Beth - thanks so much. Both suggestions are very helpful. haha I am hoping we can reuse some of the stairs materials and just change certain things. I have one guy coming in that said we can just change the balisters to update. But I think you are right, the actual stairs themselves need updating too. As for under the steps, the weird thing is that the area under there is more raised than the rest of the room. I was thinking of putting either like a bench there, or maybe small sitting chairs.

why not look into doing a built in type of bench w/maybe some cubbies? then it can double as storage for toys. hinged seat would also work.

as for the stairs, you have a stunning view and staircase. don't skimp after all this time. just go for it and redo the entire thing. make it the focal point. you don't have to pick super expensive wood. a simple white oak is fine. I was going to mention the glass or acrylic panels because they don't block any view, but w/kids you'd be cleaning the heck out of them!

this shouldn't be that much as opposed to custom.

straight iron balusters, simple wood treads and stringers. maybe you can reuse what's there if youre staying w/the white

I like the cable system too.

these look amazing. I really like the glass. cleaning would be a night mare but they do look great haha. Here is another photo of our under stairs. i love the look of the built in benches...I wonder if it would work.

is that entire space up for grabs? or, how far out from the wall could you come?

you could do something like this w/pull outs

or like this (ignore the window)

put some shelving above

could you wall up one end?

maybe you could do like a little nook room? forget the stairs on the right, but either leave it open on both ends, or, put up a little pony wall or something

or maybe do a little desk area against the wall? shelves above (I know your stairs don't do this, it's just hard to find an exact pic that matches your set-up)

I love the nook idea. Yeah the real question is how far out do we go from the wall. Do I go narrowly against the back wall. Or do something more wide that takes up more of that raised space. Here is another angle

oh, ok, that's better. yeah, I'd incorporate the entire space and build up underneath the stairs.

do a nook or desk area for the kids.

why don't you look at 'built ins under staircase' ideas and look at all the pics?

you could easily enclose that one side that steps down. bring up a wall and have all sorts of things.

imagine this one wall going up to the stairs and now you have this enclose little bench/reading spot

I'd probably remove the step up altogether and take it down level w/the floor. you'd still keep your step at the beginning of the stairs, but this one portion, make it like shown above

this make sense?

extra storage

if you level that 'stage', then you could do something like this w/pull out drawers and a little play area

so many cool ideas. but definitely remove the step-up

Two issues that I see: There is venting in the platform. Why? Can it be moved? If so, can you then get rid of the platform entirely??? That would be the option of choice. By putting a wall up an creating a nook, you are completely blocking the view of the lake. Is that what you want to do? Secondly, if you put up the wall, what is the purpose of having see-through stairs? I would rethink the wall/nook option and explore, first, what is in the platform. Can it be eliminated completely, with venting moved to the wall.

The step up has venting in it. If you can't remove it, a nook under the stairs is a perfect way to hide the step up. No one needs to know it was ever a step up if it's under a built in reading nook.
I see the point of the see through stairs, but it's only 3 feet of the view, and only for a short length. Your entry way is wide enough to still catch plenty of view.
I'd be tempted to put 2 comfortable chairs, they don't need to be high back, with a small table between the chairs, so I could sit there and enjoy the view, end of day, sunrise, etc. Yes, you'd have to walk around the chairs to get outside, but it kind of directs traffic. Living room or kitchen.
I'm looking forward to seeing what you decide.

All really great suggestions. I love that. Thanks so much!

Preteckel - good points. Quick question though - if I do remove the step up, we still face the same issue with what to do with that area? although less of an issue maybe?

Less of an issue, I think, if the venting can be recessed back into the wall. In the open area (even now) I would suggest a beautiful plant. A collection of baskets that are different heights (a large urn, a round basket, a smaller one in an interesting shape.) A soft ottoman cube and a low bookshelf for your children’s books? Items that won’t block the view. Not some sort of formally structured sitting area. No one will actually sit there if there are other spaces in the room that are more comfortable, etc. If it were mine, I would place a beautiful leafy palm there, planted in an interesting woven basket. And maybe a lantern or two on the floor next to it. And focus on the beautiful view...and renovating your gorgeous stairs.

And...another concern. While I like the idea of the wire railings for your stairs and gallery, you have small children. And I would be concerned about having horizontal railings of any kind on those galleries (for a few years, anyway....). Just something to think about.

I think with stairs like yours, I’d want to keep that area as open and clutter-free as possible. My thinking is like ptreckel’s — I’d put plants in interesting pots there. I’d keep the ledge (perfect for plants), and concentrate on the staircase. Love the open treads and don’t think any kind of seating area would be a good or enjoyable choice under them.

ETA: I do like the train set, though! Maybe fix the area up for that. It’s a great spot for a little village. :D

I just moved into a place and I have found that lighting is really important and a great piece can really make a room interesting

Thank you all so much. All really great suggestions. I have a few poeple coming out to give us estimates on renovating the stairs. I do like the idea (for now) of putting some plants under the stairs. As for the open area, i am thinking of putting a pedastal table and a pretty plant. Might wait for that since kids love the open area to play in haha. But thank you all so much for your responses. Much appreciated.