We're searching for a new apartment. Our current apartment is a beautiful space that once had good bones, but right now it has osteoporosis. A few too many things crumbled at the same time and, since we're renters and don't want to take on a remodel in a place we don't own, we're moving on. The problem is, we're going to have to make compromises in the new space as well...
Because of our old apartment's issues, we got a good deal on rent. We're realizing that for the same price, we'll have to deal with less space. That's okay with us, and we've seen some nice places. But each one has pluses and minuses. One has a deck with a great view, but the floorplan's a little strange. Another has great flow, but no deck. And we're totally stumped as to where we're going to fit our dining table.
No matter where we end up, we'll have to make compromises. We'll be able to solve some issues, but there are others that we'll just have to accept. The good part of the situation is that we have some power to create a healthy home wherever we land. And, working for AT, we'll have plenty of inspiration!
Photos: Morguefile
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A suggestion on the dining table, if it's square or rectangle, then place it against a wall or a wall of bookshelves to house less often used kitchen items, books etc and just pull out when you need to sit more people and use folding chairs that can be stashed for the extra seating, or use the existing dining chairs as occasional seating elsewhere.
I saw this idea in a book published in the late 70's on places with small spaces and this was what one couple did in their small space.
view ciddyguy's profile
That's what we do and our space isn't necessarily that small... When I moved into the apartment I didn't have a dining table, and when my fiancee moved in we didn't want to rotate the whole room on account of installed shelves, cable jack placement, etc. And the maple table looks really nice up against the navy accent wall!
view Benjy's profile
It's always nice to have that little bit of outside space!
We love our summers in Chicago.
view art's profile
i wish we had a square table, we don't have a real dining room in our apartment it's more like a breakfast nook style. a round table just does not fit in it right...
a huge requirement whenever i move is a deck of balcony. otherwise i'd have no where for the grill and that is how i cook 75% of the food all summer long.
view jmorey's profile
i feel like i will never be able to have and afford everything i want in an apartment (i.e. big kitchen, porch/balcony/yard, dishwasher, sunny, top floor). thankfully, i recently lucked out and found a place with most of those things (no dishwasher still).
a little scary and depressing that the photos you chose were from a place called "morguefile", no??!?
view any such name's profile
Oh, go for the porch. I miss my balcony (it was off my bedroom!) so much it hurts. I love my place, I love my location, but I miss that outside space like hell.
view chellebird's profile
NOTHING beats a balcony/deck. And it can make an apartment feel so much bigger on those Chicago spring days. and summer days. Warm fall plus the occasional winter thaw.
It can happen. Honest. Just not this year.
view Janella13's profile
Where do you live that you would have to foot the bill for the remodel? As far as I know that is always the landlords' responsibility to keep the place liveable, no?
view amiencc's profile