Odd front of the house spaces. What is the big unlabeled space in the front of the house?

Renovator8, The front area is the existing porch and the right hand room is my existing vaulted family room. Our cabin is 1140 sqft with the MB located upstairs on the left side. Dimensions of the original footprint are 36' x 24'.

If we were going to label, I'd label what is now called the "living room" as the family room, and the unlabeled existing space to the right of the entry, the "living room".

I like this quite a bit better than your last round.

I don't think you NEED more than 1 master bedroom wall for bed placement--just make sure it makes sense and you have enough room with that 1 placement. In both cases of the doors to the back deck, I'd change their door swing so they swing against the wall rather than out into room space when they are opened.

On option I can see for your master entry, if you don't like what you have now, is to create a bit of a hallway entrance, and change your walkin closet to a set of wall wardrobes or reach in closets and pantry system...

I think I might also try to at least have the option to close off the play room from the Entry by putting in a door (maybe barn door, if that goes with the rest of your interior decor)... I know it will probably usually be open, but having the option to close it off (by sound and visually) from what I am calling the LR, where I imagine I'd probably have it set up to be a quieter area of the house for adults (function similar to an away room), I might want to make sure the teen games are separated from the LR.

I can't remember your children's ages, but I think if they were younger (7 and down) for a period of time, that that playroom wouldn't be used as a playroom for several years because it isn't close enough to you (they like to be close). But, IIRC, your kids are in that tween age category where they are moving out of needing to play near mom and probably wanting more separation. If that is the case, then they might like a play room (video game room) with more separation... Otherwise, I'd still suggest you switch the location of the boy room and the playroom. (I know that wasn't a thrilling suggestion before for your reasons)

I like your idea of adding to and expanding your existing house. I see3m to remember some of your earlier design postings.

This particular design, is rather compact and bulky. It will result in the exterior of the house to be quite unbroken and block-like. Is there some reason that the addition couldn't be a bit more creative and better proportioned, perhaps in more of a "T", "L", "U" or even a "Z" form for better views out and better proportioned exteriors? With just a little pushing and pulling your architect or designer could come up with a more imaginative solution.

I certainly agree with some of the comments of kirkhall, above:

--You need a closure between entry and kid's play room. Chances are it will never be neat enough to be seen by guests;
--Your MBR access could be in the area of the pantry, and the kitchen/pantry reworked accordingly;
--The blank wall in your MBR is fine for the bed; it allows entry into the space facing the foot of the bed which is always a good orientation; is there some reason that there's no window on that wall?
--I'd make the living room in the existing space and the "family" room in the new space adjacent to the kitchen;
--If the side entry will become the new "main" entry for guests, then it needs to be substantially strengthened from the small utilitarian entry currently shown. Guests will just naturally think the large front porch is the primary entry unless your drive, walk, landscaping and new entry architecture give enough visual cues to bring guests there.

Good luck with your project.

IMO the house is a collection of rooms with no apparent organization. If the front door is the main entry (I know nothing about your house or the site) I would tear out the closets and laundry in the front center section and make a hall with closets. Then the stairway could be open to the hall instead of the unlabeled living space. I've actually done that before and it turned out well.

Kirkhall, You are right on the labeling of the rooms. Yes, my children are now 8 and 5. We will keep the wall for now and see how it works as a play/tv area for the kids. It will also serve as a guest bedroom well in later years. The log walls make for nice sound proofing from the vaulted living. Thank you for your continued support on this. I appreciate your time.
The entry to the MB is a problem for me as is.

Virgilcarter, I am willing to adjust the bath/ MB area to do a bump out. We are using 2 different rooflines on the addition, then a shed roof on the back patio. I'd love to have more of a presence of the addition from the front on he left side but, I'm no sure how to effectively do his efficiently and have this kitchen/family room connection. We do have room to the left but only 2' to the right before we are cutting driveway up. The link is to the page in the album but you can also see everything so far. My architect advised cutting in on the addition where it meets the house for a better transition. Ideas for improvement are welcomed. Yes, the side entry will become the main entry and it's normal here to have guests use a utilitarian entry (usually a laundry even in the "expensive" homes) so this is an improvement. Thanks for your time and effort.

Renovator8,
Just noticed the architect did not label the current bathroom. It's 5x8' and on the opposing playroom wall. We do have pipe and duct work chases through the front two closets. I do like the center hall. Do you think I could do it with the side entry better as I think everyone will use that entrance that knows us. We rarely get any other visitors as we have a yard dog on an invisible fence in the cooler weather (SC). I originally wanted a dog trot style but with a meaningful connection between the kids rooms and proximity of living.

This post was edited by houseofsticks on Fri, Aug 9, 13 at 20:55

Virgil, I will talk to my architect to see about a better shape. This is mostly my ideas and pen marks to reduce the footprint that I've been submitting.. The side entry is more of a friends entry I agree since no amount of landscaping can lead you past the porch since the driveway is only a few feet of that side. I am trying to be budget friendly by cutting the corners out but maybe my approach is cutting corners in terms of style and aesthetics. I love the cracker and dog trot house styles and since the original cabin is stockade style we are going to change the addition to white, light and bright, maybe eclectic farmhouse style? Yes, high windows will need to go on the MB wall.

Bevangel, any comments?

I'm thinking of turning the kitchen/living room 90degrees and starting it on the right 12' off the original footprint. This would be for best view of the front/ driveway area. This would mean cutting up the driveway and adding to the other side. This would make the addition visible from the road. With the 2 contrasting exteriors is this ok?

It's very hard to offer comments without seeing floorplan and perspective or elevation sketches.

The thing about architectural design is that not all "good" ideas turn out good! What you will need to do is to review floorplan and exterior perspective or elevation sketches to be able to evaluate the effects of your idea.

That said, the idea appears like it would make the exterior more interesting and provide views from the interior currently not possible.

Since it's a big decision, why don't you ask your architect for some quick study sketches?

Good luck with your project!

Thanks Virgil! I sent it over this morning....two weeks for the new floor plan sketches. I'll post when it's ready. Thank you for your comments. I really wanted a nice sized eating porch I think it accomplishes that. My DD was also waiting for a pick up ride the other day and I'd hate to have to front porch or front window the only place to see them coming.
Other changes: increase the shower in MB to 5x5'. Add more sq footage to MB and Bath/closet area. I hope we are not busting the budget with these changes but we'll see.
Thank you all for your comments, interest and time.

Hollysprings, I'm finally operating on the driveway as you suggested months ago.