TL;DR
A family in Kansas City has redesigned their 1169-square-foot apartment to better suit their current life stage, incorporating personalized decor and functional layouts. The renovation reflects their adaptation to parenthood and a move from Brooklyn, emphasizing practicality and style.
A family in Kansas City has completely reimagined their 1169-square-foot apartment to better suit their current lifestyle, including raising a toddler and adapting to a new city. This transformation highlights their focus on personalized, functional, and stylish living spaces, demonstrating how residents are tailoring homes to meet changing needs.
Amanda Heald and her partner, Josh Hull, moved from Brooklyn to Kansas City, signing a lease for an apartment they never viewed in person due to geographic distance. The apartment, located in a historic building from 1880, offers a larger space than their previous Brooklyn home, which was only 300 square feet. Over two years, they have customized the space to be warm, colorful, and eclectic, reflecting their personal style and practical needs.
The couple has incorporated creative solutions, such as converting a single bedroom into a lofted primary bedroom with a nursery underneath, and using repurposed and vintage furniture, including a green arched mirror from Facebook Marketplace and a free hutch. They also customized their decor with a self-mixed window trim color and DIY touches, balancing industrial elements like exposed brick and wooden beams with cozy accents.
Despite challenges, especially with decorating while caring for a toddler, they have maintained a focus on making the apartment both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Their location in the River Market District offers convenient access to streetcars, which they enjoy hearing from their window, adding to the apartment’s charm.
Why Personalizing a Home Matters in Changing Life Stages
This story illustrates how families adapt their living spaces to meet evolving needs, such as parenthood and relocating. It highlights the importance of personalization, practicality, and creative problem-solving in creating a home that supports daily life and reflects personal style. For many readers, it offers ideas and inspiration for making their own homes more functional and meaningful.
convert bedroom into lofted bed with nursery
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Family Moves from Brooklyn to Kansas City and Renovates
Originally living in Brooklyn in a tiny 300-square-foot apartment, Amanda and Josh faced the challenge of creating a home suitable for a growing family. Their move to Kansas City was partly driven by the desire for more space and a different environment. Their new apartment, a former warehouse, provides a larger canvas for their personal style and needs. Over time, they have transformed the space through DIY projects, vintage finds, and thoughtful layout changes, reflecting a broader trend of families personalizing rental homes to fit their lives.
“I think what attracted us to the apartment the most was the location. It’s located in the historic River Market District in downtown Kansas City. The apartment is right off the streetcar route, which is so charming and convenient.”
— Amanda Heald

OIGUMR Oval Smallest Wall Mirror Resin Frame Size:12 x 8.3 inch Mirror Vintage Hanging Mirrors for Bedroom Living-Room Dresser Decor Gold
- Size: 12 x 8.3 inches
- Frame Material: Resin
- Design Style: Vintage Oval
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Remaining Questions About Their Long-term Plans
It is not yet clear how much of their current apartment setup is permanent or if further renovations are planned before they move overseas. Details about their future decorating plans or potential changes remain undisclosed.

YiBaiBrush Foam Paint Roller Kit, 10 Pack, 2 Inch Mini Paint Roller Set
- Complete Painting Kit: Includes roller, tray, liners, and brushes
- High-Density Foam Rollers: Absorbs paint evenly for smooth finish
- Easy to Use and Clean: Reinforced stainless steel frame and replaceable liners
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Next Steps in Their Moving and Decorating Journey
The family plans to move overseas soon, which will likely prompt further adjustments or packing. They may also continue to refine their current space until their departure, but specific plans or timelines have not been publicly shared.

Kanworse Peel and Stick Wallpaper Weathered Exposed Brick Wall Peeling Plaster Rustic Industrial 17.7"x118" Contact Paper Removable Self Adhesive Wall Mural Wall Decor for Bedroom Kitchen Cabinets
- Easy Peel and Stick Installation: Removable, repositionable, no glue needed
- Durable Waterproof Vinyl: Easy to clean and long-lasting
- Standard Roll Size: 17.7" x 9.8 ft, covers 14.5 sq ft
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
How did they manage decorating with a toddler?
They prioritized safety and practicality, choosing furniture with rounded edges, DIY solutions, and using storage that keeps materials out of reach. Their projects took longer but focused on creating a safe, functional environment.
What inspired their decor choices?
They combined vintage finds, DIY projects, and a mix of industrial and eclectic styles, aiming for a space that reflects their personality and accommodates their family life.
Will they renovate again before moving?
It is unclear whether they plan further renovations before their move overseas. Their focus currently is on adjusting their existing space to meet their immediate needs.
How does the location influence their daily life?
Their apartment’s proximity to streetcars and the vibrant River Market District enhances their convenience and quality of life, making daily commutes and outings easier.
Source: rss