How We Use Space
Back in a former life, I worked for a company that used cultural anthropology to do marketing and product development research. It was a cool job and I learned a lot about observation and understanding human nature.
The tools I learned while working at that job really came in handy when it was time to put an addition on our house. We worked with an architect who had a great understanding of how people use space (not just how to make things pretty) - and we thought a lot about how we use our space and how we wanted to be able to use it.
The end result was a small addition that feels much bigger because we designed something that exactly fit our needs.
What I like about these pictures is that I can really see how the space would and could be used. They're all strong examples of how function and form can work together:
The tools I learned while working at that job really came in handy when it was time to put an addition on our house. We worked with an architect who had a great understanding of how people use space (not just how to make things pretty) - and we thought a lot about how we use our space and how we wanted to be able to use it.
The end result was a small addition that feels much bigger because we designed something that exactly fit our needs.
What I like about these pictures is that I can really see how the space would and could be used. They're all strong examples of how function and form can work together:
I like the flexibility this bench seat adds to the dining room. It makes a small space more usable than it would be and it also makes it easy to remove the dining table to turn the space into a cocktail party space that already has some seating.
When we redesigned our kitchen, our architect suggested a long, narrow island right in the middle of the space. "It's like an Irish bar," she said, envisioning all of our friends standing around the island, talking, just like in a pub. And that's exactly what happened. That island has made our kitchen party central.
We opted against a sink in the island - because we knew we wanted it to be party space, not prep space. However, if you envision using your island more for actual work vs. play, a sink is a smart addition.
After years of sharing one tiny sink, my husband and I made double-sinks a must-have in our new master bath. As a result, I've shifted my hair-drying "station" from the bedroom into the bathroom, opening up new space in the bedroom.
We do not have a bathtub in our master bath - only a shower stall. This decision was made after a frank and honest discussion of how frequently we'd really use a bathtub (never). We have one in another part of the house, so if we're in a bind (or need to bathe a kid) we're in good shape.
My one shower stall regret, though, is that we didn't build in a shelf or bench. I wish I'd thought through what I need when I'm in the shower - because let me tell you, leg-shaving is not that easy without a bench for balance.
My one shower stall regret, though, is that we didn't build in a shelf or bench. I wish I'd thought through what I need when I'm in the shower - because let me tell you, leg-shaving is not that easy without a bench for balance.
Those first few steps in the door are crucial ones, design-wise. Just inside the main door is a great spot to create a really useful, organized storage space.
Or - like me - you might end up with a counter-full of jumbled wires, keys, and cell phones, and a floor full of kicked-off shoes.
Or - like me - you might end up with a counter-full of jumbled wires, keys, and cell phones, and a floor full of kicked-off shoes.
This is so simple, but it's important: beds should have lamps and nightstands on both sides. In our old house, I didn't have a bedside lamp. Inconvenient, since I'm the one who likes to read before bed. Fortunately, that was an easy and quick fix.
This is a pretty perfect example of how zones can work.
To open or close - that is a big question in home design. At our house, we opted for a kitchen/dining combination space because we tend to entertain more informally. I like it and I think it's right for us. However, having lived with this space, I really appreciate the charm of an old-fashioned separate, formal dining room (you can't see the dirty dishes in the sink after a nice meal).