Angles are great. They can add interest to an otherwise boring floor plan. Introducing these, or designing a home full of angles takes restraint, and careful planning.

The same goes for chaotic roof lines. There has to be a functional reason for them. Remember what Frank Lloyd Wright said: “ … form follows function.”

PROBLEM

This plan had many problems for the empty-nesters who bought it. The double entries (A&B) were congested and not really necessary since the homeowners thoroughly insulated this minimally insulated home. The stair to the basement in an airlock entry (B) was considered dangerous by the mature couple.

The open ceiling (C) over the living room (D) and dining area (E) pulled heat up to the open loft (F) above. The dramatic effect was nice, but they wanted to modify the loft to increase floor space and enclose a bedroom upstairs.

The study (G) and guest rooms (H) were odd spaces, and the homeowners wanted to create a good first floor bedroom, without the laundry (I) in it. The bathroom (J) was small and uninspired. The window above the bathtub was a wasted opportunity for natural light since it was covered by the shower curtain.

The kitchen (K) was separated from the living spaces. The back door (B), which is the entrance from the detached garage in back, entered directly into the kitchen with no family entry amenities such as place for coats, shoes, etc..

A strange little deck (L) off the living space was rarely used.

SOLUTION

We opened up the airlock entries (A&B) first, allowing for more graceful flow.

The first and second floors needed to be designed together, since decisions on one floor would affect the other. We reduced the amount of open ceiling (M), giving us more space to work with upstairs. The smaller open ceiling highlights the dining area.

The upstairs plan also made moving the stairs (F) a beneficial idea. This helped the new family entry (O) on the first floor by moving the stairs out of the area. Now the basement stairs are enclosed with a door.

The new back entry (O) now is off an extended landing (P), which is really a bridge to the new deck (Q). Three nice windows, an open coat closet and an essential “To Go” shelf make this family entry very functional.

The laundry (I) was moved out of the guest room to a new laundry room (R) with a window. A walk-in pantry (S) compensates for few upper cabinets in the kitchen (K). The kitchen is more open to the living spaces with an eat-on bar. There is now a door (T) directly to the deck for grilling.

The guest room (H) is now a better first floor bedroom (U) with two closets. We modified the bathroom (J) to look more like a half bath for guests, yet have a curb-less shower, tucked away from the window. These changes improved the study by adding a closet and creating a new guest room (V).

Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the U.S. and Canada. You may reach her at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or at 515-991-1300. Visit her website at www.creatingspaces.net.