Making The Most Of Small House Living

I was going to title this post "The Inner Sanctum," which is the way I really feel about the master bedroom. But it is also a somewhat shared space in our home, and the room is right next to our front door!

You might get a sense (above) of a sort of vestibule entry to this room, and that little space does offer a feeling of privacy. In addition, I have incorporated a substantial wood screen/ room divider. We have several in our home, and I don't know how a small house can function without them!

I have shared an occasional peek into this room before, but we recently inherited a beautiful little bedside chest that we wanted for this room, and made other small changes. The tall covered bookcase went to my son's apartment, and the small dresser took its place. I also moved the mirror (barely seen on the right), to take the place of the frame and floral watercolor that was placed at the center.

The little chest always stood in my mother-in-law's' guest room when we visited her. With her recent passing, it is a nice reminder of our many lovely visits together over the years.

But finding more livable space is what is on my mind. We had a local family Thanksgiving dinner just last night (we travel to more family for the actual holiday this year), and it's not the first time I have used this room as an annex to the living room, which is just outside the door. I send kids in here to pile on the bed for TV and games when the house is full so that the adults can be comfortable in the small living room. (There is no "bonus" room!) The youngsters always think they are being offered something special. Sometimes the little ones drop off to sleep.

Last night, the oldest picked this comfy chair with the power cord nearby for his I-phone. Everybody is happy! But it is also a great personal retreat for me for reading or blogging, (or de-stressing) when the house is full.

I have recently really worked at de-junking this room. All  the odds and ends that don't fit anywhere else when guests come get stashed in here at the last minute, and then take up residence. (The framed pictures leaning against the fireplace, for instance.) And yes! Having a bedroom fireplace is wonderfully romantic and cozy on a wintry day. And I have just claimed this room as a work space, 

The large screen hides everything stowed behind it, but it even has a third panel that can be swung out if needed! And just what is hidden away behind???

The little secretary desk and file cabinet used to do business behind the checkout counter in the old Cabin & Cottage shop. Perfect for a tiny bedroom corner! The vintage curtain conceals suitcases for more storage.

Most of the junky stuff is still hidden behind the screen, and I often cover the rest of the office clutter with pretty linen. I want to minimize the business end in this restful space, since it is a bedroom after all! The covers also maintain my privacy from the occasional visitors.

This beautiful linen piece is a souvenir from a trip to Italy.

Maybe you noticed my best dolly girls are also all here! The grandgirls play with these under supervision. They are already mostly dressed for the holidays.

So now you know the rest of the story!

As you can see, little touches of Christmas are beginning to appear. Such an exciting time of year!

Happy Thanksgiving week!

Be safe!

Be happy!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit!

Jacqueline

Join me at

Between Naps on the Porch~Metamorphosis Monday

Coastal Charm~Show & Share

Shabby Art Boutique~Shabbilicious Friday