The ranch may be large, but our house here is small.
That means I try to get the most out of every little nook and cranny. You might notice baskets under my Swedish bench.
(Note to readers: This post was written before the one about my new chalk board that now sits on this wall. To see what this room looks like now, click here.
Adding the Swedish bench to the room, made it more usable.
Don’t look too closely at the pine floors, they have been antiqued by our collie. At some point, I may paint them white, we’ll see.
Flexibility is important in a small space, and that is why the drop leaf table makes so much sense. We can make it bigger when we need to, but otherwise, we keep one side down, to make it easier to walk by.
Because the table is so large when both leaves are up, 60 inches I believe, we needed a way to serve food to everyone around the table.
So I bought this darling lazy Susan so everyone could serve himself easily. But when the weather is glorious, you won’t find us in here. This table is just the back-up table used only when it’s too hot, cold, windy, or damp to eat outdoors.
It may be a ranch, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be pretty, n’est pas?
Very nice! And, I agree, you can have just as much pleasure in a small place as a large one – sometimes more!
I think your home looks stunning! Love what you did with the cowhide rugs, choosing to use two rugs very clever and who knew! Your bench is awesome and really looks great in the space. I love the way it divides the space into seating and dining. Beautiful……..
~Emily
The French Hutch
I spy a very authentic coat/hat tree.
Bliss
I think you’ve used the space so well-it’s very pretty. I have a heavy antique drop-leaf that I keep down but it can open to seat 10-course that means just about everything else in that area has to visit the garage 😉
Beautiful and very warm and inviting. I just love the Swedish bench such charm. I want to move in!
Cynthia
It is lovely! Perfect size and beautifully decorated 🙂
Beautiful! Love your new lazy susan..what a great piece!! You have done a fabulous job Anita!
Very nice that you have and what fun you have the beautiful Swedish bench … here in Sweden, it is popular to have fine old benches in the kitchen.
Beautiful Anita!! I am in luv with that Swedish bench.
Hmmm, seems dogs and wood floors = antiquing. My Brazilian Tiger Wood has been luvingly aged by our 3yr old ( in a few days) Chocolate Lab. I have decided to leave it as is…
Happy May Day!!
Hugs, Gee
I love your floors! They are actually the first thing that jumped out at me. I would love to see the hat rack a little more closely – it looks interesting. Beautiful house!
Hi Anita, Your home is beautiful and I love the bench and the cute lazy susan.
xx,
Sherry
Smart and beautiful!
Jeanette
I love your home Anita, it is just beautiful. That bench is fabulous.
Vraiment! J’adore your Swedish sofa and your cow rugs – not to mention the little feminine objet d’art…Seriously Texas Ranch with a French Accent, Anita. 🙂
-Revi
Your ranch is beautiful!! Love the lazy susan!!~~Angela
What a fabulous mix! You really have an eye for a relaxed feel using formal pieces. LOVE your ranch. Hope to visit someday! Nothing like inviting myself!! xo
These are great ideas for getting a lot of use out of a small space. I love the Swedish bench and the drop leaf table is a wonderful idea. I do love the charm of a small home, and mine is old with small rooms. Shelves and baskets keep me organized and you never waste space!
XO,
Jane
Great mix of textures in the room! Our floors and furniture are antiqued by our dogs, too.
The Corgis do the wood floors but we leave the heavy duty distressing to Bruce.
Love, love your bench.
Your bench is so lovely and unique. I swear you have the best furniture throughout your home. And that hat rack…does it consist of a bunch of sticks?? I just love this!
It may be small but it sure has style.
I adore your swedish bench. I have always wanted one. It looks like you have used it well in your space.
Wonderful use of space…and I love the new screen door chalkboard instead of the original painting over the coach.
Judith
Anita,
Love the blending and mixing of styles and furniture pieces!
The gateleg table is a true “workhorse” piece with timeless class and elegance!!!
Love, love, love the “bee” turntable!!!
I think the floors would look amazing painted white!!!
Fondly,
Pat