Trying to assess renovation layout options, would love some input

7 years ago

We have a great 50's ranch that has been added to a couple of times, and we're considering making an investment in it for the long haul.

This is the current layout. We need to:

- renovate baths 2 & 3, which are original.

- replace the front windows, which are original

- open up the layout to get more light into the dining room

This is the closest design I have right now, although I've asked that they close up the entry walls to the back hallway and dining room, as I think it helps define the entry and improve privacy for Bed 2.

One thing we're a bit worried about is losing cosiness. I see some of these opened-up ranches and they seem kind of austere and...TOO open. The other thing to keep in mind is that we use both living areas - one for kids and the other for adults. (We need 2 living areas.)

Thoughts?

Featured Answer

Marci

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

I think a lot of these next questions come down to who is using the space and what stage of life you are in. There may not be a right or wrong answer, just preference.

For example, if kids are using the jack and jill-- then its a great way to get each kid their own vanity area! Score! If it's primarily for your grown children visiting at the same time-- then it's remembering to knock bc you don't have your own bath. Far less enticing.

For me, mudroom to manage kid sports gear is a very big deal! We put lockers down one wall and a countertop down the other. For you, maybe its not.

I use the office to pay bills, play on the computer and store /use craft supplies. Our "office" is where kids do projects, I drop the mail and we leave "in progress" legos and multiday projects etc. We like being connected and in easy yelling distance to someone watching TV. That would be really different from ones needs who actually work from home. I'm assuming they would prefer to be closed off.

Everything to the master bedroom side of the kitchen feels like "private space". Maybe you like it that way-- but to me it feels like a lot of space that isnt' communal. I would want people to feel more ok about using that bathroom and the "office", maybe having more kitchen pantry there, or a better connection to the back yard.

I think the hardest part in a remodel is overcoming how you've always lived . I would encourage you to really try to start fresh with a drawing instead of just thinking of moving the walls that are existing. Play with the drawing, rename the spaces--think big!

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Comments (9)

AFritzler
7 years ago
I am curious as to which living area you use on a daily basis.

If it is the living room I would as you said close up the entry way and add a support beam all the way across between the dining room/kitchen and the living room. I would then change your layout to a large L shape with a nice large island. I would also close the wall to the family room back up or at least partially for your formal "adult" living room.

If the family room is your daily use living room then I would keep the walls pretty much the same as what you currently have, perhaps close off the living room a bit more but thats it.
debtex
Original Author
7 years ago
we honestly use them both every day. Neither is "formal" really...both have comfy couches and televisions.
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AFritzler
7 years ago
Hmm. In that case I would go with the first option. By opening up that wall you will all be able to "be together" If you are in the kitchen, kids playing/watching TV,

I would keep small walls (maybe 2 ft) on either side of the entry to the family room. It will help delineate the space without closing it off.

I'd also consider removing your pantry, opening up the door way between the back entry and the kitchen and installing a tall shallow cabinet as a pantry on that wall. I would then make the uppers on the left side of the fridge go all the way to the counter. This should give you a similar amount of space for your pantry items in those two areas as you currently have and make all the items in your pantry more accessible.
Marci
7 years ago
For the items you listed that you wanted to accomplish, it looks like you did. I really like the way you resolved the jack and jill bath. I agree, that I would keep a full wall in the dining room instead of leaving it open to that hall. I do not think that you have lost cosiness or opened things too much. It's a great house and I definitely think you are on the right track.

That said, if I was looking to buy this house I would want some sort of a mudroom/ drop zone clutter area by the garage (presumed parking area). The front foyer seems small comparatively to the rest of the house. I keep wondering why the office doesn't open to the LR. If I had time I'd play around with the kitchen design more. There is a lot of space taken up with hall, closet and laundry room -- and a missed connection to the office--and I'd look into utilizing that space better. Have fun! It's gonna be great!
Isaac
7 years ago
I will echo the comment about adding a mudroom if possible, and wondering why the office doesn't connect to the living room.

I would not do a jack and Jill bathroom - just close off the door to the bottom bedroom and call it

a day unless the bathroom is unusable.
chispa
7 years ago
Guests sitting in your living room or dining room should not have a direct view of the inside of bedrooms 2 & 3. You are opening up the wrong walls!

I would not do a J & J bath.
debtex
Original Author
7 years ago
I am so appreciative of the useful feedback, it's nice to get new eyes on it. I think I will ask the designers to think about opening the wall between the living and the kitchen.

We have to renovate bathrooms 2 & 3 - they are 70 years old. In the interest of household peace, bedroom 2 must have an en-suite to bath 2. I was hoping to close that bath off from the public rooms to give it more privacy, driving visitors to bathroom 3. Given all that, I'm curious...what are the reasons we shouldn't do a J&J?
Isaac
7 years ago
J&J baths can be awkward and embarrassing to use, in my experience. Lots of banging on doors and accidentally walking in on people.