It’s the small details that make all the difference in good interior design – good design makes life easier!
Moving from our freshly renovated contemporary coastal home with all the mod cons into our original 1950’s retro house, I’ve come to realize just how much home design has improved in the last 50+ years to make every day living easier. It’s the little things that I took for granted in my contemporary home that are lacking in this beach house.The wealthy homes of the time were better equipped, but the average home like this one definitely had a few shortfalls, namely that:
– There is very little bench top space in the kitchen with only a 2 metre length. The fact that the benchtop is only 400mm wide means that the toaster takes up most of the space!
– There are only 2 drawers and 8 cupboards, because in the 1950’s they didn’t have as many gadgets and appliances.
– The taps are separate. A mixer tap? No such luxury and getting the washing up water just right is a feat in itself!
– There is only one sink bowl so rinsing off the soapy water is done after the wash up. No there isn’t a dish washer (unless you count me).
– The windows are mostly made of timber. They have had many coats of paint over the years so you need to be Arnie Schwarzenegger to open them more than 2 inches. You need that strength for the kitchen drawers as well.
– As for storage space – whats that? There are no wardrobes and the rooms are small. So, by the time you add a robe big enough for clothes, there is not much space. I guess they didn’t have the volume of clothing we have today.
– No such luxury as having an integrated garage that has access to the inside of the home. When it rains it’s a dash inside or a battle with the umbrella.
– All the power outlets, (and there are only minimal) are single.
– Our veranda is completely enclosed with windows from hip height, so there is no outdoor living for a cup of tea in the sun.
Though these are only small details, I have come to appreciate the subtle developments in interior design. I love a simple, well designed home, but not too simple. I miss the little luxuries that we took for granted!
Belle 1