The same reasoning could be extended and applied to any class of building. Usually the first-floor plan is worked out first, as it is 'the most important, since the greater part of the day is spent in this portion of the house. The upper floors, being used almost entirely for bed rooms or minor rooms, can be worked out to conform to the outline of the first-floor plan. The basement usually is devoted to the heating apparatus and its accessories, the lahndry, store rooms, and such. Therefore, the first-floor plan will govern the outline of the basement walls; and the basement rooms will be arranged inside the basement walls, as determined by the first floor plan.
In residence work we see two classifica city house and the country house. The city house gets its sunlight from the front and rear, being usually built in between adjacent houses where there is no chance of sunlight from the sides. A country house gets its light from all four sides; that is, it is built in a part of town where the lots are of sufficient width to give plenty of light and air. The city house usually has a lot 20 to 30 feet wide, and it is a question of the best arrangement for light as well as comfort. The country house usually has a lot 50 to 60 feet wide; and it is not un common to see a house built on two lots, giving all the more room.
Let us, therefore, consider the first-floor plan. Upon entering a residence, we usually step into a vestibule. This room, while small and inferior, yet is one of the most important rooms in the house. The vestibule should be well lighted, which can be done by means of glass in the front door, by side lights along the sides of the door, by a transom, and by glass in the door leading into the living room. The vestibule should be provided if possible with a closet (it need not be large), in which a person's every day hats and wraps may be kept, also all rub bers and umbrellas. It is very evident that this will be the first need upon entering a home— a place to dispose of one's coat, hat, etc., before entering the home proper. It is all the more urgent in a mild, rainy climate. In case a closet cannot be provided, there should be a seat with a hinged cover, and a stand for umbrellas, with the usual furniture for holding the coats and hats. This room, as already said, need not be large, as usually not more than two people are ever in the room at the same time. In some residences there is no vestibule, but it is almost a necessity in the best class of work.
From the vestibule, we now come to the reception room. This room is usually large, with
but little furniture. The main stairway leads up from one side of this room and is made quite ornamental. The other side is usually open, or separated by columns or grill-work from the living room. At one end of the reception room, one frequently sees a fireplace, more or less elaborate.
Turning now to the living room, let us study the requirements of this room. Here is the room the family will spend most of the time in. Often one end is set apart for a nook or library. There should be a large open room with a fire place of brick or stone or tile or other suitable material, ornamental or plain, or the mantel may be of wood.
Provide plenty of windows, especially on the stumy side of the house. Nothing will dispel gloomy feelings or worry quicker than plenty of sunlight and fresh air. For the nook, if there is one, build in shelves for books, put in a seat with a hinged cover, also a fireplace. In this room, the quiet hours of the day are spent; therefore make it comfortable and convenient. A very convenient arrangement is to place a seat on one side, with bookshelves on the other; also a few shelves at one end or above the seat, for current books or periodicals. Provide a plate-rail around this nook, for the placing of china, ornaments, or bric-a-brac.
Opening from the living room we usually find the dining room, separated by sliding doors. This room should be more or less private, but by means of double doors it may be thrown open when desired. In the dining room, build in a sideboard, and provide a small shelf or two for pretty china, vases, or ornaments. Back of these shelves a mirror is usually set. A French beveled-plate mirror is used in the best work. There should be the "counter," or the main shelf, projecting from two to six inches beyond the shelves and drawers below. Below the counter, provide a long drawer that will take a table-cloth as folded when laundered. A drawer for silver is also directly under the counter. Below this, there may be either drawers for other table linen, or shelves enclosed by glass doors for displaying china or cut glass. This sideboard should be made an attractive feature of the room. There might also be an other case of shelves and drawers for additional table linen and dishes. There should be a plate rail around the room, on which to hang cups or to place china or ornaments. This room should have, if possible, an east exposure, since the first meal of the day should be served in a bright, cheery atmosphere.