A key element of designing a cottage is connecting the various spaces together. The kitchen flows easily into the living area and does not include barriers to hinder visual sightlines; however, the kitchen is sufficiently delineated to prevent cooking odors from permeating throughout the house. Our kitchen is 10 by 12 feet. I was initially concerned that it may seem too small to cook comfortably; however, I quickly learned that having everything I need to prepare food within easy reach greatly improves the efficiency with which I can cook. There is no longer the necessity to walk 15 steps between the refrigerator and stove as was required in our previous rental.
One of my favorite features of cottage design is the abundance of storage space. Deep drawer units were a splurge on my part and the absolute best decision I have ever made. Unlike traditional lower cabinet units, deep drawers allow you to see the contents stored within them without having to dig through three layers of pots and pans. Additionally, the island in our kitchen is relatively small, measuring 4 by 7 feet; however, it has become our homework station, coffee bar and weekend baking center.
The living room flows naturally from the kitchen to create a sense of openness that causes the 16 by 18 foot area to feel significantly larger than it is. We placed our sofa to visually connect both the fireplace and the kitchen, allowing me to watch homework be completed while dinner cooks. The built-in bookshelves surrounding the fireplace were included in the original plan; a brilliant idea that maximizes available floor space and creates a custom look versus a cookie cutter look.
The single bathroom is 8 by 10 feet. Yes, there are times when someone is brushing their teeth while someone else is taking a shower, but it functions. The double sink vanity resolved 90% of the morning chaos. I opted for a combination tub/shower unit rather than a standalone shower since weekend baths are one of the many simple joys in life and the kids still need a place to play with their rubber duckies.
My greatest concern regarding a smaller home was adequate storage space. However, cottage designs are surprisingly resourceful when it comes to storing items. A coat closet is located near the front door, linen storage is located in the hall way and we installed built-in benches with storage under them in the mudroom. The 6 by 8 foot mudroom has saved us numerous times; our children’s boots, backpacks, and soccer cleats now have designated homes, eliminating the obstacle course of clutter that previously existed by the front door.
The laundry closet is situated between the kitchen and bathroom; therefore, I am able to switch loads while preparing dinner and fold clothes while the kids are in the bathtub. In contrast, previous homes had laundry rooms located in basements or in areas of the home where the clothes would often develop the musty smell associated with long periods of time prior to being washed.
The success of this floor plan is due to more than the total amount of square footage. It is the relationship between the different spaces. From the kitchen, I can observe into the living area and down the hallway to the bedrooms. Therefore, there are no blind corners where the children can disappear and remain silent. Conversely, the bedroom hallway provides sufficient separation between the children and adult conversations occurring in the living area so as not to disturb the sleeping children.
The covered front porch is also 8 by 20 feet of additional living space during favorable weather. We typically dine outside on the front porch from April to October. As such, the front porch has become a hub for socializing with neighbors during afternoons spent walking dogs.
As far as downsides to this floor plan, there are certainly trade-offs. We do not have a dedicated dining area, therefore holiday dinners will require creative use of folding tables. There is only one bathroom, therefore scheduling of busy mornings is essential. If either of our children wish to upgrade from twin beds to king-sized beds, there is insufficient space in the bedrooms to accommodate this request.
However, we have gained numerous benefits from selecting this floor plan. Specifically, we are paying lower utility bills, less energy is expended to heat and cool the home, and the rooms are utilized, rather than remaining vacant for extended periods. Furthermore, our monthly mortgage payments are affordable; therefore, there is reduced financial pressure and increased funds available for items that bring value to our lives – such as the reading chair in the bedroom and high-quality appliances that provide enjoyment in preparing meals, rather than simply providing sustenance.
Each day as I prepare dinner and listen to homework discussions in the living area while monitoring a science experiment occurring in the yard, I realize that the concept of home is not about the size of the home. Rather, it is about the functionality of the spaces and how they meet the realities of your daily life, as opposed to a hypothetical model of how you believe you should be living.
This cottage-style floor plan provided us with everything we needed and eliminated anything we did not. On occasion, that type of simplicity feels like the ultimate form of luxury.
