I wouldn't want the master (or any bedroom) right off the family room either. Would it be feasible to bump out the current master? I don't know. But I'd like the 4th bonus room as a sun room with the other room as an office or exercise room off of it, not as a bedroom. Something so far out of the way as the 5th extra room I'd be thinking of as an inlaw suite or guest room, if a bedroom at all. It could also be a craft room, being close to utilities. What else is going on in the utility room other than the water heater? Unless you have a specific purpose that works for you, I wouldn't invest in changing the house for someone else unless you want to spend a good bit on changing the layout so it's more flexible and accommodating. If you don't have an attic or basement, the extra room is very welcome storage for a lot of people. This post was edited by snookums2 on Thu, Jan 17, 13 at 13:48

Lavender Lass, I LOVE that built-in bed. I always dreamed of sleeping in a nook like that, as a kid! I wish it would work in this room, but the narrow width, and closet position is very limiting. I'm keeping that photo in my inspiration folder. Thanks! Colleennc, I agree, it's okay that the bed doesn't make into a level king. Those that stay the longest with us, no longer sleep well in the same bed. In fact, it's better if they're as far away from each other as possible. :-) Ah, snoring. I like your idea of using part of the closet storage for guests and part for storage. Writersblock, I have considered a murphy bed, but due to budget constraints, and fear of mechanism failure (and our four rowdy children), I decided against it. I agree, though, it would be the absolute best use of space in here. Shades of Idaho...I think you're right about the closet. Our guests use the hanging space, but just a few hangers, and could probably just hang that amount on a hook over the back of a door. Great idea! That closet is currently outfitted with tons of shelving, and we have most of our library of books in there right now. Lovely guest room you have! Marti8a, it is true, that a trundle pulled out beside the bed makes the room impractical. There's no room for nightstands, and it's hard for the one on the daybed to get out, with the trundle right there. I'm a little afraid of murphy beds, but maybe the two chairs, as in Summerfield's drawing, would eliminate the daybed/trundle problem! Wow Summerfield! I am so excited about your drawing! It's perfect!!! Are there brands that you recommend for sleeper chairs? I have a Drexel Heritage Sleeper chair, the Natalie, with the air dream mattress. I honestly, don't like blow-up mattresses at all, so would want to buy a foam-type. Does anyone here have experience with American Leather, or American Upholstery sleeper pieces? I think this is the desk I want for the room! Gonna have to start saving! http://www.crateandbarrel.com/furniture/desks/incognito-mocha-compact-office/s590617 Thanks everyone! I am getting excited about this room. It has been vexing me since we moved in over a year ago.

Bunny, and anyone else needing something to prop up your book or iPad (I do the same Bunny, always look things up while reading!), I highly recommend getting an iPad pillow. Figure out exactly how you'll use the pillow before you order one. I have the polka dot universal beanbag pillow because I can shape it in any position I want, especially when laying on my side in bed reading or iPadding. :) It has a slot for a phone too. These make great Christmas gifts! iPad or book pillow

think & kudz: I was attempting to give the owners the maximum view and balcony access by making the middle bedroom the master, leaving the larger master (which is quite far from the bath) to contain guest, office and media room furnishings with no balcony and possibly a less exciting view. Not sure which view sees the ESB, but assume it is the balcony area since the OP is focused on that. With the bed placed on the "west" wall of the room, the view may be enjoyed from there and chairs can be added near the opening and/or on the balcony in good weather. Perhaps the smaller closet in the room could be converted to a coffee/wine bar, turning the space into a self-contained a.m.or p.m. retreat. A door on the "north" end of the "east wall" could give easy access to the office. The main issue for me is the distance anyone has to go to reach a bathroom. If the foyer closet and LC could be moved forward that bath would at least feel more spacious and the shower enclosure could be larger. I also wonder if that front foyer WIC would be better if incorporated into a larger, more luxe master bath.