First, thank you for the kind words yesterday about all the crazy going on in our lives right now. I debated posting about it all – I like to keep things light and pretty in these parts. But that’s real life, and I appreciate all your sweet words.
Now, onto what is probably the least chaotic area of our 320-square-feet barn. It’s the built-in area across from the bed-sofa. So, it’s our living room, entertainment area and a bedroom. It also packs a storage punch.
Here’s what it looks like right now at this very moment. Not staged or very pretty – but it’s presentable.
This built-in section has been the biggest life-saver of small space living.
Here’s the run down of stuff we are currently storing in this 8-foot section.
- Ryan and I have all of our underthings, socks and pajamas stored in the end sets of drawers. (This takes the place of our dressers in our last bedroom.)
- Ryan has all his jeans stacked in the right bottom cabinet.
- The middle drawers our our “junk” drawers – one for all the office/stationary supplies and one for my jewelry and extra stuff that hasn’t found a home. It’s surprising how much space is really in this area. And it takes NO floor space because the cabinets are built into the wall.
- The left bottom cabinet is for our electronics (printer, router, Wii, etc.). Everything is wireless, so it’s a great solution to having everything out in the open. We still don’t have our Internet set up (it’s more challenging to get fast Internet in rural areas, I’m learning). So, this will also be the place where we’ll store that gear.
This is the first time we’ve had our television mounted, and Ryan did a great job of planning this out. He put a whole into the wall (above the cabinets and in the eaves) and then ran all the wires through piping to the bottom cabinet, which has a built-in outlet. It looks great.
We’ll also figure out what needs to find a home in the open areas. Right now, there are just a few things there until they find their permanent homes.
So that’s our first barn sneak-peak.
It’s still a bit strange to live in the barn – we’re getting used to being in such a small space. The first few days were awkward, feeling like we were on top of each other and trying to settle into our new normal.
It’s definitely an adjustment for everyone. Henry loves being at the barn and running around the property, but isn’t so sure about sleeping in his bedroom. The dogs LOVE all the open area to roam, but are not big fans of sleeping in the laundry room downstairs. (It’s a heated, finished area, FYI.) Franco also refuses to take the stairs without being carried, which is not convenient. And Ryan and I are getting used to sleeping in the living room, 5 feet from the kitchen and 10 feet from Henry’s bedroom. Plus, it is SO SO quiet. I mean, spooky quiet at night. We have to run a fan for now because we were up all night the first night – wind and crazy coyotes were enough to wake us up every few hours.
It’s definitely different, but I know it’s a good different and we’ll get used to it. It’s a big transition for the fam.
Glad you are following along our little journey.
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Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
That would be such a huge adjustment. Living in a new place is hard enough, but living in a MUCH smaller space is even harder. I really admire you guys! I think the entertainment area is perfect. You totally maximized that space for ideal storage. Well done Woodwards!
Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
Oh I would probably be up all night too or needing some white noise to fall asleep.
The storage is wonderful though 😉
michelle@decorandthedog says
That built-in unit is pretty genius! Again, my basement is open any time you want because small space living makes me nervous. 😛 I’m super jealous of the country living though. Complete silence is my favorite thing in the world.
Kim Woodward says
Thanks for the offer. Is it okay if I just drop off Henry and Ryan?
daisy says
What a fabulous adventure for your family. The more challenges we face, the stronger we become. Congrats on making yet another dream come true!
Sara @ Russet Street Reno says
I have to tell you that I would never ever be able to fit all my ‘essentials’ in that space! I think I need help in that area…I’m borderline hoarder, I think. But the idea of being in a small space is also appealing….you guys are going to love being all cozy together this winter, I know it!
deb says
Ryan is a genius (as I know you know!). You guys will get used to the quiet and will grow to love it.
Katrina says
So good to hear your getting all settled into your new home and the built-ins just look fantastic such an amazing way to use all your space!
Gretchen says
Love hearing about this! You’ve got a lot of stuffed packed into that storage area–impressive! And the shelf has a plant on it, so I considered that totally “styled” 😉
emily @ go haus go says
It will be an adjustment for sure but you guys will get the hang of it in no time. When we moved our bedroom to the living room (with no door) it was the strangest thing to try to sleep there for the first few days. Also, that storage is wicked smart.
Amber @ Wills Casa says
The quiet of the country is so insane! That took me the longest to get used to. It’s still equal parts awesome and creepy! Good luck on the internet search!
Arizona Lainey says
I am so proud of you guys. It looks great. I can’t wait to see it in person. TV looks incredible!
Mindy says
So how long will you be there do you think? Are you going to build immediately or wait?
Kim Woodward says
The plan is to start building in the spring.
cassie says
that is awesome- so much great storage and it looks fab!