I’ve designed a conceptual house project that provides a wide variety of places, small and big, open and closed, his and hers and the kid’s.
At the center of the action is a kitchen with an island where the cook can talk with people sitting at the breakfast bar. We spend so much time in and around our kitchens, why not put it in the center of our home? Sliding screens allow it to be hidden from adjoining rooms.
Living room and dining room flank the kitchen and are out of the traffic. The living room looks out one bay toward a sunny outdoor sitting room, while the dining room looks out a second bay through full height glass doors which open two walls for true indoor-outdoor living.
A cavelike nook off the living room is a great place to hide away with a view to the larger rooms. A quiet room provides a place to get away from the hubbub and have a private conversation, listen to music, or watch a movie.
Each major section of the house—common living areas, children’s wing, and master bedroom—has its own unifying cathedral ceiling.
I’ve shown the children’s wing in two configurations. With small individual nooks and a large shared playroom. And with a hall and private bedrooms for older children.
The master bedroom has a cozy bed nook with windows, a sitting area looking out onto a private patio, and a large walk-in closet. And a private sink and door to the bathroom.
As in my other conceptual projects, the bathroom area is an innovative combination of closable compartments. This way money is saved and fewer bathroom fixtures serve more people.
Each parent gets a small “office” that could be used for paperwork, hobbies, crafts, music, art, writing, or napping. A room of one’s own to do with whatever you will.
With the open living room and its nook, closed quiet room, offices, playroom, master bedroom sitting area, and window seat nook there is sure to be a place to suit your mood in this house.
