I've purchased and read (and re-read) all of Sarah Susanka's books. She really inspires me to think about the use of space and how a home feels -- by using finishing details, changes in ceiling height and cozy spaces. While many of her ideas are very expensive, we are considering some of these "Not so Big House" concepts in our design:
We want a kitchen with a lot of natural light - which reduces the opportunity for upper cabinets. The photo below has shelving under the windows for storage of frequently used items.
- Multi-purpose rooms
- Views along the diagonal lines and through the house to make it feel larger
- A sunroom and porch - where we will spend most of our time
- Away space - making sure there are places for each of us to enjoy our activities and solitude
- Strong connection to the outdoors
- Built in cabinets and hutches
- Using open shelving as upper cabinets to make the kitchen feel more open
- Window seats with bookcases under them
- Use of natural woodwork - in a prairie style
- Use of beams to hide electrical runs and light fixtures
- Lowered ceilings over areas to make them feel cozy
We want a kitchen with a lot of natural light - which reduces the opportunity for upper cabinets. The photo below has shelving under the windows for storage of frequently used items.
