Akward space connecting living area and bedrooms
Hello! I need help determining the best way to utilize an awkward room between our currently finished living space and our new addition. The space is currently unfinished and we will be framing in the north wall to separate this room from our furnace/storage room. The entrance to the living room is on the west wall and the entrance to the bedrooms is on the east wall. The ceiling is only about 7' and lower in some places due to the duct work. Our contractor recommended framing in a hallway to connect the two entrances, with a door off the hallway to what could be a walk-in closet (see attached photo). I'm not sure if this is the best way to use this space or if I would prefer it to be open instead.
Questions:
-Should I keep the existing layout as drawn in the attached picture? If so, would you use the rest of the room as a walk-in closet or do you have a better recommendation? We don't need a bathroom as we already have a bathroom nearby.
-Should I make the hallway wider to accommodate hooks for coats, purses, and shoes?
-If I leave the space open, what would you recommend using this room for?
-If we use the space as a walk-in closet, would you also put closets in the bedrooms? The bedrooms will be shared by 4 girls - would it be best to leave out the closet to maximize floor space in the rooms?
Any suggestions or feedback would be greatly appreciated. I want to make the best use of this space as our kids get older but also want the design and layout to not seem awkward once finished. Thanks!
Comments (17)
Ellen Anderson
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Blending Kitchen / Dining / Living Areas in Micro Condo
Comments (14)This makes me want to go stay in a little walk-out apartment on a historic street. I'd absolutely back a sofa or settee against one of the walls that meet in the right corner. Nothing acting as a barrier/division in the middle of the room. nothing large and fixed to walk around to get from one function to another. As for the rest of the living area: For a combination study table, dining table, and side table for a reading chair: A small rectangular table extending out from the other wall in the area the sofa would be in. Glass sounds good visually but could be solid and expandable. If extending out from the end wall near the kitchen, the table could also provide an occasional extra surface for the cook. That table could have a comfortable swivel chair on the sofa side for conservation that would swivel to face the table for study and dining. Then a compact but comfy chair that can tuck under the table for the kitchen side. A third, either always out elsewhere or folded in a closet or under the bed, could be moved to the end of the table for a guest. Toward the bedroom, bathroom, utility doors side, define that side of the living area with an easy chair positioned to both allow passage to the areas beyond and to make it clear that they are beyond, not in. Kitchen: My #1 need is work space. In that case I'd steal inches from the left of the sink, possibly steal from the sink, even take the 3" from the other side of the cooktop if needed/possible, to expand that workspace between sink and stove. Btw, I know I'd theoretically be willing to go for the 3" because we bought a little place with a mini kitchen that had the 30" stove directly against the closet on its left, work counter to its right. I'm left-handed but stove placement turned out to be no problem at all. To make it feel spacious and uncluttered, a generally monochromatic background, including walls, cabinets, large furniture, and some of the smaller pieces, even possibly the floor. That would set off accents chosen for being both functional and because you like to look at them, also to provide balance and focus and draw the eye away from what you don't want noticed. No large, dramatic contrasts that would break the room up, including look-at-me! rugs (unless one was a major feature in an otherwise quiet room). Let the eyes flow serenely around. Looking forward to seeing what you guys decide to do....See MoreI do not like view of doorway/bedroom from living area.
Comments (9)flopsycat1- we are going with your suggestion of switching the guest room and study. The current study has a door to the outside patio so that will be nice for guests if they want to slip outside without walking through the house, It also has a nice view of backyard and wildlife. I just assumed my husband was stuck on having that as his study. The current guest room (soon to be study) is much larger, more closet space and sunnier and brighter. (reason I did not want to keep the door shut) We are going to put in a sofa corner unit or sofa and chair in the area that can be viewed from the main area of house and desk will go next to windows and he will have a view of our butterfly garden. So it basically will be another small living area/study combo and someone can sleep on the sofa in a pinch, if we have a full house, as we sometimes do. Thank you so much everyone for ideas, it really got me thinking about possibilities. Big thanks to you flopsycat1!!...See MoreConnected dining and living area. Need help with rugs/decor.
Comments (31)I would stick with one animal print per room, unless you really love animal print or want the room to look like a safari. I like the pillows in your inspiration picture. There were gold ones with a b&w patterned one in front....See MoreWindow spacing for bedroom and living room
Comments (19)In my experience, one spends nighttime hours in the bedroom when the view out the back windows would be negligible. The most secure, restful sleep is achieved when the bed is placed opposite the door into the bedroom. You do need a place (chair or bench) where you can sit to put on shoes or such, but I doubt you'll spend as much time in this room as you think now. I would revise the plan accordingly; dresser beside the entry door and bed on the wall opposite. Windows on the "east" side would be optional. The bed can still be flanked by windows though. The window by the tub will be the best one for relaxing and seeing the view. Make sure the tub is big enough for two, and not free standing, unless one of you is an acrobat who can turn themselves inside out to clean behind it....See MoreEllen Anderson
4 years agoEllen Anderson
4 years ago
Lisa Dipiro
4 years agoHere is my formal living room. My 17 year old high school senior daughter is a crafts gal and wants to be an architect. Currently she uses this room to do homework and all creative things she does. I converted an old tv cabinet to store supplies and bought this white wheeled shelving unit too. Dining table and chairs were extra and I’m currently selling as I have another table and chair for her to use. So this is one daughter I can’t imagine how much space 4 would need LOL.. unless you have space elsewhere in the house for all this stuff. I don’t! And yea it’s usually somewhat messy. It’s ok we “live” in our spaces— and pay hefty taxes to boot so why not??
Lisa Dipiro
4 years ago
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4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoEllen Anderson thanked Patricia Colwell ConsultingEllen Anderson
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