Where are the windows? I see the atrium doors but without the windows marked, no one can suggest where to put anything.

Can you move any of the appliances? I think you should redefine your space and create divisions where currently there are none. If you moved the stove and fridge to be across from the kitchen counter, you could create a much more efficient workspace and free up a wider corner for your sofa, futon, or bed. Then I would mount the television (flat screen is a must - bulky CRTs are an enemy of small spaces) on the long wall, perpendicular to the door on the right.

Do you cook a lot? If you do, you'll want more counter space. Buy a smaller fridge so you have an appliance in proportion to an apartment-sized stove and add a butcher block island next to the stove so you have more counter space.

Instead of putting your kitchen table at the end by the stove perhaps mount your tv and have you futon/sofa across from the tv. The only thing I would worry about though would be if you splattered anything on the tv when cooking, I guess it would depend on exactly how much wall space you have. Then I would float the kitchen table in front of the Kitchen sink. And then in front of the bathroom some sort of storage for clothes and such. Definitely get different area rugs to define your spaces. Perhaps even some low shelving/bookshelvs to put in between the different spaces.

I think it will take some tinkering once you get in the space. Do remember though that just because you've got doors on both ends, doesn't mean you have to use both of them - I'd probably put a bed (with storage underneath) partially against the doors by the bathroom in the bottom corner, but blocking part of the door). For the TV, can you use your computer? Do you plan to entertain here? How many people would you like to fit? looks like you have room for a small kitchen table across from the kitchen counter, and then a love seat and a chair or two at the end, and maybe a large end table that doubles as a desk if you need one.

I'm dying to know why you moved to a horse ranch, it sounds awesome!

It looks interesting & may be a fun challenge. Guessing the windows are all on the bottom side of your drawing. If the outside is scenic, let that be your art. Maybe think '50s modern minimalist if you can. Sounds like something to enjoy and not as many limitations as it seems now.

I'd spend some time looking at RV and mobile home layouts as they have the same proportions as your space (long, narrow, compact).

I would buy a portable island for the kitchen area. It would not only provide more counter space, but could also serve as your dining area if you also include a couple stools. Bonus: it can be rolled out of the way if you need more space.

Use rugs to define areas...the "bedroom", the "living room", etc.

Think about getting a trunk as a coffee table. It will double as storage!

Whatever you do, try to avoid lining everything up on the long walls with a "hallway" walking space between, which is what many RV layouts do. Leaving as much of the wall opposite the "busy stuff" uncluttered helps a lot. Using a kitchen island on wheels that can be pushed out of the way when not needed helps too. A TV can be placed on a wheeled stand that can be moved according to where you need it and out of the way when not needed or use a pivoting wall mount stand. A bed or futon can be set up across the narrow end in front of the atrium doors so that you can still walk behind it and use them. If you want more privacy you can use curtains or open shelving to make a bedroom out of that end. Once you start playing with the actual space I bet several options will be obvious.

Hi Caroline,

Sounds like a fun adventure! I would suggest placing a twin size bed (I assume you will be the only occupant) against the wall across from the kitchen counter area. Typically, counters are just under 24" in depth and twin size beds are about 40" wide so you will have plenty of usable space. The TV could then be mounted above the counter and if you add pillows along the wall on the long side of the bed, it would be similar to a sofa. One of the short sides of the bed could be a bench for a small table/desk and on the opposite short side you could have a small lounge chair. I would include a dining chair with the table/desk. By placing additional seating on either side of the bed, you can then easily expand your living space outdoors by pulling the lounge chair or dining chair outside. The top right corner of your plan could be space for a clothing rack and a decorative divider.

Hope this helps : )

Caroline, it seems like swapping the washer/dryer with the sink counter would make much more sense, as it would separate the kitchen area from the bath/laundry area. I don't know whether that is possible, given that you are renting, but it might be something to consider. The appliance layout makes NO SENSE right now.

Also, there is nothing preventing you from placing your furniture *away from* the walls. An ikea expedit unit might make a good headboard/ room divider / entertainment unit. Arrange it parallel to the short walls, with the bed on the left side of the cabin.

You could place a long bank of identical low dressers (modern, charcoal color) along the opposite wall for more counter space and storage, stopping opposite of the stove with a similar style sofa table with two stools for a dining table. Ikea probably has just the thing and you can make your own table. Play up the railroad style with art in that motif, old west railroad signs, etc. A couple old Lionel trains (distressed, of course). What a great opportunity to really do something grand on a small scale.