Two Story Great Room - Pros and Cons?
Ateeqa Khalid
3 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (59)
Related Discussions
Two-Story Great Room???
Comments (31)The optimal, although pricey, solution to the heating of a two story room is radiant floor heating. Both forced air and radiant systems invariably create air movement which allows warm air to rise. Since the warmest part of the room is at ceiling level, that energy is wasted (unless you're hosting bald NBA players). With radiant floor heating, the heat is evenly distributed all over the floor. It can't rise because there's no way for cold air to get underneath it to replace it as it rises. Consequently, the floor is the warmest part of the room and the ceiling is the coolest. And since your extremities are the first thing to feel a chill (especially as you get older), your room "feels" warmer than the reading on the thermostat. We have a two story living room and radiant heating throughout the house. The previous house I built had a two story great room without radiant and that's why radiant was a must for this house. Incidentally, it saves energy in rooms with ceilings of only 9-10', too. That said, recognize that in most places, you'll still have to install forced air ducting for A/C (and may want to install a furnace to deal with radiant's lag). One final thought on high ceilings. Lighting shouldn't be a problem if done correctly. Our ceiling has cans on dimmers in a box beam ceiling. That plus accent lighting works great (see below). Bob...See MorePartial Two Story Great Room Questions
Comments (11)Hi. This is such a big complicated process. Hang in there. If you want the ceiling in the great room to soar to great heights, I feel like it should be the whole great room or not at all. It looks now like there’s a square tunnel in the center of the house. This is the first draft so plenty of time to adjust along this journey if you change your mind. I would definitely open that top office room up and make it a flex space unless you want a movie room. I’d add a bit more closet space to the guest room. Do you need a breakfast nook a dining area and a dining space? If so, no worries… just seemed like a lot. Make sure a table fits in the breakfast nook with what looks like a lot of built ins. A little thing.. the wall that you look at when you walk in the front door? I’d make it even with the foyer… it seems a little off center....See MoreTwo story Great Room design
Comments (7)BeverlyFLADeziner thanks for helping me visualize something different and bold in my own space! It really makes such a difference!! Worthy and Jilly, I will definitely look into the decorative air vents! Bonnie B, I love the Sputnik light! My husband really wants a ceiling fan so maybe I can look for a more attractive type. Arcy_gw I would love art but I’m so terrible at selecting art...See MoreModular second story addition pros & cons
Comments (5)Not enough info, but your 1st floor, after probably taking off the entire roof completely, will determine exactly what you can do with your 2nd floor addition (disregarding any additions to the 1st floor). Trying to force a modular unit onto that may not achieve the best, or even desired, outcome. The reason modular is efficient is maximizing the size and "connectivity" of the modules - and that limits the design possiblities - where mating to an existing floorplan will have some inherent limitations in structural points, stair location, and MEP routes, and may require a non-modular layout. However, if your 1st floor is a capital "I" shape with a flat roof, then the universe aligned for you....See MorePinebaron
3 years agoAteeqa Khalid
3 years agolyfia
3 years agosuezbell
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agosuezbell
3 years agosuezbell
3 years agobtydrvn
3 years agoUser
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoAteeqa Khalid
3 years agosuezbell
3 years agoSharon
3 years agocpartist
3 years agoVirgil Carter Fine Art
3 years agoanj_p
3 years agoPeke
3 years agoshwshw
3 years agoUser
3 years agolynartist
3 years agosuezbell
3 years agoUser
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoPeke
3 years agoMarigold
3 years agogalore2112
3 years agoUser
3 years agolast modified: 3 years agoC W
3 years agoJudyG Designs
3 years agoPeke
3 years agoUser
3 years agoPeke
3 years agobtydrvn
3 years agoAteeqa Khalid
3 years agoramakolli
2 years agosuezbell
2 years agobtydrvn
2 years ago
Related Stories
MORE ROOMSTall Tales: Ideas for Two-Story Great Rooms
Make a Great Room Grand With Windows, Balconies, Art and Dramatic Ceilings
Full StoryTRANSITIONAL HOMESReworking a Two-Story House for Single-Floor Living
An architect helps his clients redesign their home of more than 50 years to make it comfortable for aging in place
Full StoryTRENDING NOW4 Great Ideas From Popular Living Rooms and Family Rooms
These trending photos show how designers create living spaces with style, storage and comfortable seating
Full StoryLATEST NEWS FOR PROFESSIONALSWhat Stories for Pros Do You Want to See on Houzz?
We want to publish more stories that serve you and your business, and we’re looking for your expert input
Full StoryBEDROOMSBedtime Stories: Dress Your Guest Room to Impress
Use this 12-item checklist to make your overnight guests feel like royalty
Full StoryROOM OF THE DAYRoom of the Day: A Great Room Pays Homage to Ordinary Architecture
This Texas renovation embraces a stick frame home's simple structure and its place in the community
Full StoryWALL TREATMENTSGreat Home Project: How to Add Wallpaper to a Room
Wallpaper adds personality and can even make a room look bigger. Here’s how to get it installed
Full StoryKITCHEN CABINETSKitchen Confidential: The Pros and Cons of Double Stacked Cabinets
Does it make sense for you to double up on cabinets? Find out here
Full StoryKITCHEN ISLANDSThe Pros and Cons of Kitchen Islands
Two designers make the case for when adding a kitchen island is a good idea — and when it’s not
Full StoryLIGHTINGThe Great Unsung Storyteller in a Room
A statement lamp can bring artistry, history and personality to your interior. Which of these styles speaks to you?
Full Story
kudzu9