Small Space Dining and Living

Downsizing is overwhelming. All of the decisions and work involved around what to keep or not, and where to place it in your new space, can feel exhausting and emotional (on top of all the other stressful aspects of moving.)

For this couple, we set out to make this smaller home functional, comfortable, safe, & aligned with their taste and built around their actual needs:

• Keep existing curio cabinet (to showcase sentimental items)

• Comfortably seat 4 people around an easy-to-clean table

• Bring in dining room chairs that are easy to move around (not clunky) but are also solid and sturdy, with arms

• Create storage for every day access without clogging up the main walkway

• Maintain at least 2 reclining seat options

They were struggling with how to lay out the furniture in their new home. They needed the area open to the kitchen to serve multiple purposes: both living room and dining room functions. Plus, the front door opened up into a view of this space.

We started by reimagined the room very differently from how the apartment complex had staged it. By flip-flopping the living and dining areas, we were able to find the perfect spot for the curio cabinet they wanted to keep! This also created a beautiful view of the dining table and new chandelier from the front door.

One of our most exciting finds was the custom dining chairs that met all their needs! On casters (wheels), they can even be moved into the living room area when hosting larger social gatherings. We kept their existing recliner sofa, that their pup also loved, and added lots of storage space throughout the living room. Even the coffee table opens up for extra storage!

IHI brought in the trade professionals and was on site to coordinate the installation:

• Direct where and how high to hang the new light fixtures (on dimmers, of course!)

• Place the rugs and accessories in exactly the right spot

• Ensure the drapes, art, and tv were all hung at the proper height

• Inspect all the deliveries

When a dining chair was delivered with a dinged corner, IHI was there, making sure it was replaced. While we handled all of this, our clients were freed up to focus on selling their house and spending time with their old neighbors.

It was a joy to help these overwhelmed down-sizers turn their new, smaller space into something functional, comfortable, and in-line with their style. It's become their warm and welcoming environment that feels like home.