Thank you again for all the advice and ideas! That's why I love GW! CEFreeman: I know that is a common mistake- I'ld like to think that most folks are now aware that above the fridge is the last place you should put your wine. But then again, what about olive oil next to the stove? That's the most convenient place to keep it, and where most folks store it, but exposing it to the heat is also bad for the olive oil. I am keeping my design the way it is, although we tweaked the cabinet so the bottom doors line up with the glass doors above. I've decided that the "crate" wine storage is fine for us- and I like the way it breaks up the cabinetry. No wine drawers available through Medallion, but I'm fine with it.

The shelves look to be a decent size. Do you entertain or have formal dinner parties? That might be the spot to store special serving pieces or your best china right next to the dining room. Is there is a coat closet in the entry? Looks like a convenient area to store the vacuum and cleaning supplies. I don't think it is that appealing for real estate value. You might sell the cabinetry or simply give it away to someone who wants it and would come remove it. Value to me would be the square footage for storage, but the opening will have to be reworked, and I would want it closed from sight.

I'm in the process of adding a basement walkout egress right now to my 1960's ranch, so that I have the option to use the downstairs as a rental or airbnb. I already have big egress windows and the door to the entrance will be full light and together it makes the basement amazingly bright.. It is also safer for the downstairs occupants in the event of a fire. The construction is hugely disruptive and has destroyed my mature landscaped yard. I were doing a new build (and had it in the budget) I would definitely add one now as it is surely less expensive and less destructive than adding it later and adds value to the home and could potentially provide additional income stream in the future, even if that isn't on the agenda right now. (While you are at it, add egress windows too, it makes a huge difference and makes the basement feel like part of the house instead of a dungeon.) I have a sump pump in mine. Some codes allow you to tie the drainage into the sewer but not in my jurisdiction. I hate the sump pump but it is necessary because there was nowhere for it to drain to daylight and no other options. I will eventually put a clear awning over the entrance to deflect the weather which is probably even more important. That awning can look really cool. You don't have to add a full cover to gain a major advantage. IMO

No way I could fit my Christmas under the stairs. I have a whole walk-in attic for that!!! LOL Sumod - Right now the area has a mix of junk that I have not found a place for. Also, my grandchildren love to play in this "hidden" closet. They have a playroom upstairs, but I keep a few things in the closet for them. I saved some of the packing paper for art painting projects when they come over. Eventually, the whole closet will be theirs. Maybe add a couple of little chairs. I have an old set of silver that my granddaughter likes to play with sitting on the bottom of the TV stand. These photos give you an idea of the space. I need to clean it out. Could easily accommodate some shelves. The bump-out is where the air return goes into the foyer. There was room to finish even further out under the stair landing, but would have been tough to get too. Although if we needed to store something long and narrow, that space would have come in handy.