We’re one week into small space-barn living.
So far, so good. It’s feeling more like home.
One huge adjustment for us was having a living room that also doubles as our bedroom. You may remember that we purchased the IKEA Hemnes daybed (which I just saw is $60 off right now).
I made my bed every day before, so doing this each morning isn’t a huge adjustment. Here’s how it looks when it’s open. (Although I decided to use our comforter instead of the quilt. But you get the idea.) The bed is plenty big for us – almost the same size as a king. There is room to walk around it and open all the drawers.
And here’s how it looks during the day. I put away the comforter and store the second mattress behind the daybed. It takes me exactly 4 minutes to put the bed together in the morning. And it’s very comfortable for hanging out, watching television, reading books, and anything else.
So the making and unmaking of the bed isn’t a huge issue so far. It’s manageable.
Henry has been using his own bedroom like a champ. He doesn’t want the door closed, so that means we have all been going to bed earlier than normal. But that’s not such a bad thing.
In the mornings, Ryan gets up way before us. So we realized quickly that we needed to have everything laid out the night before (like his clothes, lunch, and bag). It makes it easier for him to get ready and not wake up Henry and I.
Did you spy our brand new gallery wall – featuring some family photos made by Tiny Prints, cow prints from Decor and the Dog, and my favorite barn wood cow?
And our little “w” even made the wall.
I’m sharing the making of this gallery wall over at the Tiny Prints blog, too. I hope you’ll check it out.
So that’s a bit of a peek at our living space – doubling as sleeping space.
Could you live with a combo living room and bedroom?
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reko says
Thank you for sharing your experiences! This small space living is an art form and in a weird way I’m getting very excited.
Valerie Z says
Oh – and PS, my maiden name is Woodward!! 🙂
Valerie Z says
Hi Kim!
My husband and I are seriously considering/debating getting this daybed for our long and narrow office that is being turned into a guest room/office. When open fully, what are the dimensions? Based on the dimensions on the website, it seems longer than it is wide when open, meaning people could sleep in either direction. But all of the pictures online make it seem like it’s shorter than it is wide when open, so we’re confused. Also, since your husband is tall, does he feel comfortable sleeping in it? My husband is concerned about that for some of our tall relatives.
Just thought I’d check with an expert before we trek to Ikea. 😉 Thanks for any insight you can provide! 🙂
Kim Woodward says
This is a good question. I haven’t actually measured, but it seems to be very close to the same width and length. We actually flip the mattresses so they are length wise at night (the opposite of the way it is as a daybed). It’s just more comfortable that way for us (so that one of us isn’t “trapped” in the taller daybed sides). Anyhow, Ryan’s about 6 feet and hasn’t had any issues with the length. It’s two standard twin size length, so that should give you a good idea of the length.
Hope this helps! We have really been happy with the daybed and have been sleeping on it every day for almost 2 months.
Lisa H. says
I love the gallery wall! Personally, I love small spaces, but my husband does not. He’s also the reason I no longer make my bed daily. When I get up, he’s usually still in it!
I think this will be an awesome experience for all of you. When my husband and I went down to one car, we thought for sure it would be insanely stressful. Instead, it’s helped us be more considerate of one another and creative with our problem-solving. It’s amazing what you can live without when you are willing to think outside the box! Enjoy!
Brittaney Allen says
Oh my gosh that gallery wall is adorable. I love the bed/coach combo you chose. I wish your making the bed everyday thing would rub off on me. :p
Kim Woodward says
It was a resolution I made a few years ago and it was a great habit to make. It takes 5 minutes or less and it really helps me feel like I’m in control, first thing in the morning.
Kenz @ Interiors By Kenz says
I have never made my bed everyday. I should make that my new years resolution. I’ve always WANTED to be a daily bed maker… but… lazy. You are a very inspiring person Kim Woodward!
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Love the gallery wall! It’s so cute! And way to make your bed everyday, I’m sure that helps things feel a little normal.
Barbara Lane says
Love your gallery wall!
Amber @ Wills Casa says
I’m having a hard time processing this business of making your bed every day. You are super woman. I don’t make my bed unless I know without a doubt someone will be coming over and will actually enter my room (and sometimes not even then). The combo living/bedroom situation is awesome. I would be too lazy to put the bed away which would cause unnecessary stress, but if I was as awesome as you are then I think I could make it work.
Katja | Shift Ctrl Art says
It just looks so comfy and cozy. I love the gallery wall and your comforter is just so perfect here. So charming!
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
I agree with Michelle, it would force me to make my bed! I’m awful at that. Sounds like the little barn is working perfectly!
Kim Woodward says
So far, so good. =)
michelle@decorandthedog says
It’s like a sleepover all of the time! I like that it would force me to make my bed. I sure hope Ryan is quite in the morning though. You need your beauty sleep. 😉
shannon Lapay says
This looks great. I just want to curl up and take a nap now.
cassie says
it looks fabulous and i am so glad you aren’t sleeping in the living room because you snore but sleeping in there together. 🙂
Katie Perkinson says
Did you buy the mattresses from ikea? We have that bed in our playroom/guestbedroom. And I was curious if I needed a topper? I have yet to sleep on it. I love the way it looks!
Kim Woodward says
We just used two twin mattresses we already had. It’s way too high to stack them both but they are really comfortable for daily use.
Gretchen says
I think living in a small space for awhile to train me to make my bed every morning would not be a bad thing for me 😉 Love the gallery wall! moo!
Jaime Costiglio says
Less is always more in my opinion. Sort of reminds me of a cruise ship quarters 🙂
Arizona Lainey says
Looks fantastic!
Stephanie says
Looks great! I especially love the decor on the wall. How perfect for your home.
Sarah says
I am a messy person so I need a bedroom with a door! I am jealous that you can keep it all neat!
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
I like the lines of that daybed. Are the drawers roomy? Looks like a great solution for small space living. 🙂