Need help figuring out stairs and patio
Alicia Reynolds_Richards
3 years ago
We bought a beautiful 1950s split level knowing we would need to replace the aging front stairs. Right now there are steps that run paralell with the house and a much to big front porch.
I need some help figuring out how to situate the new stairs.
I am also planning on putting a small patio under the large window in front end not sure how they will work together!
help please!
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PROAlicia Reynolds_Richards thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering imagesRelated Discussions
Help me figure out this staircase dilemmma!
Comments (26)I haven't read all the responses, so forgive is this is a repeat. Our house is about 150 years old, and we have 'winder' steps - and the middle of their tread is basically the same as those of the straight steps. I'd find the planned winders so awkward to use - the tread is way too deep. Why not add another step there? Changing the riser height would also make it awkward. There is actually a formula that relates the tread depth to riser height. I have no idea what it is, but I do know that's why we can easily manage so many different types of stairs, as they basically all result in a somewhat regular gait. Your stairs are 4 feet wide, and narrower ones could work, (ours are 36 inches, 33 inches inside of the bannister) which would allow the winders to meet the minimum code, I'd think, even if that means adding a bannister. My Dad designed and built houses for decades. Each unique, some for spec, some not. He always said it's easy to screw up stairs. (He never complained about the design of our old stairs, and he is one to always point out mistakes.) He is too old, alas, for me to have a conversation about it. He won't listen long enough to understand the problem and his eye sight won't allow him to study plans....See MoreHelp us figure out a stair dilemma
Comments (10)We have friends with a floorplan like that, and they eventually turned their front room into the TV room, and kept the family room without a big screen. I think they have a smaller tv for kids gaming, approximately where your TV is now. Where in the world would one sit to watch that TV in its current placement? I've not done this, but perhaps you can have the banister re-stained to match the new flooring. I wouldn't cover it up. Seems silly, and look at the natural light coming from the staircase. I'd be more interested in opening it up, if anything....See MoreNeed help figuring out how to make my house feel less "busy"
Comments (23)I feel like lighting will make a HUGE difference. Usually when people say "busy" I imagine cluttered, but your decor looks intentional and your house looks lived in but not like a completely kitchy mess. I think it's just the light/contrast letting you down. So don't be so hard on yourself! I'm a photographer and the think that always stands out to me in houses that are really beautiful is how much light gives the spaces texture, definition, and brightness. Because you have darker floors and some darker pieces of furniture in some spaces they all kind of blend together and look really heavy even though they aren't packed too tightly. It's super easy to just plug whatever lamps you have into outlets and flip a light switch that turns on some lights on your ceiling and stop there, but I think the big difference between really put together living spaces and those that don't quite feel as polished is often the intentional use and choices of light. Layering lights at different levels, paying attention to task lighting, and being selective with fixtures can really make a huge difference. I've no where near perfected this in our house yet, but the few changes we've made in some rooms have really had a big impact. I think the right lighting in your home can do wonders and really help establish the ambiance you are going for....See MoreNeed help figuring out what to do with large bedroom windows
Comments (7)The last photo you sent me is beautiful, Maureen. I love the idea of sanding and re-staining all the wood on that wall but unfortunately the contractors we've spoken to have said it would be really expensive to do because of how thick the paint seems to be. I'm leaning towards keeping it white and just painting the inside trim of the windows black to add some contrast. I may go lighter with the ceiling beams like in your photo, though....See MoreAlicia Reynolds_Richards
3 years agoAlicia Reynolds_Richards
3 years ago
PROGN Builders L.L.C
3 years agoAlicia, depending on your budget and how far you want to take this, but you can do a simple upgrade, change the landscaping, remove 1st step (looks like a trip step), make a nice landing and a walkway to wherever it leads, and change the railing. IMO making a patio in the front would be a waste of money unless you like to create a backyard feel... Some nice landscaping will add a much better detail to your home.
Disregard everything else, but if you remove that wall and create an open stairway with a nice railing it will look much better, something like this.
Good luck!
Alicia Reynolds_Richards thanked GN Builders L.L.CAlicia Reynolds_Richards
3 years ago- PROAlicia Reynolds_Richards thanked Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
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