Can this space become a primary suite?
I'm hoping to get some thoughts on a possible renovation. I live in a 1900 Victorian with a quirky set of rooms on the 2nd floor that I'd like to turn into a primary suite. The largest room is an addition, which is the part I'd like to turn into a bedroom. There are two adjacent areas (currently a closet and a study) where I'd like to add a bathroom and closet space.
Here is the current layout. Note that the fireplace has to stay.
I was hoping I could fit the bathroom in the back area, but it seems like a tight squeeze. The fireplace adds an interesting twist. It seems like a lot of space to work with but it's surprisingly difficult.
I've sketched some ideas, which I can share, but was wondering if anyone has any thoughts that come to mind. Thanks in advance!
Comments (9)
cpartist
last yearRelated Discussions
How important is a primary bedroom suite?
Comments (19)Thanks for all the feedback so far! I guess it’s no susprise that most people wold prefer an ensuite bath :) Of course, I would prefer that as well, but we have lived happily in this home for 8 years now and it feels like a silly dilemma since, prior to this house, we had (gasp) a one bedroom house for over a decade. Plus we could always use the bedroom on the 3rd floor as the ”primary suite”. So, as others have said, it largely depends on ROI. Our architect gave an off-the-cuff estimate of $100k to reconfigure the upstairs for a primary bedroom with ensuite. I’m not confident that we could recoup much of that cost, but would need to check with some realtors. Even though the house is old, the previous owners remodeled and added a TV room upstairs, so we’d mostly be using this new space rather than modifying the original areas of the house. That said, you have all given me much to think about and I appreciate the different perspectives!...See MorePrimary Bathroom Dilemma
Comments (17)Thank you for the post and questions. This will sound naive and sad on our part, but we did think we had hired an architectural firm to design the rebuild. They mislead us, and we did not question. It is too long of a story to go into, other than my husband and I had a difference of opinions at the time that it counted, and by the time he agreed with me that this firm was not doing good work it was too late. We are already in our construction loan with 5 months left and if we do not close it in time, we will double the interest rate on the regular mortgage loan we roll into. Anyway....here we are...my husband has finally seen the light and realizes that this is a botched design. We have modified as many of the areas as we are able as it is being framed, but even as early as February, we could not find any architects locally that would take on the job. I am attaching the only pdf version of the plans that I have, but please realize the basement level has been improved, as have areas of the main floor, we are now "tweaking" the 3rd floor before it is too late. Our windows are sadly vinyl, but they were more affordable after Covid and inflation hit. They were ordered early, so we can't change them....See MoreSpace Utilization for Modest Primary Bedroom
Comments (11)Thank you all for your expert feedback! This is a 1000 sq foot remodel and addition of 500 sq feet (limited to 500 sq feet by the city). The snapshot I provided is of the remodeled portion. Because of the city's rules, we felt there was no benefit to pulling the garage into the sq footage at this time. We plan on carving part of the garage for a laundry area and a flex space for the kids to play/do crafts. Due to the city only allowing us to add 500 feet we ended up moving more walls than we originally expected. We live in an area where street parking is limited so we like the option of parking in the garage for the few instances where we must. If I had any specific questions they would be: I wondered if those more familiar than myself would suggest reconsidering the 5-foot-wide walk-in closet. I looked at pictures of 5-foot-wide closets and they look a bit tight. My limited experience did not result in me seeing a way to improve, so I thought I’d ask here. I also wonder if two sinks in the primary bath are necessary. I’d rather have the counter & storage space, but I feel this may be a resale must. As we get closer to making final decisions my doubts are kicking in. Once we get started I will not be one of those people who changes her mind! My biggest concern is not using the limited space we have well. I thought I’d put it out there to see if there were options I did not even think to consider. So, thank you all for your kind input....See MoreI need help with primary suit with laundry floor plan designq
Comments (35)I just submitted a long comment and it seems to have disappeared. I'll try again: I want to clarify that I'm not a pro. I just enjoy creating floor plans and layouts. The software I use is called "Home Design Studio Complete". Here's my attempt at the overall floor plan with your proposed kitchen layout with an island and banquette. The island shown is 6' x 3'-4" (15" overhang). I think it will feel pretty cramped with the dining table and walkway to the deck. It's also tight for stools at the island with walkway betwen kitchen and living area. This version has a smaller island - 5' x 3'-1 (12" overhang). I think it's better. Another idea - since you're putting the laundry in the new part of the house, you could significantly reduce or remove the room that is marked "pantry" and have a larger kitchen at the back (with wall of pantry cupboards on the righ) and living and dining areas in the front....See More
sconset123
last yearroarah
last yearI would add doors to these pax cabinets but this is a nice inspiration for your office/ dressing room.
sconset123 thanked roarahsconset123
last yearThank you, roarah! I've seen several of your projects over the years and know you are full of great ideas :)
Something like that would be perfect. I was imagining a full wall of cabinets similar to that, with doors along these lines:
My only concern is that it wouldn't be enough closet space for 2 people (at least, the way I'm envisioning it).cpartist
last yearlast modified: last yearI did something similar to your second idea but kept the closet open to the bathroom. I like this layout better than putting the closet in with the fireplace. I can see a fireplace in a bathroom but not a closet. The area under the window in the closet would be dresser drawers.
Why I like this versus your version is you can go shower and then not have to walk around the bedroom to go get dressed.
I didn't close off the toilet but I personally prefer a separate toilet area.
All the areas in the closet would be hanging mostly not cabinets.
sconset123 thanked cpartistsconset123
last yearcpartist
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sconset123Original Author