PROBLEM

This floor plan was fairly simple, but it had some problems.  An attached two car garage (A)
enters into a hall (B) that has no place for incoming coats, backpacks, or shoes. The minuscule laundry closet (C), when in use, spills out into this hallway.  The equally tiny half bath (D) is next to it.

The bedrooms are upstairs (E), and a fairly small and dark family room (F) is downstairs.

The living room (G) is narrow and difficult for furniture layout.  The kitchen (H) is large enough, but not well laid out.  The narrow and deep pantry (I) is inefficient.   The dining room (J) is larger than it needs to be.

The homeowners wanted a main floor family room and a family entry.  They also wanted a deck to entertain on.  They felt that storage space in general was lacking.

SOLUTION

We created a family entry (K) by bumping out onto the porch.  This allowed us to

include a stack washer/dryer, a coat closet and a “To Go” shelf.

The kitchen (L) was modified by narrowing it and extending it toward the old dining room (J).  The narrowing was for the benefit of seating around the fireplace (M).  A big work island (N) provides the place for incoming groceries.  It is well located adjacent to the corner pantry (O) and the recessed refrigerator (P).  We added a closet (Q) for cleaning supplies and storage of the vacuum.   This kitchen is open to all spaces and gets the benefit of all of the new windows.

The dining area (R) is in an area that the table can be expanded for large holiday dinners.

The new family room (S) has a cathedral ceiling and lots of windows.  We snuck a closet (T) in the corner for games and books.  French doors open out to a new deck (U).

MARCIA LYON is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the US and Canada.  To reach Marcia email: Marcia@creatingspaces.net ; or phone 515-991-1300 web site www.creatingspaces.net
There you will find information about her Consulting Service and when she is coming to your area.