Squeezing In

One of the things we love about this move is the downsizing and simplifying that this will allow us to do.  Just enough is a phrase that we need to remember in this world where excess is the norm.  We are going from 2,650sq ft (way too much for two people without kids) to 1,950sq ft.  The new house is smaller, but really not tiny.  BUT, there are some challenges to overcome with the style and size of the bungalow.  The first challenge we come to is where to put the washer and dryer??  We have debated upstairs vs. downstairs and bathroom vs. kitchen.  Right now kitchen is probably winning.  We have been looking for ways to make the laundry unobtrusive.  We'll probably have to buy a new smaller washer and dryer and they'll probably have to be front loaders.  (UGH.  Hate the thought of the price!!)  And, we're thinking that we'll hide them away in cabinets.  We found some pictures of examples on atticmag.com.


Here is a washer/dryer area hidden in a kitchen. Pay no mind to the yellow cabinets. There will be no decorating with yellow in our new house if I can help it. Yellow is way too sunshine and happiness for me. (No offense to any yellow lovers. I am just not a bright colors kind of person)

Here is an example of stackable front loaders, and this could possibly fit in the downstairs bathroom.  Although that top one looks like a neck breaker.  Maybe a tad too awkward?

Here is a brave idea.  Having the laundry in an upstairs landing/hallway area.  See, you can do whatever you want.  No one would know unless you showed them.  The only problem I can think of with this is the plumbing aspect and how close this area is to the water.

Other things to consider:  A space for folding.  Storage for detergent.  Enough hiding space for dirty laundry while it waits to be washed.  How to keep the cats from thinking front loaders are tiny caves/beds.  How to trick someone else into doing all of the laundry. 

Slacker Apartment Update

Well, I've been a slacker, but Andrew sure hasn't.  I have been pretty busy and haven't taken time out to blog anything about the house.  But Andrew and his guys finished up the studio apartment, and we have a renter!!!   It turned out very nice....

  

The area in front of the door is pea gravel, and once the ghetto plywood was removed (it keeps dirt from getting tracked in and out while the work is being done) looked even better.  More landscaping will be added when we move into the main house.

VIEW FROM THE FRONT DOOR...

We put in a ceiling fan in the main living/bedroom area, and there is an AC unit mounted in the window which seems to easily keep the entire apartment cool.  The closet in the back left fits nicely in the space and is big enough for someone to put a lot of their stuff out of sight.  The floor is vinyl tile which is easily cleaned and individual tiles are easily replaced when damaged.

KITCHEN AREA

The under cabinet lights make the kitchen area inviting.  I would have never thought to add this in an apartment.  Great idea, Andrew!  You can see him standing in the bathroom doorway to the left.

BATHROOM...

Small but functional and attractive.

That's about it for the studio apartment.  More posts soon!