Designing an Adaptable, Built-in, Small Space Sofa
Post Summary: How we designed our custom, adaptable sofa, which includes a side table, ample storage, a console / tabletop surface, and drop zone cabinets.
Compared to our previous home, which measured under 400 square feet, our current home feels positively palatial to us as about 900. Despite the increase in space, it’s still undeniably and, for us at least— delightfully compact for a family of 6 (2 adults, 2 kids and 2 pups) and a set of small businesses.
We’re run into all the usual small space hurdles, like how to maximize inches, comfort and maneuverability when it comes to the living room layout and sofa.
I initially had my heart set on a Sixpenny sofa, as they look so timeless and beautiful to me. But in the end, as always, we realized that we would get the most for our budget and space if we designed a multi-functioning piece ourselves.
I sketched out an idea for a couch with an “L” component that could move as-needed, functioning as a chaise in one position, a wide ottoman in another, or even an extra deep longe or bed in another.
To make sure we didn’t lose the inches beneath the couch, we kept the hollow core accessible via lift-top seats, which can be removed entirely to reveal generous storage for items like luggage, evacuation / emergency kits, seasonal decor, and more.
We opted for a basic, lift-off style of lid so we didn’t risk hinges dropping heavy surfaces down onto little fingers, and so we’d have a clean look along the front rather than a cubbied exterior.
Even the sofa arm lifts off, providing us with a slim but highly usable compartment for spare throw blankets and our foldable projector screen.
Since the sofa backs up to the entryway, I worked a drop-zone component into it by adding a functional pony wall and set of cabinets. But that’s another post for another time!
We determined the depth of seating we desired by measuring a few seats we like in other homes. We decided the lengths of the piece by making sure that the tallest members of our family could stretch out fully and comfortably overnight, and lounge leisurely by day. In the end, we ended up with seating measuring 2’ deep, and 7’ long on either side.
And, just like everything else in the house, the couch is a bit higher than standard due to our heights.
While designing a custom piece can be costly depending on materials selected and labor involved, we estimated that this piece cost us less than store-bought pieces would have, as it’s a convertible sofa, storage space, guest bed, end table, entryway console, and row of cabinets all rolled into one.
Sources:
The decorative wood tops are made from river recovered cypress boards from Goodwin Heartpine in Micanopy, FL.
I oiled the cypress with Rove & Dwell’s Fiber Oil, which is Hemp Oil, sourced directly from local farmers and cold pressed, which means no chemicals or solvents are used to extract the oil. Fiber Oil delivers a beautiful, natural oil tone without the harmful ingredients found in most solvent-based and oil-based finishes.
The cushions (seat + back) are from Cushion Source
The throw pillows, made from repurposed rugs, are from Tumbleweed & Dandelion in Venice, CA, and a maker on Etsy.
The paint is the same as the walls to give it a built-in look: Shoji White by Sherwin Williams
The coffee table is vintage via Etsy
The rug is Lauren Liess via Rugs USA
The cabinet pulls are via Connected Goods
Windows are Marvin
Banquette Seating + Storage
When we updated our porch earlier this month, we replaced our outdoor sofa with banquette-style seating along the back lattice wall. We'd first considered designing a built-in, but we decided instead to keep this small space flexible to best accommodate our ever-changing needs. I selected two, 4' teak storage benches, and worked with the delightful folks at Cushion Source to create custom outdoor cushions that transformed the storage benches into one long couch that spans the entire gap between our two tiny cottages:
We opted to order two 4' sets of cushions rather than one 8'-long set, so we could separate the benches and still use them for seating if/when needed. The results ended up being EXACTLY what we'd hoped for. The benches contain patio accessories and larger toys, while the cushions are durable, waterproof, and can easily withstand the wear-and-tear brought on daily by the pups.
Cushion Source also created custom cushions for the surface and backing of a low wooden step that sits on the right side of the porch next to West's bedroom door:
The step can't be removed, as it covers utility hardware that juts up above the surface of the porch. I was worried that West was going to fall and hit his head on the sharp corner of the wood, so we decided to convert the step into toddler-height seating. The new cushions extend just beyond the corners of the wood, making it much safer. Now all of us use this little step-chair every day.
Since the redesign of the porch, we've been using the space every chance we get. As the weather grows warmer, I'm sure we'll lounge, play, work, and even nap out here more and more with each passing day.
Dealing with a Built-in Couch (while having 2 Dogs)
For those of you who’ve inquired about how we keep the house so clean while having two dogs, here are the honest answers:
- We simply don’t own much stuff. With fewer belongings, we naturally make less of a mess.
- Everything is washable.
For the past 5 years, we’ve used throw blankets to cover our white, built-in couch, which helps us handle the pet hair and paw prints. But I recently received THE BEST PRESENT that anyone has ever sent us for the cottage— custom couch cushion covers from @rachelashwell by @officialshabbychic:
When I first got the swatches, I literally rubbed them on the pups to see which cloth hid the most hair. (Our 9 year-old rescue beagle-mix Stanlee sheds A LOT.) I best loved the results and the overall look of the Grain Linen:
We've now had the covers on for two weeks, and they look and feel amazing. They've weathered the wear of the pups perfectly, and they help our little living room / dining room / guest room / office look clean and bright.
This is not an advertisement, nor a paid post.