BP:House

Currently I live in what is classified as a triple-decker apartment complex. My apartment is on the top floor and has both a front and a back porch. A large sliding glass window provides entry to the back porch and overlooks a beautiful lake. Although my apartment is not completely a bungalow aesthetically it does feature some of the same ideals. For example, the exterior walls are wooden with vinyl siding, evoking a simplicity that is featured in the bungalow style house. There are no carports or garages connected to the building, and the roof is low-pitched. As soon as you pull in to the complex a sense of natural living separate from the hustle and bustle of the nearby city. Primarily because the complex is built right on the lake’s edge.

The interior is a blend of bungalow openness and ranch separation. The entry way leads directly into the kitchen, which transitions through a marble bar area into the dining room, which flows into the living room without any formal wall separation. However, the 2 bedrooms and 2 baths are confined behind closed doors with a rigidly defined space that allows for a private personalized area slightly detached from the rest of the house. One feature of the master bedroom is an oversized walk in closet, which supports the assertion that Americans are obsessed with owning an abundance of clothes and a plethora of shoes. The apartment also features a closet with a washer and dryer. This aspect illustrates two American ideals that were first seen in the 1950s with the ranch style- the need for functionality and the desire for style. By concealing the washer and dryer from plain sight it allows the space to not be compromised stylistically, while at the same time providing a practical convenience for the owner of the apartment.