SMALL SMACE LIVING | LIVING + DINING ROOM REMODEL

More than ever, people in urban cities are resorting to live in smaller spaces to accommodate the rise of real estate pricing.  The practice of clever storage and function are key ingredients for any successful small space home renovation.

My previous living area may have appeared cohesive, sufficient and practical.  But, it lacked storage space, flow and functionality.  Swapping the living area with the dining area proved that home builders don't always know what's best when it comes to function and livability in small spaces.

Challenging the placement of the media storage and eating area took thoughtful planning for suiting my everyday needs.

D E M O 

C O N S T R U C T I O N

First, I striped the fireplace of it's 90's bulky mantel and filled in the niche for a modern clean esthetic. 

Second, I installed ready to assemble (flat packed) cabinets from IKEA beside the fireplace to achieve a built-in look.  A 55" TV (upsized from my previous 32") is now surrounded by an abundance of storage space for media, blankets, books and my linen closet!

Third, I swapped the dining and living areas.  It resulted in the purchase of a larger sofa and dining table. Opening up the eating area has enabled us to entertain 8 people from a previous 4.

Watching television no longer means angling ones body to view the screen

Light coming in from the vaulted windows was also a problem causing a glare on the TV.  With the sofa moving down in the space, it allowed sitting directly across from the TV making viewing much easier, not to mention ergonomic!  The glare was resolved as well because of the TV being inset into the built-in cabinets.

Taking advantage of the natural light was a no brainer

Before we ate, worked and entertained in a darker area removed from the natural light of windows.  Today, with the dining function shifting towards the vast vaulted ceiling and windows we now use this light and view to there full potential!

It's so much brighter now when we eat, entertain and spend time working together.  We also have had the opportunity to appreciate the tree top views.  We didn't realize how often birds in the area used our vantage point as a 'highway' to get around...

It's quite a pleasant surprise to the renovation!

I craigslisted the circular dining table and bulky sofa.  With the money from both these pieces I was able to purchase a larger dining table and sectional sofa.

R E V E A L 

Photography by Jennifer Kucherka

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