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Building a Home Design Dilemma

Stuck on main floor design layout on new build - HELP

Paula MacKenzie

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Hi!

We're currently in the process of building a new house and struggling with the main floor layout. We're looking for a craftsman/contemporary layout with a kitchen and den open to the patio and visual to the pool. Bathroom access from the patio and a pantry close to the kitchen.

I'd also like a formal sitting room/bar area to retreat to when entertaining but yet still somewhat open to the rest of the space and a media/games room for the kids.

We're struggling with the current layout and can't seem to make it work for us. If there are any visual planners / designers with some ideas on how to make the configuration work I'd love to hear your ideas.

Thank you so much!

Featured Answer

User

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Your architect should be providing you with all of the design services that you need. If he is not, perhaps you are not working with the right one.

If you are not working with an architect, then there is your major issue right there.

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Comments (8)

Paula MacKenzie
Original Author
6 years ago
Agreed. We're going to see what else our architect comes up with, and if necessary we'll change. Nice to get others input, though.
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Columbus Custom Design
6 years ago
Hi Paula - congratulations on your soon to be new home !

Are there two sitting areas back in the in-law suite ? It seems like the kitchen, dining, and living room spaces could all be combined into one large long room back there allowing for some extra square footage to be allocated to the rooms in the front of the house - as your kitchen and dining room both feel a bit cramped.

What is the room directly across from the foyer ? A home office / study ?
cpartist
6 years ago
Your plans are too small to see. Also realize anything you do to the exterior affects the interior. Do you have elevations?
Emily Jowers
6 years ago
It looks like you have a lot of unnecessary square footage in this house that is not helping you accomplish your goals. Almost everything you mentioned in the description isn't happening in this layout. Honestly, I would start over. Start with the things that are most important to you then design the rest around that.

I am also curious about the in-law suite. It appears to be as big as the rest of house and have a rather small kitchen, but two living areas?
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Patricia Colwell Consulting
6 years ago
Please repost with pics we can enlarge i can’t really see anything
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Virgil Carter Fine Art
6 years ago
There's a lot of space devoted to circulation, and the in-law suite looks almost as large as the regular living space. I think it's possible to do better. I don't know what that space is opposite the entry, but I certainly wouldn't want to enter the house (or have my guests enter the house), and the first thing they see is whatever is in that room. If it was my house I would at least put the entry to that space opposite the stairs, and use the solid wall opposite the entry for display, built-in shelving and appropriate lighting. I think you can do better than this...
just_janni
6 years ago
Agree that things are too small to read.

It appears you have some lot limitations and are working around them - it would be helpful to get more info on your entire program.

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