Breakfast Nook

To add functionality and livable space to the small kitchen, the Werdens converted an enclosed rear porch into a light and bright breakfast nook. Providing the light are large windows that Annie says they “found for a steal” from Second Chance, a nonprofit organization that deconstructs homes and buildings and then resells salvageable pieces. She intentionally left the windows undressed to allow every bit of natural light to stream into the space. “This room gets a ton of sunlight all day. I love how bright it is,” she says.

Annie advises young families is to save on pieces you know will take a beating, such as the kitchen table (theirs came from IKEA) and chairs (which she picked up at an antiques store, painted, and covered with durable outdoor fabric).