master planning
a complete home renovation
Initial Design Parameters
Jim and Amy own a Ranch-Style home built in approximately 1950. The previous owner added a family room off the back corner, and enclosed the carport to make a two-car garage. Jim and Amy also had some work done after purchasing the home including taking out a room in the front which opened the space to the kitchen which they remodeled. Presently, there are three bedrooms - two small rooms for each of the two boys sharing a bathroom that also serves as a guest bath, and a master with a walk-in closet and full bath. Initially, they expressed a desire to add a new master suite off the back of the previous owner's addition, creating a four-bedroom home, which will help to accommodate the imminent expansion of their family - the birth of their third son.
They had retained the services of an architect to design the new master suite, but were not entirely pleased with the design. I was fortunate to meet them through a mutual friend who was aware of their situation. After a few discussions, they felt a more sensible approach would be to Master Plan their home to encompass further changes and additions they were considering. The construction would then be phased to meet their budget as well as allowing them to remain in the home while construction was ongoing. In addition to the Master Suite, consideration should be given to enclosing the back patio to create more liveable space; creating a new back patio with attention to indoor/outdoor spaces; re-assessing the existing spaces in the home for function and efficiency; re-evaluating existing mechanical, plumbing, and insulation; and the design and construction of a separate structure to serve as a studio for Jim that could also be defined as a Mother-in-Law casita when they decide to sell the home.
Following is a summary of their needs and wants as gleaned through discussion and a Client Profile Form which I provide to new clients. This list comprises the basis for the Design Parameters for this project:
The Master Suite
• Modern but cozy
• Large walk-in closet to accommodate existing closet hardware
• Tub, shower, two sinks
• Bookshelves (no office area)
• No fireplace
• No sitting area
• Space for a king-size bed and two night stands
• Area for a television
• Small and efficient
Lifestyle considerations
• They plan to remain in this home for a long time
• It will be their full-time residence
• More usable patios (indoor/outdoor)
• They entertain often, usually small groups, but at times large parties
• When entertaining, both indoor and outdoor spaces are used, and there are usually lots of children
• Guests do not use the home in the way Jim and Amy would like them to because the spaces are disconnected
• They want to bring in a lot of natural light and be able to open the house to gentle breezes
• They like open spaces that afford clear vistas through the house
• Amy likes to be able to see the back yard from everywhere in the house so as to keep an eye on the kids
• A fireplace would be nice in the living room, but not essential
• They do most of their reading in bed, but wish the family room were more inviting for such
• Energy conservation is important
• Green technology, products and building materials are important
• They like to cook
• They would like to have music available in every space, including outdoors
• They enjoy grilling and dining outdoors
• They enjoy the outdoors in general
• A small pool is definitely part of the plan
General considerations
• There is a disconnect between the most-used spaces (family room, kitchen, dining)
• The present office space is currently used as a toy room so they would like to reclaim space somewhere so as to allow for a functional office
• Could always use more storage
• Audio, video, and data needs to be considered
• They are curious about LED lighting
• All lighting should be on dimmers
design considerations
• The style they enjoy would be described as contemporary, modern, clean lines, approaching minimalist, but with a focus on comfort
• Neutral color palette - grays, tans, whites - with splashes of color
• They love the kitchen and want to use it as a visual point of reference for the rest of the house - the cabinetry is red, the island has a stainless steel top
• Windows are to be energy efficient with black trim
• No faux wall finishes
• Flooring materials to consider are concrete, cork and carpet tiles
• Both Amy and Jim like raw materials - steel, concrete, etc.
• Floor plan should accommodate IKEA cabinetry (TBD)
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