Saving Space

Install a sliding door rather than one that swings open to maximize a room’s footprint. Consider positioning a sofa in front of a barn door, leaving a slim gap to allow the door to operate easily. Opt for petite side tables that leave open floor space for accents such as a large lantern or a trio of pinecone-filled galvanized buckets. The 12- x 22-foot porch originally featured French doors, which the Larsons replaced to make the most of every square foot.

The alternating white and cedar boards on the wall pay homage to the construction of log homes. Bill covered strips of Masonite, a thin engineered board product, with plaster to imitate the chinking that once sealed pioneer-built cabins. Sharyn, who inherited the vintage desk chair from her father and had it redone with a fresh wash of color and new upholstery, often settles into this workspace to complete household tasks. ★