Sunken LR - do you think these steps look awkward?

12 years ago

We are going to be remodeling our house and putting in new wood flooring in our LR. The LR has two openings one from the entry hall and one from the kitchen with steps running across both openings. It seems a little awkward to me but I'm not really sure what other options there are.

I thought it might look better if I stole some space from the kitchen and pushed that wall between the doorways back a bit - making a walkway between the hallway and kitchen. Thus creating just one large opening to the LR instead of two. Or perhaps it's better to just leave it alone?

Featured Answer

Angel 18432

12 years ago

I would make the tread on the step wider so it is easier to walk down. Also would finish the sides off a bit diff. Have them go around to join up with the wall.

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Comments (10)

Darzy
12 years ago
I wouldn't worry about it right now. If you opened it up you'd lose that cabinet space and it's probably a load bearing wall. It has some character now. I'd concentrate on other design elements first then think about that later. I don't think the added opening would add that much design element per the cost of changing IMHO,
elissabi thanked Darzy
Sharon Cameron
12 years ago
Your kitchen has another opening at the other end right?
elissabi thanked Sharon Cameron
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Heidi Potter
12 years ago
It needs something with height at the end of the steps... Either a nice tall, full plant or a piece of furniture will help balance it out.
elissabi thanked Heidi Potter
PRO
Dytecture
12 years ago
The wall between the 2 openings are a bit awkward. Not sure how the house is configured, but it would feel more natural to have a larger, single opening if possible.
elissabi thanked Dytecture
dclostboy
12 years ago
To me, it feels like the stairs end too abruptly. I'd finish the ends differently so that they spill into the room more organically.
elissabi thanked dclostboy
winecountrydreamer
12 years ago
Not sure how big you'd like to think, and it would definitely depend on budget, but if you push the wall back between the kitchen and entry, you would lose that cabinet space. However, you could regain the cabinet space by building the doorway shut and putting the cabinets where the doorway is currently. That way, you'd only have one doorway and one set of stairs, without losing valuable storage and prep space in your kitchen
elissabi thanked winecountrydreamer
elissabi
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for all the suggestions.. Yes, there is another opening to the kitchen from the Family Room. We will be remodeling the kitchen as well, so it might work to close off the current opening and push back the wall (thx - winecountrydreamer). I'll have to give that some more thought.
PRO
Lathrem Homebuilders, LLC
12 years ago
I like your idea to widen the opening but I would consider adding a third step in the space you created to decrease the riser height. I would also increase the tread depth to 12"-16" to make the transition much more confortable. I would create the first step within the new hallway and return the other two steps back to the wall creating a U-shape.
elissabi thanked Lathrem Homebuilders, LLC
lefty47
12 years ago
HI -- Lots of potential here , but I do think that doorway should be opened up . Have an architect or interior designer in to talk over the possibilities . It's very chopped up looking now and I don't care for the two doorways . The steps could also be re - styled to look less tacked on .This will be a wonderful room with these small Reno up -dates .
elissabi thanked lefty47