It was the wall beneath the stairs, which Gaines calls a “ dead space ” — a spot in the home with major untapped potential ...

Maybe it’s a scratched-up old sideboard found at a yard sale and turned into a snazzy media console. Or a couple of well-traveled vintage trunks given a new home as bedside tables.

The best college student gifts are useful for a dorm room or apartment! Give the gift of organization, decor, school supplies ...