Traffic issues are of premier importance in every home. They affect us in coming and going, greeting guests and even navigating to the refrigerator for a snack.

These traffic patterns can pass through a room full of furniture smoothly, or the path can be an obstacle course. The key is to plan for furniture layout while you are planning your pathways.

PROBLEM

Many homes have a front door (A) that enters right into the living room (B). That means the greeting of guests and hanging up of coats actually happen in the living room.

We are not all able to create a foyer, but thought should be given to accommodate this action as well as potentially dirty shoes. Happily, the traffic passes along the side of the living room.

The rear entry (C) of this home in Berkley, Mich., was on the small square landing for the basement stair, one step down from house floor level. Not only was this an accident hazard but also a pretty ugly view down the stairs. The path continued down a long, dark and narrow hallway (D).

The only coat closet (E) was located at the front of the house, and rarely did coats actually make it that far. The next view is of the washer and dryer (F), a scene that is not always tidy.

The kitchen (G) was a standard U and fairly small. One had to go through the kitchen to reach the dining area (H), which was a dead end.

The three bedrooms, hall bathroom and half bath were fine and required no changes.

SOLUTION

After trying many scenarios working with the basement stairs (I), we decided to look what would happen if we relocated the stairway. It would work with the basement layout to move the stairs forward (J), and the change it made in the kitchen area (K) was remarkable.

The back door (L) was raised up so entry was onto the main floor level. A new deck (M) is an easy step outside. We created an open family entry area (N), complete with a “To Go” shelf, coat hooks and a closet. The dining area (O) is open and expandable. A closet style pantry (P) stores all food items, freeing up wall cabinets for dishes. The kitchen island (Q) offers lots of new counter and prep space and is an additional place to eat or spread out homework.

Since the moved stairs (J) consumed the walk space in the living room, there is certainly less space, yet the living room is cozy with the fireplace. This active family does most of their living in the kitchen area and is comfortable with the tradeoff of more kitchen and less living room. No changes were needed in the bedrooms and baths, but angling a bedroom door (R) allowed us to have a longer pantry. The open stairs (J) add visually to all spaces.

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. You may contact her at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or at 515-991-8880.