Dining Downtown!

Although our downtown loft is only 600 sq ft, I try to make the most of the space and arrange furniture so that within one room, there are literally three distinct spaces.

I thought about several room arrangement possibilities and decided that we would purchase specific types of furniture that--when placed strategically--would maximize our space.

...against my realtor's suggestions, I decided to approach the living space horizontally instead of vertically.

This means that the area would be divided lengthwise and almost in the shape of a sideways T -- like this:     [---   (I approached the design from a sideways view - see second picture below).

 

Floor Plan - Many approach the design of such a small space from the vertical perspective.

 

I approached the design from a horizontal perspective.  I did this so that a dining area could be placed in front of two windows. This now gives us a great view of downtown.

Also, I needed a table that was bar height to have the full effect of the windows.  I found one at a local furniture store.  The table opens up to seat six, but we keep it closed because we typically seat four at a time.  Walls were done in Ralph Lauren River Rock in Rock Harbor.

Check out this short video on applying the River Rock texture to walls:

River Rock Application Video

After moving in, we found that we needed more lighting above the table.  Due to building restrictions, we were not able to install an overhead light.  So, we went RETRO!  I ordered an industrial hanging light that operates like the old swag lights use to--with a chain connected to an outlet.  The fixture gives us enough soft lighting for mood and atmosphere.

I purchased natural fiber placemats from IKEA (cost:  .99 each!).  I threw two of the pottery pieces which are in the center of the table,  and my husband threw one.  The glaze is K-1--when applied lightly it fires to a rough finish on the lighter areas and a smooth, shiner glaze on the darker areas.

We use Aspen dinnerware purchased from Crate and Barrel right now.  It's simple and functional.  But..I would like to make a set of dinnerware to match the pottery on the table.   ... wishful thinking!

The color of the walls and technique combined with the soft lighting and splashes of color create a great "backdrop" for the real backdrop which is the city!  Here's a picture of our dining area at night.

Not bad for such a small area!