From A Woman's Point of View, Why This Pretty Home Isn't a 10?

Welcome, Melanie Taylor here.  I'd intended to write this myself  but when we visited the house we're blogging about, architect intern Kate Daugherty reacted passionately. So she's writing! BTW Kate loves children and writes from the perspective of a future mother. For more about cozy homes, won't you friend us at Facebook: we're  Melanie Taylor Architecture and Interiors,

Now, Heeeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeesssss Kate! (Imagine a drumroll)

From the instant I saw it, I liked this small and cozy house. It had great  “curb appeal” and upon entry through the side door, I really enjoyed the crisp and fresh feeling of the bamboo floors. My first thought was that its size is perfect for a single person, or couple starting a family.

My initial rating of the house quickly slipped to an 8 out of 10. Why not a 10?  As I looked arou

nd the first floor, I instantly realized that the only defined space was the kitchen. The rest, the space that will take on the 

responsibilities of  entryway, living room, and eating area was characterless open space.

While entering and living would certainly be possible…tight, but possible, there’s no space for a kitchen. The kitchen has an island with stools, an impractical arrangement for a family with young children. The island acts as a divider decisively distinguishing the kitchen from the living space, but for a family to live comfortably, one wishes that the kitchen had been designed more thoughtfully.

The kitchen is the house’s main attraction. This particular kitchen would be great for a bigger house. However, considering that the house is small, just 31’-8” x 17’-4”, the kitchen is overwhelming. Since the first floor is an open space that encompasses a kitchen, eating area, living room, and dining room all in one, the existing kitchen is very “loud”. The island and stools make it well suited to entertaining; great for a bachelor. The house is very masculine.

The sink is located in the island and the stove is against the kitchens back wall. A sink on the back wall with a window would ensure that the backyard would be visible to a mother’s eye while she was at the sink. The stove would be placed within the island. Its overhead hood, possibly combined with a pot rack would be very decorative and act as a better divider.

For more about cozy homes, won't you friend us now at Facebook: we're  Melanie Taylor Architecture and Interiors. Lookin' forward to seeing you there!

To be continued....