A number of you caught a preview of this update on Instagram Stories right after the holidays, so here’s a clear, polished update about the new loveseat we added and how the sitting room is shaping up.
We purchased the loveseat on Overstock, and while it’s currently out of stock there, it is available in a darker color in a couple of places (ours is the light gray). We’re really happy with it—the piece transforms the area into a genuine hangout space and is very comfortable, which is the most important part. Yes, there will be photos for scale.
In a previous post about the evolution of this sitting area we mentioned wanting larger seating, like a loveseat along the wall beneath the window. You might remember the layout graphic from that post. The change that made the loveseat possible was actually our new coffee table: it has deep storage drawers on both sides, which freed up the dresser that used to sit by the front door. Once the coffee table took over storage duties, the dresser didn’t feel necessary in that spot anymore.
All the everyday grab-and-go items—dog bags, sunglasses, a spare key, masks, earbuds, Burger’s leash—moved into the coffee table drawers, which was a freeing realization. That opened the front wall beneath the window and allowed the loveseat to live there, where it feels right in the flow of the space.
We also added a slimmer brass floor lamp that resembles the one from our earlier rendering; it fits better than the heavier wood lamp we initially tried. The room is small, but adding the loveseat along with soft, cozy seating makes this little zone by the front door feel inviting instead of merely transitional. Previously it only had two floating chairs.
It’s worth remembering that rooms often take time to land where they feel right, so don’t worry if you don’t get everything perfect on the first try. Designing a home that truly works for your family usually involves experimenting with arrangements, borrowing pieces from other rooms, and evolving the plan over months or years. We rarely get things exactly right immediately—we tweak and refine as we live in the space.
Below is a wider shot of this side of the room. The angle in photos sometimes makes it look like objects are blocking the front door, but that’s just perspective; the layout functions well in real life.
There’s also a short video walkthrough that shows how the space reads as you move through it. Smaller rooms present photographic challenges, so video helps convey scale and circulation more accurately. (You can also watch the video on YouTube.)
Several followers asked whether the passage between the chairs and loveseat feels tight. In person it measures about 25 inches, which isn’t huge but is perfectly usable—we lived with even narrower clearances in past homes. If it ever felt too cramped we could remove the small side table beside the loveseat and slide the loveseat over a bit, but so far that hasn’t been necessary.
We store many of the items we reach for as we leave the house in the laundry closet next to the front door. Earlier this summer we built shelving and a counter in that closet, and now the hooks and counter hold jackets and everyday essentials that used to live in the dresser by the door.
The shelving holds sunglasses, extra poop bags, masks, and other outgoing items in labeled baskets. Shoes often end up casually on the front porch—flip-flops piled near the door keep things relaxed and practical for everyday life.
Those two white ottomans by the door are temporarily borrowed from the upstairs TV area; I’m keeping an eye out for storage ottomans that could serve dual purposes and add even more function to the entry. The rug in the sitting area could be larger someday so the front legs of the seating sit on it and better define the space, but for now we love this slightly metallic rug—the warm gray tone complements the loveseat and brass accents nicely.
For scale: John fits comfortably on the loveseat (often with Burger, our nine-pound chihuahua, tucked into the cushion crack), and both of us can sit together with room to spare. I can tuck my legs under me or sit sideways and fully stretch out across the seat—plenty of cozy options for relaxing, reading, or squeezing in with the kids for a quick cuddle session.
The loveseat fabric is a tight woven warm-gray that has held up well to kids, Burger’s nails, and everyday messes. It received excellent reviews, which gave us the confidence to try it; when it’s back in stock we’ll share links. For now, it’s comfortable, looks good with the room’s brass accents, and feels like the right addition to this small but well-used space.
Overall, this update has made the sitting area more functional and cozy. We use the space for games, puzzles, and general hanging out—yes, even spirited yarn-ball slingshot battles when the kids are feeling playful. Eventually, when we fully renovate the kitchen, we have a few ideas that will make this zone even more intentional, but for now we’re enjoying how welcoming and practical it feels.
If you want to see the kitchen side of this space and more photos and video, check the earlier post where we documented the sitting-area evolution. You can also find a complete list of projects and updates we’ve shared about this house in the project archive.
*This post contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.