When you are a dumpster diver living in a small space, it is inevitable that one day you will look around your apartment and realize you have outgrown your home. Unfortunately, this moment occurred to us several months before our iron-clad lease is up. Most people would probably choose to part with a few pieces in this situation. But since we are hoarders, and we have the furniture rearranging gene, Gwyneth and I decided we’d rather play a 470 square foot Tetris game instead.
We are here to tell you that beginning this game late on a Sunday afternoon is not a good idea. Unless you like spending a week and a half with the contents of your bookshelves on the kitchen counter and hurdling over your coffee table to get to your closet – then it’s pretty genius. We learned this one the hard way, but we finally have the place put back together again.
Here’s the only catch – we’re not sure if we love it. We definitely aren’t in love with the idea of undoing what we just spent ten days doing, so we decided to ask how ya’ll feel about the change before we change anything back. We’d love to hear your thoughts on which version works best and potential improvements.
Here are the living and home office areas before:
Here’s where we landed after our attempt to lighten up the space a little:
Can you tell what’s different?
We turned the Dumpster Dive Bookcase on it’s side and are now using it as a media unit, and the Dumpster Dive End-of-Bed-Bench is now our coffee table. (Mom, please don’t worry – the pie safe is still with us! It’s just in the bedroom working as a wardrobe now!)
I’m not sure if Gwyneth is unimpressed with the new set up, or if she’s just exhausted from all the furniture swapping.
What do you think? Should we put it back the way it was, or do you like the new set up? We’d love to hear any ideas you have for improvements!
And if we end up keeping this arrangement, we’ll share the new bedroom with you next week!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
Part of the Link Parties at:
I like this MUCH better! Well done.
THANK YOU!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I like the new arrangement! The white media stand makes it seem much lighter!
Yes! It needed it! Thank you!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
I like this much better too! Like the use of more white in the space, the placement of the desk and the ‘new’ coffee table! Much brighter and lighter looking!
Carol-Anne, thank you so much! So glad to hear that you like it! And we just love the name of your blog! Using the good dishes – that’s the way to live!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Both arrangements look fabulous. I would have never thought of turning the bookcase on its side to serve as a media center……..talk about thinking outside the box! I need to rearrange my furniture…..I’ve lived in my little 630 sq ft condo for almost three years and haven’t moved the furniture once but you have inspired me to change that! Jana in Texas
Hello, Jana in Texas! Thank you for this and for letting us know that you are inspired to move the furniture around in your home! Love that! Have fun!
xoxo,
Meredith & Gwyneth
What is important is if you and Gwyneth feel peaceful and at rest and relaxed while you are sitting/working/blogging in your beautiful space I imagine if you don’t have the “ahh I am in love with this” feeling then you will feel angst.
Do what brings u rest and peace.
RaNae
If u pray my Maggie doggie girl needs prayers u can see the post from Tuesday or the sidebar of my blog.
Thanks
RaNae
RaNae –
Just read your post about sweet Maggie, and I am praying without ceasing for her speedy recovery and for you and your husband’s peace. Gwyneth would also like to send some encouragement Maggie’s way via her treats – as soon as Maggie is up and running again, we’d like to send her a batch of our homemade goodies. Please keep us posted on her status, and we’ll be checking for updates on your blog too!
xoxo,
mk
I love your new living room arrangement. How did you think of turning your bookcase on it’s side? Genius! I love it like that. But the ‘new’ coffee table is my favorite. It looks so good with the ‘new’ entertainment center. What about the white wicker screen in the corner…was that always there? I love mixing wicker with sleek furniture. Such a good texture combo.
You know I just adore your apartment. I’m definitely sharing this on fb…probably tomorrow since it’s so late now. Thanks again for linking up with us at the All Star Block Party! Happy 4th of July to you and Gwyneth. Have a great day!
Shasta
Hi Shasta! How did we think of the bookcase? Desperation? Kidding
Probably because we have exhausted every other possible placement / location for it! The screen is an oldie but a goodie (it was our room divider before we got the Expedit), so it’s been put up under the couch for a while!
Thank you so much for sharing our living room!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I love the way you rearranged your living room! Keep it!
Thank you! We think we are going to!!
xoxo,
mk & Little G
So……where is the antique pie safe? Did your mom repo it? I really like the coffee table (was that the piece at the foot of the bed?) and the expanded gallery wall. I have to say, I did love your little office area before—the way the bookcase fit in that little niche by the window was just too perfect. So, right now I am undecided. I think you should live with it at least a month and see how it works. I am very impressed that you got such a different look from those basic pieces! Happy 4th to you & Gywneth!
Hi there! It’s in the bedroom now helping with the closet overflow! We moved the bed and have not had a chance to hang the shelves yet, so we need to do that and then share the new bedroom with you!
Thank you so much for the well wishes and hope you are having a wonderful week!
xoxo,
mk & Super G
I absolutely LOVE that you put the bookcase on it’s side. What a great update to create function as a tv stand. Awesome!!! And Thank You!! For joining the fun.
You are too sweet. And thank you for your unflagging encouragement. Sending you an email on that note today
Gwyneth and I really appreciate it!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I love it! It looks so great and light and airy. Wonderful change up. Thanks for sharing at the All Star Block Party!
Holly
And thank YOU for hosting! So fun!
xoxo,
mk & G
I personally think this is a fresh and wonderful arrangement. Why not live with it for 10 days to 2 weeks and see how you two FEEL in the space? You are amazing! Love the screen!
Hi Vickie! Your advice is spot on! We’ve had it like this for a week now and are really liking it, but we’re gonna keep it for another week or so to be sure! YOU are amazing for always making our day with your sweet comments!!!
xoxo,
mk & G
I just discovered your blog after finding your link on Savvy Southern Style. You have such a fantastic sense of style and some great DIY projects.
Angela
Angela! You are so sweet! This comment just put a huge smile on my face! (Gwyneth is napping – as she does best – or it would on hers too
Thank you so, so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! You truly brightened our day!
xoxo,
mk & Little G
I think it looks lovely. Just live with it for a bit and if you still don’t feel settled then you know you need to try something else out. That doesn’t mean it has to go back to the original. I love moving furniture around. Give you a whole new space without spending a cent. Thanks so much for sharing at Etcetorize this week~
We could not agree more on moving the furniture around! Such a great way to give your space a new look, AND it’s a workout! Win-Win! Thank you so much for hosting the link party – we always look forward to it!
xoxo,
mk & Little G
I like the new arrangement! You’ve got more white in the space now so it looks brighter. Great job
Yes! More white space was something we desperately needed!!
Thank you!!
xoxo,
mk & G
Love the new arrangement! It’s so much lighter and really opens things up!
Thank you, Ruthie!!!
Happy Wednesday!
xoxo,
mk & Little G
Why didn’t I think of this. Wow, what a difference!! Love the new!!! Black and white with color accents. Snaps!!!
Snaps! LOVE IT!
xoxo,
mk & G
Wow, this is lovely. Love the white crisp coffetable and flipping the bookcase on its side is brilliant. It’s like it is a brand new livingroom.
And everytime I see Gwyneth taking a well deserved nap i can’t help but laugh.
Greetings from Amsterdam
HELLO! That’s us sending greetings to Amsterdam extra loud
Thank you! And yes, Gwyneth is pretty good at hamming it up!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
The new way DOES look lighter and airier even if you have virtually the same amount of stuff. I like! Robyn
Thank you, Robyn!
Happy Wednesday!
xoxo,
mk & Little G
I have a similar bookcase in espresso turned on its side as a media console.
Great minds think alike, huh?
Hope you are having a fabulous Wednesday!
xoxo,
Meredith & Gwyneth
Poor pups, she’s worked hard, but I agree with all of the above, keep the new arrangement for sure, looks amazing
HA! Don’t let that face fool you – she’s the most spoiled little thing in the world
But yes, she does work hard too!
xoxo,
mk & (a very rested) Gwyneth
I love your blog! Featuring you tomorrow! XO, Aimee
Aimee – thank you again so much for featuring our living room! We have to tell you – it came at the perfect time because Gwyneth and I needed a little encouragement last week! So it meant even more to us! Thank you!
xoxo,
mk & Gwyneth
I like the brightness of everything, for sure. I like that most pieces are white, with some black mixed in for grounding. kMy only suggestion would be to pare down. Maybe not on the furniture, because I realize you’ve got to fit a lot of function into your small apartment, but there’s a lot going on with the accessories around the room, the art on the walls, the electronics, etc. Maybe it’s not too overwhelming in person, but it seems like a lot in the photos. I hesitated writing this because I don’t like to say anything negative, but since you asked, I wanted to share some constructive criticism. Since you have admitted to being a maximalist, rather than a minimalist, you may love being surrounded by everything, so the most important thing is what makes you happy and feel at home!
Hollie, thank you SO, SO much for taking the time to comment! We agree with your suggestions completely – there is definitely room to pare down! And your comment is not negative at all! Trust us – we have seen some negative ones recently (the people on Hometalk ripped us apart!), and yours is constructive and truly helpful!
Hope you are having a wonderful week and thank you again for stopping by and making time to share your thoughts!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Wow! I just discovered your blog and I absolutely adore your style. I think you made some really smart changes to your space–though it looked great before, too! It is hard to get used to a new arrangement, but I hope you keep it.
http://themodernausten.wordpress.com
Thank you, so, so much! You are so kind! We are getting used to it and really liking it! There’s room for improvement for sure (a little editing is in store), but so far it feels like home!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Awesome… you have some great design idea’s… I am in awe how you took this small space and made it yours … it looks FANTASTIC… I love it… serious great design skills….love it!!!!
Thanks for linking up with the ALL STARS BLOCK PARTY…. =)
Carri
simplydonewright.blogspot.com
Carri, you are too sweet! Thanks so much for making our day! And thank you for hosting the Block Party! Too fun!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
I hear ya. I live in a smaller home too and could never fit all my ideas in there. Your looks cute as can be!
Stacey of Embracing Change
Stacey, thank you so, so much! It is so hard living in a small space and having so many ideas! Especially for us because we are terrible editors!!! Hope you are having a lovely week!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie
Ugh, 10 days of living in a mess and all that work… WELL DONE!
I love the way you flipped the bookshelf and that the tv is there and everything. You did a great job!
Thank you! It was a LONG 10 days!!!
xoxo,
Meredith & Gwyneth
I definitely like it!! Keep it that way~ seems more comfortable. {Or do things like I do, keep it this way for a few months and then move it all around again to feel like you live in a new place. ha!} Have a great rest of the week!
Taylor
http://www.peachgingham.blogspot.com
Thank you, Taylor!
xoxo
Girl, you slay me with your awesome, eclectic style!
Definitely featuring you tomorrow! : )
Abbie! A very belated thank you for featuring our living room! Such a compliment coming from you!
xoxo,
mk & Gwynnie