FLOORPLAN IMPROVES WITH MODEST ADDITION

2615 Modest Addition

CREATING SPACES tm by Marcia Lyon

The question is often “where to add space”? A contractor who wants to create an addition that is affordable for the homeowner and relatively easy for him would likely add space on the back of the house – MORE SPACE. But we don’t always need more space. We need the space rearranged and added space where it is needed.

PROBLEM

This home had a simple entry (A) next to a staircase (B) with a view (C) of the living room (D). There was a bump-out (D) that worked for a cozy conversation spot. A single sliding glass door (F) was the only access to the deck (G).The adjacent family room (H) shared this access to the deck.

There was a spacious, yet uninspired kitchen (I) that was open to the dining (J).

A fireplace, open on three sides (K) was not situated in a place conducive for a seating area. It was just – there.

The primary bedroom (L) was located at the end of the house, however the path to it was strange. I have no idea why there were two doors (M) to this bedroom, there was a sink in the path and access to the home’s half bath (N). A long walk-in closet (O) was good.

There just were some weird spaces in this house that I had to figure out.

SOLUTION

A small addition (P) gives the front entry its own space.

I expanded the kitchen (I) from a ‘U’ layout to an ‘L’ layout, to include the dining space. To keep some dining in the kitchen, we added a compact booth (Q). The island adds prep space. Two closet style pantries (R) provides great storage space.

A whole new dining space (S) is claimed in the living room (D), along with a buffet.

A new door (T) was placed for a more direct connection between the kitchen and the family room (H).

An addition (U) was required to straighten out the weird path to the primary bedroom (L) and add a full bathroom (V). The path became a vestibule (W) for adding laundry on the first floor. This passageway is pleasant because of the addition of a skylight (X).

A bonus room for a study (Y) seemed to happ0en naturally.

A bump out (Z) in the living room (D) is an option to make the living room more interesting, plus rebuild part of the deck (G).

MARCIA LYON is a professional residential remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the US and Canada. Like Creating Spaces on Facebook! Reach Marcia at archimeatus@gmail.com; or phone 515-991-1300. Her website is www.creatingspacesdesign.com

Her Substack column is at marcialyon.substack.com