Modifications made to add comfort and family space

More and more empty-nesters are choosing to remodel their homes rather than down-size, primarily because of the cost of moving, but secondarily to have room for visiting family.

We are more family oriented now and to have a “home base’” for your children and their children is becoming a desirable concept. Another family dynamic is having adult children living at home for extended periods of time.

PROBLEM

This couple built their house in Indianola, Iowa, years ago, just where they wanted it. They are in a good, friendly neighborhood, and the house sits on a large lot.

They had already moved their bedroom downstairs to what was once the guest room (A). This space worked well for a guest room, but now it contains two twin beds, nightstands, dressers, a TV and a lounge chair with an ottoman. Geesh! I imagine them having to leap over beds to get to the bathroom (B). The (marginal) walk-in closet (C) could not hold clothing for two people so someone still had to go upstairs (D) to find clothes. The den/office (E) was used regularly by both people. There was a smallish formal dining room (F) that was not only never used, but frequently forgotten. The other problem area was the everyday dining (G). This was a complete bottleneck and traffic tragedy with the kitchen (H) activity and access to the laundry/bathroom (I) and people using the garage door (J). The deck (K) was small and needed to be replaced.. The homeowners wanted me to re-think this whole area, leaving the laundry/bath (I) intact. The other door from the garage (L) was only really used when taking items down to the basement. SOLUTION

I started with finding more room for the master bedroom (M). By moving the office (E) into the unused dining room (F), we get a new den/office (N) by adding French doors. The existing skylight (O) will need a blackout shade because now it is in the bedroom. Now there is room to spare in this bedroom. We used the new space for a new bathroom (P) plus plenty of closets and a dressing area! The only way to relieve the space problem near the kitchen was to add a conservative addition (R). This pushes the dining table out into the sunroom like space (S). Now, there is room for the table to expand to accommodate 12 people. There is even room for some comfy chairs for visiting. We added a coat closet and a “To Go” shelf (T) near the back door. The kitchen (U) had good cabinets and the homeowner wanted to keep as much as possible there. All we did was remove the peninsula and add an island. The simple change makes kitchen activity open to more people. You will note that I placed the door (V) to the new deck (W) close to the kitchen and an extended counter for outdoor grilling.

***Marcia Lyon** is a professional remodeling designer, producing projects locally and across the U.S. 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 at 515-991-8880.*