My goal this year is to make every room in our home work better for us. I’ve always been drawn to the idea of the “not so big house” — valuing thoughtful design and quality details in a smaller home rather than simply adding square footage. That approach is about using each space to its fullest potential and focusing on craftsmanship, character, and function.
I love making the most of the space I already have. I don’t plan to move or build anytime soon, but I do want to keep improving and personalizing our home with pieces I love that also help the rooms function better. Recently I wrote about a new cabinet for my gathering room for exactly that reason.
Previously I had a dresser in the family room that served as useful storage for years. It originally belonged to my mother, and now it’s time for it to return to her. As I considered replacements, I thought carefully about what I really wanted for this wall and waited until the right piece appeared.
I had planned for a built-in on this wall at one point, but decided instead to reserve built-ins for the sides of the fireplace later on. For now, I wanted a long, shallow closed-door cabinet — something that fit the proportions of the wall better than the old dresser, which was too short and too deep. When I found the measurements that matched what I needed, I was thrilled.
Normally I try to repurpose what I already have or hunt for budget-friendly finds at flea markets, consignment shops, and garage sales. This time, I wasn’t finding anything suitable and didn’t have the time or inclination to DIY. I decided to invest in the right piece and ordered cabinets from Restoration Hardware for this room and my gathering room. The purchase was a personal choice and not sponsored — I felt their craftsmanship and design would be worth it, and I was fortunate to use a designer discount.
This cabinet was the first to arrive, and I already love it. It fits the space beautifully and solves the storage and proportion issues we had. I’m now searching for two lamps to crown it and complete the vignette; once I have them I’ll share more photos so you can see how well it integrates with the room.
I’m excited to continue reorganizing and refining our home to make every room more functional and more reflective of our style.
Below is how the cabinet looks after adding the new lamps. The glass-fillable lamps added height and a light, layered look to the console.
Have you read The Not So Big House? What do you think about prioritizing quality and thoughtful design over simply increasing square footage?
More posts about the family room evolution:
Fireplace Makeover
Rearranging the Family Room
Tufted Ottoman
New Hardwoods
How to Hang Oars (or Paddles) in an X-Shape
Gallery Wall