While others are throwing out or giving away items during spring cleaning, I’m trying to figure out if you can throw away a space (joking but it’s been a real thought from time to time). My eat-in kitchen has been bothering me for some time.

When my family first moved in, we had a round, glass table in this space with huge, bulky chairs. It made the space feel super small and closed. Not to mention with the boys being babies at the time, it created a new challenge—keeping the space clean. Those spindles make it so hard to keep the chairs clean. 

We finally gave away the original set and purchased a rectangle wood table with more of a farmhouse style that included wooden chairs and a bench. Over time, it became glaringly obvious that this just wasn’t my style, and it still made the space feel super cramped. And I won’t even begin about the endless arguments around where each boy was supposed to sit. 

Instead of letting this space zap out all of our peace and unity, I’ve decided to let plants clear the air and live in that area. 

We plan to remove the cabinet, countertop, and floating shelves to allow the window to let in all that perfect light for our plants. Unlike our grumpy dinners, the plants are thriving there. To help make more room for additional plants, we’re going to add an etagere that will visually open up the space and add some much-needed functionality for my plants. 

So, what furniture am I planning to have in the area? I’m glad you asked.

• A round table
• A new, modern chandelier to make the space feel less like a farmhouse
• The etagere to provide a more cohesive look throughout the space
• Mid-century modern chairs. I chose upholstered chairs, but in the color gray, which I am hoping will be a bit easier to clean up

Well, that’s my pet peeve space. What about yours? Is there a space that’s bothering you that you have to tackle soon so that you don’t go crazy?