WOW! Thanks for the great ideas. srercrcr - post pictures of his first "skirmish". LOL! OK, for now, I plan to ask the builder to make the door on the left a cased opening, put in a wall parallel to that for the actual door to the mech room & treat the area under the stairs as if it were a closet entered from the area between the two walls, above. Is there anything that needs to be to the long side of the staircase (non-mech room side) to allow for future mini windows and/or door? For now, I would just want it to be finished off with sheetrock & we would tackle the real "fort" project in the future when there are non-hypothetical grandkids. Thank - Jo Ann

The potential problems with removal of runner are dependent upon how the runner was installed. Some dearies actually tack the runner to the steps, tread and riser. Ouch, because removal leaves those holes to be filled and stained to match (very difficult to conceal). An alternative method is to use carpet bars which come in wood or metal, in an assortment of finishes. This is slightly more expensive but imo, also *looks* more luxurious. The carpet is barred at the back of the tread where it meets the riser; best practice has the runner tacked beneath each tread rather than slanted from top-front to the back of the next lower riser. Note that under-tread tacking also uses the most running feet of carpet, so the most finished appearance is going to cost. There are several other methods, so discuss intent with the installer before s/he does the work. One thing for sure, is to not use any sort of sticky-back tape: it either doesn't hold well, or holds too well and removel is labor-intensive. Because of the carpet pile height, if possible choose treads that are slightly deeper than usual so as to maintain fully safe depth.

fire codes. if stairs burn how do people upstairs get out? and as stated above...where do ducts go from there? what step are you currently at in designing your home? these choices are easier on paper than in the actual build, and should be planned prior to building. best of luck

If I had a view like that, I would definitely turn the couch to face it. But it might mess up the surround sound, lol! It wouldn't be ideal for tv watching, but I always think when there is something wonderful to look at, but all the furniture is facing the tv, that it looks like we are worshiping at the altar of tv - because everything is so focused on it. You might talk him into a swing arm tv holder so the tv could angle toward the couch when being watched and pushed back fully against the wall at other times. I really like the floral chair added in, too. With the couch facing the windows, you could then use the console behind it if you wanted to. It's a really pretty space and looks very inviting this morning!!