Something else. In my whole house posted plans here I've been taken to task for not having any towel hanging space in the master bath for one house, to not having a place for the dog to sleep in another and in the last one the big thing someone noted is I forgot the "north" arrow. LOL! So I need a north arrow on everything now!! Seriously, glad you like it. It's rare I put pen to paper here but I was in a good mood yesterday! And it can be done contemporarily (is that even a word?). No arch (but still go with a bulkhead to better visually tie in the closet to the whole thing) and it doesn't have to be drywall. It could be a different material like birch to give it a cleaner, contemporary look. And modern light fixtures to add a nice touch.

And put some serious storage on the back of the door for the stuff you use all the time (whether it's pantry stuff or cleaning stuff, or perhaps both, depending on what will fit). For mops and brooms, to keep them from flopping on the door when you open it, use the new Command broom holders and put one at the bottom too--I did that w/ my back-of-the-door Swiffer, and it was BRILLIANT (if I do say so myself). There are other options for pantry type things, but I'd vote to stay away from things like shoe pockets or even those Elfa baskets, and go for something deeper and sturdier. More like this: (In fact, look at that--is has a pull-out unit at the bottom--I bet that's an option for you!)

Here are a couple of ideas and suggestions. Two or more if possible pull out drawers like in the picture. Metal baskets above on the wall to the right and left of the closet and one in the middle where the header will go. If your carpenter can frame in and close off the area that you have broken into that could give you some more space but it really must be closed off completely with sheet rock to protect everything from the rodents, spiders and bugs. Otherwise they will thank you for the nest materials and leave with not so nice thank you gifts to clean up or throw away. You can tell I don't like rats and mice. They have been a issue in my home, in the roof and attic spaces. Anyway, I hope this helps. It would make a huge difference if the carpenter can put a header in there. It will make it possible to put shelves in there. Best wishes, Marcie

I so agree . There is no way to understand any of this.I think you want your little house to look something like the first pic. If so you really need an architect . Any help here will only come with drawings to scale and you need to do a lot of checking to see if what you want is actually doable both desgn wise and code wise where you live.If I am even close to guessing what you are planning you are adding a 2 storey addition to the front of the house is thta right?