It doesn’t really matter what the catalyst is, when something major needs to be done to your home, it’s only prudent to take a look at how the whole house works.

You may find that the initial issue is overshadowed by bigger problems. It’s better to have an overall plan, even if the project needs to be phased

PROBLEM

The homeowners were generally unhappy with their floor plan so, when the need to expand the two-car garage (A) to a three-car garage was discussed, they chose to reevaluate everything in their Bloomfield Hills home. The front door (B) was rarely used because of the distance from the driveway (C). The entry (D) was dull and uninspired since it was just a hallway. The living (E) dining (F) rooms were open and bright. The kitchen (G) however, was very strange. It was cut-up and had no windows. There was a tiny breakfast area (H) that was little more than space for the door (I) to the backyard. The kitchen was a long way from the family room (J) and the door from the garage (K). The laundry room (L) was connected (I don’t know why) to the 3/4 bath (M). This couple wanted a much better kitchen and an inviting way to the backyard.

SOLUTION

Instead of adding an additional garage stall and compounding the entry problem, we chose to add two spaces (N) and used part of the existing garage for the house. The former entry hallway (D) was added to the adjacent bedroom. We created a new entry on the other side of the living room, calling out the front door with an entry porch (O) outside of a decent foyer (P). Beyond that foyer is the new laundry room (Q), accessible from the new family entry (R), complete with “To Go” shelf. The new kitchen consumes the entire family room (J). It’s a super kitchen with an island and a pantry closet. A special feature is the recycling center. We used cat doors in the wall, to access bins in the garage. The proximity to the family entry is perfect. A bonus developed when I suggested a screened porch (T) right off the kitchen. This offers protected outdoor dining and a superb view of the garden. The dining (flex space) (U) stretched across the back of the house. I call it flex space because it can be used for a variety of activities. The dining table can expand and expand for holiday dinners.. Three skylights brighten this space and the kitchen. A glass door (V) brings cooks and diners out to the deck (W). With some hallway rearrangement, the former kitchen space converted nicely into an office (X). An office was not a requirement, but when offered, the homeowners jumped on the idea. The door to the porch (I) is no longer needed as the primary way out. The bathroom changed, too, leaving the plumbing wall intact, making a nice guest bath (Y). The bathroom and office doors are recessed into a little angled alcove (Z), which echoes the angled opening of the family entry (R). Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and in several other areas across the United States and Canada. Her new book on remodeling design, “The Essential Planner for Home Remodeling” is available at www.creatingspaces.net. Reach her at marcia@creatingspaces.net or 515-991-8880.