Curb appeal comes with a price on Design K-1

Know why Design K-1 has curb appeal? Look first at the outline of the foundation. The footprint of this country-style home is irregular, with bay windows and bump-outs. These features create depth and look more interesting to the eye than straight walls.

They're pricier, too. Every time the mason turns a corner, foundation costs increase.

Three dormers across the front are also appealing. The human eye likes odd numbers for some reason (what looks better to you: two daisies in a vase or three?), and this trio adds curb appeal. However, three more dormers across the back might tax your budget. Dormers can be pretty expensive.

Inside Design K-1, the rooms are well proportioned and the layout makes sense. Although this is not a split-bedroom design, the long hall to the master suite creates a sense of privacy.

The living room is flanked by rooms and covered porches, and is likely to be quite dark. Consider adding skylights over the rear patio to help coax indirect sunlight through the French doors into the living room.

The secondary bathroom -- especially the vanity -- is pretty small. This is OK for occasional guests, but not if family will use this space every day. If you enlarge the bathroom, however, you may have to change other rooms, too, in order to maintain a symmetrical faade.

The kitchen in Design K-1 has its pluses and minuses. The stairwell is in an ideal location. It ends up in everybody's favorite spot: the kitchen. A side-facing morning room is lovely as long as the property next door provides a pleasant view.

However, the kitchen island, positioned between sink and stove, is a serious barrier to efficient meal preparation. To appreciate how much aggravation this can cause you, go to your current kitchen and place a chair or cardboard box in the path between two appliances or workstations. Then, try to cook with this obstacle in place.

Convinced? If so, consult with a designer about reconfiguring the kitchen in Design K-1. There are several ways this island could be converted from a liability to an asset.

(To receive a copy of Emily's 32-page booklet, "Getting the House Plan You Want," please send $4.95 (includes postage) to HPR Services, P.O. Box 1143, Reidsville NC 27323.)