Then
In 1957,
B e tter Hom es and Gardens
teamed with the
acclaimed San Francisco-based architectural firm Wurster,
Bernardi, and Emmons to design the original Idea Home. By
focusing on how families lived, including their needs for hobby
space and indoor-outdoor connections, the architects created a
T-shape floor plan that separates active areas from quiet zones
(see plan,
page
86
).
The centered entry marks the transition
from public to private space, and halls connect rooms within.
Now
The couple didn't alter the architecture in the living
room,
opposite.
They painted the recessed fireplace a slate gray
to draw attention to it and the vaulted ceiling. Because the
couple doesn't own a TV set, they spend most of their time
playing games and hanging out with friends. The informal eating
area
(below le ft)
that adjoins the kitchen sees lots of use—these
days doubling as the family craft room where one wall features a
rotation of Jette's artwork. The couple is not yet sure how they
might one day remodel the kitchen
(above le ft), so
for now, they
use inexpensive freestanding cabinets that can be moved to the
garage when the time comes. “There is zero demolition that’s
required for any future construction project," Mila says.
To play up the open plan
in the public rooms, the
couple painted all the walls
the same pale, almost-
white shade of gray.
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS SEPTEMBER 2010 8 3
