The bathroom is a simple room and has nothing more than necessary.

Moving 
clockwise around the room, one first encounters the sink. It would be preferable to 
reclaim an old chrome sink stand with a new porcelain sink mounted on top. A simple 
faucet (cross-style handles, perhaps, with a single hole for the faucet and the handles 
mounted on the faucet) facilitates cleaning. Enameled towel racks are mounted behind 
the door on the wooden trim above the tile. An inset medicine cabinet holds 
toothbrushes, q-tips (or an eco-friendly substitute), ibuprofen, deodorant, lotions and 
moisturizers, shaving materials, and floss. Two small baskets sit beneath the sink: one 
is for waste, the other for washcloths. The west wall of the bathroom also features a 
simple toilet that is water-efficient and has a long bowl for comfort. A piece of artwork 
or photography may be placed above the toilet. The toilet paper holder is mounted to 
the west wall, perhaps beneath the window. The lower sash of the window is either 
frosted or features an ornate design that gives privacy. The upper sash is untreated to 
allow for plenty of light to enter the room. Aside from the shower cove, the subway tiles 
extend to 48” above the floor. It is capped with a simple wooden trim board to hide the 
expansion gap between tile and drywall. The tub cove fits a large (72”) tub. A wall 
mounted shower rod holds a simple shower curtain and liner. Shower niches hold 
soaps and shampoo, and a simple chrome basket could hold soap and wash cloths. 
The shower head allows for plenty of water and is mounted high on the wall, but is also 
eco-friendly and efficient in design.  
 
Utility Room 
The utility room sits at the northwest corner of the home. Moving clockwise around the 
room, a small closet sits adjacent to the door. This room holds cleaning tools (brooms, 
dusters, mops) mounted on a strip of pegboard. A tankless water heater is mounted to 
the wall. To the west of the closet door are the washer and dryer. Both are 
front-loading machines, and an ironing surface/folding table straddles both machines. 
Above the laundry machines are a set of cabinets that hold laundry materials (laundry 
soap, oxygen bleach, wool dryer balls, clothespins), iron, and cleaning supplies 
(all-purpose cleaner, vinegar, rags and towels, brushes, baking soda, salt, furniture 
polish). On the west wall of the utility room there is a window and a chest freezer. The 
north wall has a large wire shelving unit and another window. The shelving units holds 
tools, a sewing machine, lightbulbs, boxes with art supplies and office supplies, and 
other odds and ends organized carefully in photo boxes. First-aid and emergency kits 
can also be found here. The east wall has a workbench that serves as a computer 
desk, sewing table, and tool bench. The top is made from butcher block and spans two 
supports made from filing cabinets. These cabinets are modified to hold their contents 
in whatever way is most efficient. The internet router can be found at this workbench 
as well. A simple overhead light hangs over the center of the room. Task lighting on the 
workbench consists of a pair of desk lamps to eliminate shadows. The workbench is at 
a high counter height, which is perfect for using with a metal stool. 
 
Hallway 
The hallway has a simple globe light over the center of the area. The light switch for the 
hallway is in the center of the hallway between the bathroom and utility room. The linen 
closet holds an extra set of sheets, off-season quilts and blankets, extra hand soap 
and shampoo, towels (extras and for guests — ideally two contrasting colors), and 
washcloths. Bath materials (like bath salts, oils, and spa-style bath items) can be found 
in a basket here as well. 
 
Bedroom 
As its primary purpose is for sleeping, the bedroom is outfitted simply and quietly. 
Some form of reclaimed bed — either platform or a metal head- and footboard — is 
positioned on the west wall. Two small nightstands hold lamps and have one small 
drawer each. A chest of drawers sits opposite the bed between the two windows. All 
windows have airy, sheer curtains with Roman shades behind them. A small chair sits 
in the corner for dressing. Large house plants may be arranged in the corner. The walls 
may have a few pieces of carefully curated artwork. The closet door is on the south 
wall. Inside, one finds a simple globe light that illuminates two clothes racks, stacked 
vertically for the most optimal use of space. Suitcases are stacked into the corner.  
 
Exterior 
 
Porch 
The porch is a simple affair. It is low enough to negate the need for a railing. This 
creates an open, airy space on which to relax. It also increases the amount of light 
coming into the living room. Two teak rocking chairs sit on the porch, with a small side 
table between them for books or a couple of drinks, perhaps. A simple sconce lights 
the left side of the front door and provides sufficient light for the entrance. A gravel 
path leads down from the porch steps to the back door of the garage/storage shed. 
 
Garage/Storage Shed 
This outbuilding has two garage doors on its south face. The north face has a regular 
swing door and a small vertically sliding door for small equipment and tools, such as a 
snowblower, mower, wheelbarrow, ladders, etc. The driveway from the south side of 
the property leads to the south side of the garage.  
 
Landscaping