After a lot of discussion—and thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts—we’ve decided to move. Jeff and I want to travel more this year and make life easier for Luna by getting rid of stairs that aggravate her arthritis. Leaving the home we’ve loved for the past two years in Atlanta will be emotional, but the move feels like the right step. We’re staying in the same neighborhood, so it won’t be a drastic change in community, just in layout and size.
One major shift is that we’re moving into a smaller, more conventional apartment that’s roughly half the size of our current three-bedroom townhouse. That brings a lot of mixed feelings: excitement for a fresh start but also practical concerns about downsizing and simplifying.
Ultimately this move supports multiple goals: improving Luna’s comfort, committing to our plan of 12 trips in 12 months, and refocusing our savings to buy another house down the road (once we sell the one we own in Jacksonville). With that in mind, we’re moving at the end of the month.
To make the new place feel personal and less “apartment-y,” I’ve been planning which pieces to invest in and how to arrange things. Below are the main interior ideas and priorities that are shaping my plans for the new space.
Adding color to a kitchen island instantly changes the mood and gives a space character.
Top priorities for furnishing the new apartment are:
- Bar stools for the kitchen island
- Area rugs for the living room, bedroom, and entry runner
- Pendant lights that better reflect our style
- Smart, attractive storage solutions to maximize a one-bedroom layout
We haven’t needed bar stools in years, so I’m genuinely excited about choosing some new seating—chairs and stools are still a big obsession of mine. New pendants will give the kitchen more personality, while rugs will help define spaces and add warmth. Rugs, however, are tricky—size, pattern, and texture all matter, so I’m taking my time with those choices.
Storage is the most pressing challenge. Downsizing from a three-bedroom to a one-bedroom means our current storage won’t suffice. Although the apartment has decent closets, we’ll need extra solutions—open shelving, multifunctional furniture, and attractive storage pieces—to keep things organized without feeling cluttered. If you have favorite storage ideas or DIY approaches, I’d love recommendations.
Open shelving can be both functional and decorative, helping storage look intentional instead of purely utilitarian.
Beyond furniture and storage, I want to refresh our artwork and bring in more plants. We already own several prints and pieces that just need framing and a proper home in the new layout, but I’m also tempted to start with a few new statement pieces. Plants will help soften corners and make the apartment feel lived-in rather than overly generic.
We’ve started packing and sorting items for a studio sale—some studio pieces and household items we won’t have room for. The move feels like a creative challenge: rearranging what we own, deciding what’s essential, and finding ways to make a smaller space feel personal and functional.
Bar stools with clean lines and good proportions can transform an island into a main gathering spot. I’m considering styles like these.
Our vintage dresser could be repurposed as a credenza in the living area, adding warmth and character without buying everything new.
Tall plants and a few well-placed prints add vertical interest and life to a compact space. I’m looking for plants that are low-maintenance but make a statement.
Natural materials and simple silhouettes for bar stools help balance bold paint or tile choices on an island.
A thoughtfully curated gallery wall makes a small apartment feel intentional and personal—grouping framed prints and photos creates a focal point without overwhelming the room.
I’ll be starting on projects as soon as we move in, from new lighting and seating to creative storage and styling. If there’s anything specific you’d like to see—DIY tutorials, budget-friendly hacks, or step-by-step makeovers—please tell me. I’m excited to share the process and show how to make a smaller space feel like home.
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Feature image at top, via SF Girl by Bay