Big living in a small space: dining area upgrade

(Originally posted on 1 February 2017)

We’ve made the HUGE decision to remain living in our one-bedroom flat as a family of three for the foreseeable future. So now I have the task of making this space liveable with a quickly growing tiny human.

No problems, eh? I’ve missed a good challenge.

This week I’m tackling upgrading our dining area into a second living space. Using a blend of our existing items and some new buys, we're hoping for a new-to-us space to work and eat in, and for Bax to comfortably play where we can keep an eye on him as we cook (that boy is on the gooo). I recently gave our antique bureau a new lease of life and it’s proving to be a great workspace. Now for the rest of the room to catch up...

Here are a few of the items we’re hoping will make the space more liveable (clockwise from top left):

Baxter’s retro style Bloom highchair was like a glowing beacon through a thrift store window. When Bax is big enough, it lowers down to be a cool chair. It’s pink and the boys don’t care…total win.

Rattan chairs in soft colours help make the space feel lighter and brighter (we grabbed ours on special promotion - similar khaki& peach). T found this solid white style during a run (don’t you just love it when people throw things out?)

Compact dining table to replace our well-loved, chunky table. The mint drawers are perfect for storing baby wipes and telly remotes (I know, I know. 6 Music at the dinner table, other channels for wind down time)

The Just Be print is several seasons old from Oliver Bonas, but their print collection is still strong. We also plan on getting several prints from local artist The Mossy Hill in homage to the town we call home.

This storage bench is surprisingly comfy and offers a place to hide shoes. We’re definitely going to be upping storage space in the months to come! 

Adding velvet cushions for cuddling or buffering B-man’s falls when he learns to walk.

A geometric short pile rug to make those cold tiles a bit more homely.

Before and after pics will come soon.

Are any of you trying to make it work in a small space? Please share your tips!