At one time, the huge whirlpool tub was the rage. Builders put them in all homes as if it were a requirement. These were fit into master bathrooms almost like a shrine, on platforms, surrounded by windows, and sometimes mirrors. The common thought was that you couldn’t sell a house without one.

Well, the truth is that there are tub people and there are shower people. In the instance of a huge whirlpool, even tub people don’t like to use them too often because of the time commitment to fill and the awkwardness of cleaning.

PROBLEM

These homeowners used the huge whirlpool (A) frequently at first - it seemed romantic, especially with the two-sided fireplace (B), but as life went on, it became a feature that they never used. In fact, the huge whirlpool was where they stored their luggage when I got there.

The size and configuration of the master bedroom (C) allowed only one place for the bed, which was less than ideal. The closets (D & E) were split, with two of them in the bathroom.

The master bathroom (F) was very bright because of the large skylight (G) Two complaints were that there were windows above each sink, not a mirror; and the shower was not large enough for two.

With three other bedrooms elsewhere in the house, a fourth (H) (besides the master) went unused and began to become a ‘junk room’. The homeowners wondered if they could combine both rooms for one huge master bedroom. I explained that the proportion would be completely out of whack and that careful planning was required to make it all work together.

The couple had new priorities; they wanted a place for their exercise equipment. They wanted a desk area in or near the bedroom for their computers; they wanted a large multiple head shower; and they wondered where they could add a stack washer/dryer without losing closet space.

SOLUTION

To use conservative design, I tried to see if we could keep the toilet in place, and change a minimal number of windows. Also, the large skylight was staying, so the new design had to accommodate it.

I agreed that the master bedroom (C) should be enlarged, so the wall shifted (I) to where the unused bedroom door was. Now the room is almost square. The unused bedroom (H) converted into valuable space when we created a laundry room (J), which will be used primarily by the master bedroom but has a door to the hall. The balance of the space made a perfectly sized walk-in closet (K).

The master bath (F) was condensed to create a bright, highly efficient bathroom (L), with two separate sink areas (M & N) and a wonderful corner shower (O) with multiple showerheads and built in bench. The toilet (P) stayed put, but now the bathroom has a pocket door to separate it from the exercise room (Q). The window-filled wall in the exercise room was the ideal place for a built-in counter (R) for computers and office equipment.

Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the U.S. and Canada. Her new book on remodeling design, “The Essential Planner for Home Remodeling,” is available at www.creatingspaces.net. Contact her at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or 515-991-8880.