We have a similar space just inside our front door. We put bookcases, storage cabinets, and a table. Right now my kids (6 and 4) use it as their art room, but it will be the homework room as they get older. I love being able to leave projects out and not have to worry about clearing the table before every meal. And I will love having a computer where I can keep an eye on them when they are older. We have a separate office, but that's mine and DH's space. We wanted a similar "office" type space for the kids. I would also extend the entry wall on the dining room side to match the office side. You can place a bench against one wall and hooks on the other. I would even consider closing off half that opening. That way that room won't be the first thing you see when you come in. I'd also keep the doorway to the kitchen, especially if you are going to be using it as a kid space. Much easier to see them in there. And I'm a fellow Minnesotanite, although I'm from across the river in St. Paul. :) Now I live in a small town in Southern MN.

hi there we have an old house with small rooms. our first floor sounds very much like yours, although our living room is NOT roomy. after living there for four years, our plans for reconfiguring the rooms have changed a lot. we will make one of the small bedrooms (2 on first floor) into a larger den with a closet (potential master bedroom, sort of). this is our tv room. we redid the kitchen and added a separate work area, rather than an eat in area. we are surprised at how well this is working, even though there is no seating in the kitchen. we eat in the dining room, but always have so that was not a factor. the changes that we have made so far that have made the most difference are changing the location of four doorways on the first floor. so the rooms are still small but you walk through them differently. for your small room near the laundry, that sounds like the perfect place for a closet to me. for your office, we have ours in a small upstairs room and the mess of papers is contained. our first floor is much more peaceful and uncluttered because of this. kren

Hello everyone. This has been a process. Thrilled with how the chairs turned out. The picture does not do it justice. New webbing, foam and Dacron wrapped seats. We will wait for next year to tackle refinishing the table. We want to use the table during the fall/winter months vs the kitchen counter. Put up a new light fixture (34" from the table) Now....I'm thinking of curtains on the entire back wall as suggested by Beth H. : ...but what color? What do you think about a colored sheer? I do like the light coming through the blinds....which we did ditch the metal blinds.. ran to Home Depot and got faux wood for now. I'll post some updated photos. As always, your comments are truly appreciated.

Please provide a little more background to your question. You will never successfully match real wood to man made…