I like that the 2 secondary bedrooms are equal size and have some nice windows.

I'm curious about that hallway between the master bedroom and laundry. Seems like it would be wasted space. I'd either incorporate it into the master or the laundry room; or switch the study with the laundry and make the study bigger. (Depends on how much you'll use the study.)

I would definitely add a mudroom somewhere so you have room for sports equipment, backpacks, shoes, jackets etc. and not visible to guests entering in the front door. A place where you can come in after working in the yard and take off your dirty shoes and wash your hands if you can add a small sink. One idea is to make the front door flush with the front of the house and the backdoor flush with the back of the garage (might simplify roof lines to do that too, which could bring your cost down even though you get more room.) With your entrance and front hall closet moved forward, you could then have a small mudroom by the back door. (See rough mockup below.)

Think about the pathways you'll take through your house for everyday activities -- unloading groceries from the car; your son and his friends coming in from outside and needing to use the restroom, etc. In the current plan everyone walks through the living room to get to the kitchen or powder room and you might not want that. I'd switch the bathroom and office locations to get the bathroom closer to the entry. Also, I used to have a powder room next to a DR and hated that anyone using the restroom could be heard by those at the DR table! So if you keep your bathroom where it is, I'd insulate the walls. Probably double insulate.

How do you envision using the LR space? Will you use it much? Right now it's has 2 major pathways: between the entry and kitchen and entry and FR. If you won't use that space much (since you have a nice FR), you might consider using that space to make the kitchen bigger or add a pantry, or move the staircase down so you have a bigger FR. If you think you'll use that LR space, obviously ignore that, but be aware that the lower 3 - 4' will be a major pathway and use appropriate flooring.

{{gwi:1520447}}

Thanks Chicagoan for your inputs, I will certainly incorporate the mud room idea immediately. I am now taking a new look at the upper floor to see if I can reclaim more of the space currently occupied by the passage.
The Wife wants the LR to entertain occasionally, without putting the rest of the family out.
A concern we had, and tried to resolve is how to get to the DR without going through the Kitchen. That was the thinking behind the small hallway by the bathroom.
Please give me your thoughts.
GSW

As Chicagoan posted, this floor plan has a LOT of hallway space. The ground floor also has a lot of doors.

The family room looks like really nice space. I don't particularly care for galley kitchens--they tend to be throughfares with way too much "squeezing by" for comfort. If you are going to do a galley kitchen, be sure there is a wide enough pathway for that *hallway*--since that's what it is. (And visit the kitchen forum to get input on the kitchen design)

The living room is really only 14' x 8', since the rest will be used for hallway space. The furniture you show is about all that would fit there.

Disclaimer: I have my opinions and they are just that.

The dining room would make me feel claustrophobic. Most newer plans have dining rooms more open to avoid this feeling. I am just imaging the heat in a small space with 6 people at the table let alone the noise.

That kitchen seems tiny to me. It would be difficult to have 2 cooks. IMO - if you get away from the open kitchen, you need a bigger kitchen to offset it. There is no pantry and no easy area nearby to store stuff. We built a large open kitchen plan with a walkin pantry so you can guess where I am coming from. It literally is every guests favorite feature of the house. There are few people in this world who aren't longing for more space in the kitchen. I really think you will regret this kitchen plan.

You have a grand double entry into a foyer that goes nowhere. Double entry doors are costly, less efficient (we were just adjusting ours again to get the seal better), and grand. What I am commenting on here is a grand entrance into a small room. I mean the doors are the entire width of the room which seems out of whack to me. IMO (and everything here is and being polite takes extra work and reduces what I can say) the foyer is big relative to the size of the house. I'd rather see that space in the ... kitchen.

I realize the wife wants a LR but does she really think she can entertain here with the family doing their thing right next door? I hate pocket doors but since you already have a few, maybe another one between these 2 rooms?

Is there meant to be a doorway between the office and the dining room? That seems like an akward traffic path.

Full bath downstairs but nowhere to sleep? I guess a pullout couch is a possibility.

I think throwing in orientation and climate can be helpful, as well as lot view/size.

I too see some issues with your plan. I know how hard this to get right! Is it necessary to have the stairs in the middle of the house? Seems like that complicates matters.

Also your deck is huge but when you bring food, etc. out you'll need to cross right thru the fam rm. Kinda long walk with stuff. What is your orientation to the southern exposure for windows and views? Important for light during day. Where is the tv? Can everyone in the fam rm see it comfortably? Your powder room is a long way from the actual sitting area [to me]. Plus all the things that others have mentioned, as well.

Upstairs- Your bedroom furniture set-up looks like an afterthought to me. Is that a sitting area to the upper left? Kind of awkward, not cozy. And think about a nighttime trip to the bathroom. The person on the left has a long trek in the dark!

You may want to tour some model homes in your area to get layout ideas. We found a downstairs layout that worked for us, tweaked it [a lot] upstairs and we expect to like it. [We'll be starting to build soon.] Also online there are many sites for purchased floor plans you might look at to get ideas. Good luck. Sorry for being so blunt. Just trying to help!

No comment GSW? You've had some good feedback here.

When designing our home, what I found was that preferences that were once priority, took a backseat to the overall flow and utility of a space.

The upper floor basically looks fine. The main floor looks chopped up with alot of wasted space.

The great thing about GW is the wealth of knowledge and the willingness of many to share theirs. The bad thing about GW is that once you start reading, you realize you have a lot to learn.

Hard to look at.

Way too many double doors. I hate double doors and even if I didn't, that would be way too many. I also don't see the rational behind 2 exterior doors onto the deck. Symmetry ok but there are costs associated with doors.

Refrigerator is in traffic pattern - not ideal.

But there are plenty of good things about the new rendition

I prefer this plan! [And the larger format is at least easier to see specifics.] Maybe some of the double doors could be changed to pocket doors.

Sure the fridge is in the pathway, but seriously, how often would that be a problem? I doubt that passing thru to an office happens during food prep to the point of pathway conflict!

It looks like a lot of time and skilled thought went into this plan. I am truly impressed! If the shower off the mudroom could be in the powder room there'd be more privacy though. [The present shower spot could be a closet or open jacket,shoe rack area for family use.] Maybe space could be stolen from the garage or deck spaces for the shower making the powder room into a 3/4 bath.

The window placement is excellent. Great light. Views will be nice from office, kitchen and just about everywhere else! Jack and Jill bath is wonderful. Bedrooms all are logical and well sized for furniture and paths to baths, etc.

I'd widen up the path thru the family room that goes behind the chair at the lower part of the room to improve access to the kitchen for ease of tranporting food outside and change out the upper doors to a nice french door style window for balance.

I doubt if the pathway down the middle of the living room is really a big deal [not used all that often.] And the room would look good from the front entry for the "wow factor" for formal guest entry.

A lot of families would find this plan very workable. Congrats to Summerfield Designs. You rock!

Could the toilet and tub area in the Jack and Jill bath be separated from the sinks to allow one person to get in to brush teeth, etc. while the private area is in use? I'm still looking and marveling at this plan! Really well laid out.

Summer- That's a nice design!

I don't have any software, but I was just going to suggest switching the office and dining room...and opening the dining room to the small living room...making it one space.

Switching the front door and the bath might be nice, too. The bathroom is still handy to everything, but the entry would now flow into the living/dining space. Also, easy access to the kitchen :)

i am not a fan of pocket , nor double doors , as a rule. per gsw's needs , the living room in this project may have to serve as an occasional guest room , or dining room ... it is designed with this in mind ... thus , the double and pocket doors , most of which will be in their open position for daily living.

the lady of the house is an academic ... academics like privacy ... thus the location and ability to close off the office for her

it is indicated that she dislikes an open kitchen , so the double doors ( normally open) are an option

of course , it is up to the home owner to decide on the use of two active doors leading to the deck ... it has been my observation that two work much better to prevent "bottlenecking" when entertaining

thank you corgi for your valued input ... the change to the powder room is nice , and by offsetting the garage structure , the aesthetics of the exterior improve! i do follow your thinking on the jack and jill bath , but , there is just not enough space ...

Looking pretty darn good. Any thoughts, gsw29?

Summer- What kind of software are you using? That's really nice.

I like lots of the changes summerfield made to the plan, but I wouldn't have a door from the kitchen into the office--the kitchen just isn't big enough to give up the cabinet and counter space that door uses.

Also the kitchen layout needs work--there's not much uninterrupted counter space. Also, the refrigerator is at the far end from the family room, so someone wanting a drink would have to go through the entire kitchen, inconveniencing the cook.

As the plan has evolved, I think it's really changed, and there are some good things about it--but a few really worry me.

First, there is way too much 'entry' space--there's a foyer, there's a mudroom, *AND* there's a large hall--and all that exists without even a laundry on the first floor.

Second, there are too many doors and entry ways--it's like keystone cops. The kitchen is especially bad--kitchens shouldn't be thoroughfares, and this one is. The 6' aisle is too wide to make cooking easy--but too small to support an island. It is a very bad use of space.

The kitchen *layout* is also poor--the refrigerator placement is the primary problem, but the triangle is huge. There aren't obvious cleanup/prep/etc areas.

I think these changes have gotten really far from the OP's desires.

Agree with all of bethohio3's points. The new plans looks lovely but in reality does not work well.

I too would remove the door to the office into the kitchen, counters and cabinet storage would be better. Does the island have seating? Is there room between island and location of fridge to actually move the fridge into place?

Also the cubbies in the main hall would be suited better in the mudroom as they can get cluttered, will they have doors to help hide things?

I think the whole hallway, foyer, mudroom and bathroom space could still be better. I would try to figured out how to use some of the wasted space and try to give more room in the kitchen area somehow.

I do really like the upstairs though, the only thing I would change is the jack and Jill bath set-up and put a one door access from the hall. The jj seems like a good idea until the children get older. Children seem to lock the doors and forget to unlock one when they leave making the other child have to go into the other child's room to get in the bath, too many fighting senarios, lol

Interesting points about the J&J bath. That could be a problem! Good catch, xc60!

But there is no island in the kitchen. That is a rug on the floor [I think!] Took me a second look too. Note the rugs in the hall. I'm not seeing the hall and foyer as wasted space. To me they add an elegance and grace that most similar-sized houses these days just don't have. The main hall also does a great job of separating the liv. from the fam. room for noise abatement when Mom is entertaining her academic associates and friends. And if cubbies aren't used in the hall, it'd be a wonderful spot for bookcases or display cases for items of the homeowners choice. Or a beautiful hutch, etc.

I was wondering, Summer, how many square feet this is coming out to be. And I bet you could do some beautiful front and rear elevations for it. Do you think gsw is even still interested? If not, it's too bad. It's a good plan.

If there was any way to swap the foyer and the living room? To be able to go directly from the front door to the hall and staircase (without going through the mud room) would be much more elegant. Also, it would allow access to the office, without going through the living room.

I agree, it's a rug in the kitchen. I don't think you need a door from the office into the kitchen, unless it might serve as a formal dining room, for resale.

Summer- What kind of software are you using? I love the amount of detail it offers :)

Ha ha, I do see now that it is a carpet, makes much more sense.

I really like the idea lavender_lass suggested of switching the living room and foyer and then keeping the cubbies where they are as guests would now not have to go through the living room or mud room to go into main area of home.

Thank you all for your responses , though , I was hoping to have some input from the original poster. I was attracted to this posting by gsw�s original comment and his very well configured second floor.

I have worked within gsw�s stated footprint , and focused on fulfilling the stated desires and foreseen needs of he , and his family.

The original first floor featured many problem areas � double entry doors to the foyer � poor traffic patterns � too many small rooms � a claustrophobic dining room � a living room that served as a hall , had only one poorly located window , and a clear view of the bathroom toilet when the door was open.

Additionally , the logistics of the indicated stairs would not work , as the needed number of treads and risers would bring the stairs past the upstairs door to the master bedroom. Also , the placement of the windows was an issue � the upstairs windows did not align with the downstairs.

The original plan is one-story at the garage and foyer area , and two-story for the remainder. This limited the placement of the foyer. If the foyer was centered at the two-story section of the house , and the living room moved to the left � significant cost would be incurred to provide essential support for the upper floor and roof.

The reasoning behind the layout of my proposed plan is , perhaps , easier to follow if you take the needs of the family into mind. The foyer with a coat closet is an obvious household essential. The proposed living room would be a multi-purpose space � the lady of the house was both wise and kind to insist on this , so that she may entertain someone privately , without disturbing the family , and without being disturbed.

If she has a guest when her husband , or son , come in � they can enter the foyer, or come in through the garage , and go into the mud room to take off their coat , drop their things in the hall , use the powder room , and proceed to the kitchen, family room, or upstairs without disturbing she , and her guests. Her office is conveniently located with direct access to the living room , so that she may easily retrieve some necessary presentation , or share something with her guest on her computer. Should her guest desire some refreshment � the kitchen is steps away.

As gsw has indicated , their parents are older. In light of the fact that they possibly may not be able to climb the stairs , the living room can be closed off completely � using the pull-out sofa for sleeping. If this room is closed off , entry through the front door is still possible through the foyer , or mudroom , without disturbing the in-laws. The � bath/powder room would avail itself to the in-laws needs.

On a daily basis , the living room would serve as the welcoming room to family , and guests , alike. Entering through the foyer � into the light-filled space of the living room � turning , and proceeding straight through the hall and into the family room should give a warm welcome to all. The living room can also serve as a dining room , for intimate dinners , or larger parties requiring more places for guests. For parties , hors d�oeuvres can be arranged in the living room , with the office converted into the bar � allowing for mingling through the living room , hall , family room , and deck.

On a typical day , the wife comes in with groceries � pulls into the garage � passes through the mudroom and hall � to the kitchen for unpacking. The pantry is conveniently located next to the kitchen , and the refrigerator is easily accessible. She begins food preparation , and steps into the nearby office to access her computer. She can continue with her office duties , as she watches the pots boil next door. If anyone comes in to get something from the refrigerator � they simply come in through the hall door � get what they want , and head back out � without being in the cooks way. The width of the kitchen allows for two cooks to easily work together , and I don�t feel that this kitchen would be a "thoroughfare" as there are alternate routes to every other room. Additionally , the kitchen features doors at all the openings , for when the cook does not want to be on display.

The family room , with its large dining area , and full compliment of windows , is a generous size room that lends itself well to everyday life. The fireplace is an option , but I would locate the tv above it , or furniture that would accommodate it in this location � so that everyone can see it. The dining area is easily served by the kitchen , and features a large window.

Upstairs � I relocated the entrances to the front bedrooms to facilitate the inclusion of the Jack and Jill bath. My reason for this was to allow a larger vanity than was allowed in the original bath. If the homeowner prefers to keep it as it was , that would be fine , as well. The locking problem mentioned with the Jack and Jill option can be easily solved with the proper door hardware.

I sincerely hope that gsw will give some input into what has been discussed and designed. I would love to know what type of exterior style he and his wife are seeking � that would further influence the interior layout , as well as allow for some elevations to be drafted and critiqued �

Hope this helps the posters to understand : )

Thank for the square footage figures. I haven't seen so nice a set up in that size space before.

I appreciate your comments about the plan, summerfield, but it doesn't change my major objections.

A nice foyer/entry way is important--but not enough to do it twice, which is what the entry hall does.

I often cook in bulk--and would NEVER want to cook in that kitchen. The space isn't pleasant--it's a wide galley kitchen--the width decreases its usability.

Regardless of what you suggest, the son is going to come THROUGH the kitchen from the family room. It's just the way kids do things.

Of course, it's all up to the original poster, but if I were looking at this house, I'd glance around, and walk right out.

I still think it would look better if the foyer and living room were switched...and the living room would still be a separate space. It gives you a much better view, from the front door, out through the back windows, rather than the powder room door...but if you leave the double doors, it also offers a vestibule to keep heat from going out the front door, so quickly.

It's definitely a more traditional plan, but I think that's what the OP was looking for, with more closed off/separate spaces. Again, the office could be a small formal dining room, so I wouldn't put any built-ins in that room, but use free standing pieces, that could be moved out later, if the use of the space, changes in the future.

Summer- What software are you using? It was difficult to read some of your response (GW gremlins strike again).

an alternative ...

I like the entry a lot better in this plan. It's a much better view, through the house, as you walk in. :)

The one place I liked the double doors was from the entry to the office...and I don't think I'd put in a closet. Also, not a big fan of the door between the living room and the mudroom...it's not that far to walk around through the stair hall and it's much more gracious...and easier to place furniture.

The kitchen seems a lot friendier, although I would use pocket doors or no doors at all...they seem to take up a lot of floor space.

Very nice plan...and what type of software are you using? If you don't mind my asking.

I like the entry way better, but still not crazy about the fact that guests would have to walk through the mud room to get to the power room. I prefer my mud room to be in the "private" part of the house.

Also, there is a long walk from the refrigerator to the stove.

Do we expect the OP to come back?

Summerfielddesigns - this is awesome! My current home is a bit similar in many respects. I hope to 1/2 tear it down and rebuild. This is very helpful. You clearly know what you're doing to say the least. God I'd die for that software tho I'm sure it's not on the consumer level.