A few weeks ago Patty sent me pictures of her dining room and kitchen. She was asking me for ideas for storage and decor. This is her kitchen area. She didn’t want a major change. She just wanted ideas to make what she had work.
Here is her dining area. She wanted this space to function in all these different ways: a desk area for her, kid craft storage, storage for cookbooks and kitchen gadgets to free up space in her pantry, dining area/kid work area, and new window treatments.
Here is another view:
Patty, like me, and most of homeowners..love their home but need more space. Its easy to just long for a bigger house or desire a bigger space. For most of us, including me…that is just not in the budget or life plan. I truly believe that if you strive to make a small space purposeful and functional you will expand your space tremendously without it physically having to get bigger.
One last little area is this 35 X 35 inch nook area by the stairs that is needing some function.
Here was the floor plan that I came up with using floorplanner.com:
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Here is the drawing that I used to explain the set up: (don’t look at colors. My markers are limited. And due to my 2nd grade drawing abilities I had to leave out some items I just couldn’t draw well..such as the dining chairs)
Here was My Thoughts for the Plan:
- Two Glass Front/Bottom Drawer Storage Hutches flanking a store bought bench - One could be used for cookbooks, pretty dishes, kitchen gadgets and one could be used for kid stuff using fun containers. The drawers could be toy storage or “I need to hide that storage”.
- Bench: The bench is placed between the hutches making a eating nook/built-in feel. Its functional because when she opens up the table for bigger dinner parties it can act as seating for three people on one side.
- Headboard: I was thinking an DIY upholstered headboard hung on the wall above the bench. It gives it the nookish feel, plus a fun way to add some texture and comfort. (for all you worried moms you can iron on this stuff that makes any fabric wipeable.)
- Desk: I was thinking a small parsons desk (see source list) that would fit right in the nook! You can make any small area a desk area with a storage ottoman for more storage.
- Baskets : Tucked away under a bench you have tons of storage.
Here is the Moodboard I made for the dining room area:
Source Here
The source list for this moodboard is here. Since I don’t worry about cost when I am making up a plan for a space, I also have some DIY options for some of these items here.
Here is the moodboard I made for the kitchen area: (She is keeping her cabinets and navy countertops…which I love!) These are just some ideas to make it even more unique.
Source Here
Of course, I sent her a source list for this too.
I am sure she will take my ideas and twist them to make it her own but I hope I was able to help her maximize her space. I hope this plan could help spur on your own ideas too! If you have a space you would like help with you can email me at iloverehabs@gmail.com.
Thanks for reading!
Jennifer
