I probably don't want to add closets that would prohibit the french doors from opening fully. My plan is to keep those french doors open throughout the day, so the sunlight will pour through the room and into the basement family room (which has no windows of its own). This is the best I can come up with, so far. The random colored splotches are what my program adds in for hanging clothes, and the dresser in the closet is part of an heirloom bedroom set that I cannot separate. ;) Thoughts?

Question. How is that house listed as far as bedrooms? Reason being locally, house taxes are based on the number of bedrooms(which have to have a permanent closet as well) and sold as such. What you are doing is something I would say to apply for a permit only if you intend to sell the house and change the number of bedrooms. Other wise, you are not making structural changes, just cosmetic changes. The wall should still be code compliant, but a competent DIYer can do that job.

So you are not the other one who posted a very similar situation some time ago. Amazing that your floor plan and your ideas are so much alike! It seems that you are looking more for a house mate. When you are sharing so much private space with another person there has to be some relationship. Sorry that times are that you would feel a need to give up your privacy and invite a stranger into your home and your private bathroom, and kitchen. Sorry, but not having a dedicated bathroom is going to be a big obstacle for that situation. That is also going to be so hard to keep a social distance and to control how much of the outside world this renter might bring into your private sanctuary, or who they might bring in to your house. Can only imagine running into a stranger coming out of my own bathroom! And, with the bathroom being on the other side of the wall, there is even less privacy about flushing the toilet at night or needing that privacy. Awkward! This structure gives no room for privacy for either one of you. There are more looming issues about this arrangement other than to install a sink, or not. Have you checked with local renters codes? Sometimes there are codes that demand certain arrangements be in place for it to be legally rented. If it is not a legal agreement, it can allow some unexpected liability on your part. Have you checked how your home owners insurance covers such? Would you require that your renter have renters insurance? Would your insurance cover them and their loss if there were a fire or a flood? I know that the county that I live in has some pretty strict codes that govern such rental agreements. Maybe you are totally on top of all of these considerations. And, one last consideration....are you ready to accept the noise of their TV or music coming through your house and the smell of their food cooking in the kitchen or their toiletries scattered about the bathroom, or any of those other annoyances of others in your private space? Who is going to clean the toothpaste out of the sink? What it will amount to, ultimately, is that you are living together. Choose carefully. Although a stand alone sink in a room is not such a bad idea, this is not a bedroom.. To return it to a living room would be awkward. Your room looks lovely, but I sure don't envy you having to share your private space with a stranger. Perhaps you see it much differently.

We are considering rehabilitating my husband's grandmother's 1850's home. I was told it's best to retain the plaster and lath so that the wooden baseboard trim lines up correctly. Also, I'm told it muffles noise better. But I guess if you busted it out, you could place the drywall at the correct depth? And insulate behind? The plaster ceilings have leaked, and refinishing all the plaster is going to run $2,000 per room. A home rehabilitation person said not to blow in insulation with plaster walls, as it is a magnet for moisture. Is that true? Good luck, Leanne. Hope you enjoy your lovely home!