up with that amazing idea?”
