"Gary" > wrote in message ...
> Cheri wrote:
>>
>> "Gary" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>
>> > I was referring to houses in general these days, not my apt.
>> > Most have dens or family rooms and people tend to do every
>> > day living in them. Latest is the great rooms which have been
>> > very popular with new building. Many people have remodeled,
>> > taken out walls and turned old living room, dining room,
>> > and kitchen into one giant great room. They are nice.
>>
>> My SIL's house burned down a couple of years ago, and when they built the
>> new one it is mostly open with one giant great room, kitchen, etc. Of
>> course
>> it's all new, with state of the art appliances, furniture etc. and it is
>> just beautiful. We were out there for dinner on Tuesday, and it is so
>> handy
>> to do the cooking, serving, and clean up while still being in the thick
>> of
>> everything that's going on with the other guests. I live in a small home
>> with small rooms, but if I ever had the choice (though not with my house
>> burning down, been there done that) the open plan would be it.
>
> As I said, my place is not quite a great room but very close
> and unlike sf, I really love it. I love the open space it provides.
> So many old houses and apartments have closed-in, and very
> separate rooms. I like the open spaces combined with many windows
> and east&west windows where I can flush out all the stale air
> most days. Lots of light and plenty of fresh air.
>
> Years ago, I took down one wall in my family room to give it more light.
> My kitchen is not really included. It has a separating wall but it is
> a walkthrough with open doorways to the dining room and the
> family room....so it's still somewhat open.
>
> If sf and sheldon don't want cooking smells in the rest of
> their houses, might I suggest they cook better food and the
> smell won't bother them. ;-D

LOL, my SIL made wonderful pot roast, potatoes, carrots, homemade bread etc.
The smells were wonderful!

Cheri