Hey, remember that one time we lived in a 320-square-foot barn apartment?
Me either.
I feel like the time we spent living in a tiny space is sort of like having a newborn. You forget about the details over time. And sometimes, you feel like it never happened at all. It’s all a bit of a haze.
Yes. I’m comparing having a BABY with living in a BARN. I have issues.
Anyhow, after moving in June, I basically let the barn turn into a dusty, dirty dumping ground for all the things I didn’t need or want to deal with.
BUT NO MORE.
My personal goal for the space was to have my own bonus space for crafting and working as well as space for guests. But it had became this big, ugly project I didn’t want to deal with. And the longer I put it off, the worse it seemed.
Then over the summer, after lamenting the state of the barn to my mom, she showed up and helped me move all my craft stuff in, all the garbage out, and clean everything well. It was SUCH A RELIEF to have so much space for storage.
I have a spot for all my crafting supplies – from the Silhouette to paint to paper crafting to sewing and fabric. It’s all stored away but super accessible. And there are still lots of empty spots. Which I probably won’t need, but that’s a good feeling.
More recently, it was time to think about the guest space. We kept the daybed in the space (because it’s not coming out without taking it apart). It’s currently housing a twin bed, which works out okay so far. I can add a second twin to make it larger for families/couples.
But I really needed a different solution in Henry’s old room – which only had a toddler bed before. MOST adults don’t fit well on a toddler bed. Luckily, my cousin had this cool wood slat futon and they let me have it for the room. It’s a small, low bed, and also folds up into a chaise or sofa. Isn’t it adorable?
This weekend, we christened the guest space with my college friends Ali and Cara. There’s something special about reconnecting with old friends, and I was so grateful to have a space we could all gather.
I cleaned the barn again and even touched up the wall and trim paint. (It’s kind of insane how beat up some of the walls got.) I love having a space that works for our current needs.
It was fun to watch movies and craft in a private space and not have to “keep it down” for the family.
Here are a few other views of the space. It’s nothing “staged,” but it has worked out well.
We have more guests coming in December (SQUEEEEEEE!). More fun!
The ONLY issue I’m currently troubleshooting is Internet. The Wi-Fi isn’t reaching to the barn from the house, which is clearly a DEVASTATING BLOW TO ME. It’s not a huge deal, but I would like to use this space for computer work, too. If you have any suggestions to boost the signal, I’m offering a reward. (Just kidding. But I’ll send you a very perky thank-you note.)
Now I just need to book some friends every month next year. Who’s in?
Interested in our barn?
- Here’s a tour when we lived there.
- Here’s a little peek at Christmas decorations in 320-square feet.
Like it? Put a pin on it.
Try a WiFi pineapple!
I love the barn! its such a cozy fun space, and once your son is older i am sure itll be a fun hang out for him too!
We use a wifi range extender at our house, I know its not as far as your barn but they may make stronger ones than I have, It works well for us and even extended it into the garage, yeah sometimes i use internet in the garage 🙂
https://www.google.com/search?q=wifi+range+extender&oq=wi+fi+range&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0l5.2929j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Happy Thanksgiving, I always enjoy your blog!!
Love that you have this space and getaway! My office is in the den and I should have traded when we moved my husband’s into a bedroom recently. But I wanted the den to stay pretty so I sacrificed having a door. I could totally get into running away to the barn!
It’s so cool that you have that space to work with, and I’m glad you’ve found the perfect way to use it. Does it sleep 6, do you think? we’ll be there next week. Actually, just kidding–I’m coming without the kids 😉
It’s probably not feasible this time of year, but I think next spring I would bite the bullet and run wired internet out there, then install another wifi access point for that location.
I love having space for guests, and I love having space for crafts. This is basically my dream, lol! I love that it has kitchen space, too. That was obviously necessary for your time using it as a living space, but it’s something most people leave out when they build a dedicated guest (or craft!) space.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO that sounds like more work. 😉 But seriously, I need to look more into options. When I talked to my internet provider, I was told they would bill me twice if I had a second access point, which I won’t do. It’s just not worth it. I’m just hoping I could boost the signal.
I especially like that snacks are so close – haha! Really, it’s a wonderful space😊
I never want to be more than 5 steps from snacks.
Hubby suggested an antenna that fits on the router and then run a cable outside the house. Your workshop looks fantastic!
Okay – I will look into some sort of antenna …. ? Thanks to your hubs.
Can I just come live there when I need a mama break? 😉
Seriously though, I would kill for a separate craft space. I told Mr. B our new house will have to include a Lady Shed for me.
You are welcome ANYTIME! We should have a moms blog writer’s gathering here.
I just love the barn!!! Wonderful use of space!
We have 2 internet boosters in our house that we bought from target for about $30-$40 a piece. They work great and you get a strong signal. I’m not sure on the distance from the router but they should have long range ones. Hope you get the wifi soon!
Thank you so much! I think the boosters are going to be the way to go. Appreciate the advice.
it’s such a great use of space now and i think you can be all chic and be like, “oh, that’s my studio.”
Oh, yeah. I’m super fancy and have a STUDIO.