We also purchased a home with some downright weird spaces. I'd use it for storage. Yours is weirder than ours! OMG! We were amazed that there was a door in the closet that went to a small room (no standing up straight) with a window and a door to a view deck, and a door to attic storage. Our weird place will have a cot and lots of toys for the Grand Kids. Yours is really weird. Our builder lost the house to drugs. It's how I explain the weirdness......... Good luck! Suzi

benjesbride - the house is a typical city "shotgun" layout - each room is the width of the house and leads to the next w/o and halls, etc. There is an enclosed porch = office, living room, dining room, then the kitchen is at the rear of the house. We can add some room to the kitchen from that end if we take space away from the DR, but cant actually change its location. mama goose_gw zn6OH - I haven't figured out appliances at all. I was planning to just buy the most affordable pieces that come recommended here : ) The hood and range is on an interior wall separating the kitchen and the dining room. I think we probably could reverse the swing on the basement door. What benefit would that add? blfenton - The window across from the range faces south, and the one over the sink faces south west. The two by the table face southeast, however they look out to the neighboring house, which is barely 6 feet away. sena01 - never thought to alter the space in front of that long hall! A pantry would be amazing. I didn't think I could get one in, but was hoping increasing the number of top cabinets would give me enough storage. Another idea I had was to take the exterior landing (upper right) and enclose that so I could add more footage to the kitchen and change the point of entry. Just not sure if I would be gaining enough space to warrant the cost of adding an extension. I was planning to increase the opening leading in from the dining room, but worry that would make it even harder to maximize space. The funny thing is that this kitchen is quite literally double the size of our last two, but somehow doesn't feel as though it can look or feel spacious due to the doors and window placements. Also, wondering what steps to take first? Architect, KD, GC? Will the architect understand kitchen function? If I go to the KD first, will that person have enough knowledge of structural concerns in order to take moving walls, existing gas lines, etc into consideration? Do I see a GC to price out the cost of changes with moving walls and adding an extension? Hmph - no idea!

Thank you so so much for your input and questions!! I really appreciate it! Here is a rough layout. As you can see, the questionable area is RIGHT next to front door, across from 2 beds+ 1 bath... This area is NOT small for an apartment. I think originally, the area is considered too small for a bedroom, and the developer might have just left it as is - an empty space! I forgot to mention, the ceiling on this floor is high (12-20 ft)? I'd love to turn it into something useful and welcoming, considering it is right at the entrance. I totally agree that a murphy bed in this area is just weird... and yes, i can get rid of it! My neighbor, having a similar layout, gutted their closet (by entrance), and turned this area into a study/office and sitting area. Honestly, I don't quite like how they designed the space, but it is still much better than the one i have right now... Again, any idea (or pic if there is any) is greatly appreciated!!! ps. Living room, kitchen, and a small nook + 1/2 bath is on 2nd floor, of which i'm not going to worry too much.

My cat votes cat tower or aquarium. I'm all for the slot cars (seriously.. you totally inspired me to consider incorporating that into my living room....). But the indoor grow area made me lol.