After months of looking, we finally found a flat we liked in early February. We’d been living in a great furnished flat, but wanted to save on rent and to be able to make our home our own. The new place is only a few blocks from where we were, and is even closer to Sandra’s school so it’s very convenient.

The place is very bright, and facing west, it’s also very warm. It’s quiet and spacious and everything we wanted, including a balcony with a great view. My favourite part of how we’ve set it up is the flexibility. The table and chairs can be set up near the kitchen for lunch, on the balcony for breakfast with a view or dinner by sunset, or folded out of the way. The sofa is often folded out into a bed while we watch a movie. Bean bags and a low table can be brought out when we have guests or used in other places otherwise. The balcony can be used for eating, lounging in a hammock or cleared to give a good view from inside.

Of course there was some compromising done due to my preference for a minimalist environment (including blank walls) and Sandra’s desire to have everything absolutely spotless at all times (which means mats and cloths everywhere), but we generally wanted the same things and are loving our new home.