Small Houses of the 1920’s

Ok, so this is way out of fashion, but ever since I’ve been living in a 1925 bungalow I’ve been fascinated by how timeless and practical these houses are and how they still appeal to many people after almost 100 years!     We like to talk about the utility of modern homes and how they facilitate our “modern” lifestyles, but think about how many contemporary families live in these very old homes – many of which have not been remodeled – and how they serve the domestic needs of people just fine.   Lets talk about the kitchen first.   The modern home or apartment as we’re familiar with has the ‘open’ layout where the kitchen, dining room and living room all flow together.  We like that, and I’ve always designed it that way in my own work, but is it all that important and is it the right kind of layout for everyone?   Just wondering.   Personally I love the kitchen in my 1925 bungalow, where it’s tucked away from and completely separate from the dining and living room.  That works fine.  Plus there’s something dignified and resolved about separate formal “rooms” that are distinct from one another.   I think generally that if the architecture appeals to you and you like the aesthetic you’ll adapt your life to fit the house.   Here’s a book that I picked up at Powell’s a few years ago and have spent hours and hours studying these modest – but dignified – small houses from the 1920’s.   Check it out.