In our “rental, sweet rental”, space is scarce. As well as scarce, the whole floor plan of the flat is somewhat awkward with odd corners, walls and nooks. Perhaps our lifestyle is too different from an average Cypriot family who would find no problem furnishing such typical apartment, I have struggled decorating it for years. Only now, I think finally I am settling with some of the rooms…
This particular nook, 2.4m by 2.8m is meant to be a dining room with a table and six chairs. My needs could never be satisfied with a mere dining room. What about all my precious arts & craft supplies? And kids’ craft? Sewing machine? Starbucks mug collection? Calligraphy set? They all need an appropriate loving home!
It was a challenge to bring all of these together, but I think, for time being, this solution works.
The Multi-purpose (mummy) nook contains the following:
– Yes, a big table that easily sits 6, and can be extended to sit 8 comfortably.
– Four chairs and a DIY bench
– Two IKEA cupboards with glass doors
– A TV (2″ or 3″ – it’s tiny)
– A DIY Chalkboard with two shelves above it.
My craft supplies have migrated many many times. They’ve been known to hang out around the office desk, sometimes in odd drawers in all parts of the house, and sometimes, oh so disrespectfully, in plastic craters tucked away. It was until I came to terms with my personality, and called things by their names – I admitted to myself, that it wasn’t a slip up, it wasn’t just that one time…. I am a CRAFTER!
It wasn’t the case of occasional crafts. It wasn’t just making some Christmas cards – it’s cheaper. Or making a birthday present for your niece – it’s more personal. Or sewing/knitting/crocheting clothes – it fits better. It was always about self-expression through creating. And that requires many many tools. Above you can see a whole cupboard dedicated to my many arts and crafts supplies, some finished DIYs and ever present work-in-progress.
My daughter also enjoys craft time. Mummy is very happy, even if it is just a phase. We use all media; paints, markers, colours, crayons, chalk, playdough, face paints and stickers. Craft boxes and colouring books are very happy here. My little ones know where to find whatever medium will help them express themselves best, pull it out, grab a chair and immerse!
The cupboard is a host to our Starbucks mug collection, too.
We needed a bench between those cupboards, and instead we had an Ikea small dining table. I think every newly wed couple had bought one in the Noughties.
When we realised we needed a bigger table, we bought a beautiful solid wood expandable table. My dad did that thing that he does (often times a.k.a. the impossible) and turned it into a bench. Love it!
The Chalkboard is the last addition to this Multi-purpose (mummy) nook. This board is actually another Ikea piece of furniture that has outlived its useful life. Because it broke. Typical.
It is simply a bottom panel painted with black chalkboard paint and mounted onto a wall. It looked a little lonely, so I’ve put up two shelves above it with some of my favourite frames and pieces. Heart were cut out of cork sticker and glued thereon, breaking up all that black. I love how my daughter completely embraced it and draws on the board without reservations – exactly its purpose.
Finally, there is my tiny TV, that’s on when I craft. I also found it very useful to keep kids in the same room with me when I am cooking to keep an eye on them.
I am happy about the direction this room is taking – apart from a few tiny tweaks here and there, like the picture frames above the TV. I am sure I will think of something and happily D-I-Wife it!
Pictures is this post show a few of my other crafts, links to which you can find here:
Olga The D-I-Wife 
