One thing that has always bothered me about our condo is the wall that separates the kitchen from the family room.
Too often when one of us is cooking or doing the dishes, the other two are in the family room. I really hate feeling separated like that, all by myself in the kitchen. Or when we are both in the kitchen and our little one is there too, it's cramped and uninviting. Or when we have to ask him to go somewhere else because it's too dangerous for him to be in the kitchen when we are cooking certain meals, when all he wants is to be near us.
I want an open floor plan so we can be in the same space together and so that I can keep an eye on him. And because we spend a lot of time in the kitchen, it must be modern, updated, and functional.
Said differently, I have had to live with a dysfunctional and outdated kitchen for nearly ten years.
I am so OVER it!
Open concept floorplans provide space for families to live seamless, integrated lives. Keep in mind that this could likely be achieved in the condo as part of a kitchen reconfiguration...
ReplyDeleteYES. Gleanne you are thinking what I am thinking. All of my "must haves" can be met with the condo renovation, with a slight variance on #7 (indoor/outdoor living). Which is why I want to renovate and stay.
ReplyDeleteOpen floor concepts are very common and,desirable in most modern homes. It would be relatively easy to,accomplish in your home and would probably meet your needs.
ReplyDeleteThis is a problem for me. I do like the open concept and would look for that in a house. Opening up the kitchen to the living room in our condo requires taking out part of a bearing wall, something the CC&Rs require Board approval for. Should the Board approve it, they have the right to choose the contractor, as stipulated in the CC&Rs. That would take some control of the costs out of our hands. Opening up that wall would also cause a big loss in cabinet space in the kitchen.
ReplyDeleteAn open kitchen/living room also adds a negative since we don’t have a third bedroom. The little one, when he gets a little older, will have to sleep in the living room to make space for guests/visitors. A little separation helps give a modest amount of privacy and quietness for him, both at night and in the early mornings.