You need to be working with a good architect, kitchen designer, and interior designer. Architect first. This one skimmed a book on Bauhaus without understanding any of it but boxes. The lack of definition of spaces is a BIG problem.

The main living area (kitchen, dining, living) is 17x20'.

- This is small. Apartment sized really. I'd suggest they go visit "show apartments" as if they're going to rent ... look at how things are staged /how areas are divided.

- If they don't yet own furniture, they should buy small stuff. When shopping, they should ask to see apartment sized items.

- As shown, the sofa creates a barrier between the kitchen and living spaces ... it'd be better to turn the living room seating towards the room /place the back of the sofa against the wall /open it up towards the room. Easier for traffic flow.

- I don't see a TV in the living space.

- I don't see a coat closet, pantry or any other storage. Perhaps a small closet of some description could help define the areas?

He has asked for my feedback regarding the suggested kitchen layout.

- A long single cabinet run will make for lots of walking back and forth. Inefficient. Maybe a small L in the corner with a narrow /no seating island placed catty-cornered, dividing it from the rest of the space?

- I'd like to see banquette seating, which takes up less space than a traditional table. You could also build storage under the banquette.

- I'd replace the hinged door to the patio with a slider, which won't require "parking space" and will be more traffic-friendly for those large get-togethers.

THis space is incredibly small for an actul house so I need more info . This space you post is smaller than my LR I could probably do LR / dr in that space but there is no way for a kitchen and for sure not if you like to entertain . Where will people even walk and for sure no space for an island

If TV goes on the right wall, then couch faces that and chairs on that side. a banquette might be effiicient for space and storage, and then maybe they could have a small rolling island to bring out when cooking or having company standing around?

It would bd interesting to know the rest of the house layout and total square footage. Not at all saying “ need a bigger house”, but since this room is tight anc I’d the “ everything “ space, , is it a special sort of small house, like a cottage somewhere, or particular urban area or lot restrictions , & how rest of rooms are sized for efficiency, or maybe to support the outdoor hobbies and travel & such.

Nothing other than my own interest in home design and “ problem- solving” to meet needs of site, budget, lifestyle going on here, how to multi- purpose rooms , etc, so no need to go beyond your original question, really.

Unless a version of a "tiny" house, it's an apartment. Personally, if you can't build 1200 sq feet" I wouldn't build. At this size, it's more like a pool house with a kitchenette, that has a bedroom and acts as a guest house to a min and much larger home.

About the best you can do? Don't obsess on a window over a sink. : )

Not much you can do. No matter doors or windows.

Sounds like entertaining is the name of the game here. Forgo the dining table if sit down dinners are not the thing. If minimalism is the style, consider low off-the-floor sofas and an Eames lounge chair and ottoman. Keep all the tables wood cubes. MCM Wishbone bar stools at the island.

Is this really a house? How much access is needed from the sliders?

A belated but sincere thank you for all the input. I visited with my son in the fall and we gave consideration to each one. Again, thank you!