Dreaming Up a Design

It’s time to start devising a plan.  We’ve looked at lots of stock plans to get ideas.  When we built our current home we used a stock plan but expanded it and rearranged some rooms to better suit our needs.  Oftentimes, builders will have a handful of models to choose from, which can also be modified and rearranged.  Or, of course, one can hire an architect. 

Charlie uses Chief Architect X3 for designing and has begun creating a unique floor plan integrating all of our desires.   I’ve read reviews on simpler, cheaper versions of Chief Architect and it looks like a layperson could use them with a little bit of effort.  I highly recommend doing something of the sort if you’re up to the challenge.  You’ll then have the flexibility to rearrange rooms and preview them in 3D before you even go to an architect or builder, thereby possibly saving you lots of money.  We have truly tested its limits during our design process!

Charlie spends his free time laying out our design and sharing the latest changes with me.  Our home site is unusual in that the front of the house also has the views.  Usually, the views are behind the house.  Additionally, we’re building on a slope so the back of the first floor will have smaller windows located near the ceiling. 

We have come up with a plan that has the front door, living room, and master bedroom facing the pond.  In our current version, the kitchen is behind the living room with a den at the back.  The first floor also includes a three-car garage, mudroom and laundry room. The stairs from the kitchen rise to a landing and a door to the back patio.  The south side of the second floor includes two bedrooms and a bath for the girls, and a large, conditioned storage area, all of which can all be closed off when not in use.  The north end contains two offices and a small bath.  Charlie has a set of stairs from his office to his side of the garage so he can haul his workload directly to his office.

Now, this is today’s rendition.  I ran an earlier version by my mom last week, with the kitchen in the back and a porch in the front.  She was concerned that the kitchen would be too dark and cave-like.  Very good point!  Charlie has patiently rearranged the rooms.  Now is by far the time to figure these issues out!

The creative brainstorming is such an enjoyable part of this process.  Once you have a design you think you like you can see how well it will actually function.  How does the traffic flow through that big living area?  Where will we put the television so everyone can see it?  Do we want a fireplace?  If so, gas or wood stove?  Where?  Living room or den? 

One afternoon, we sat and played with different rooms.  I was concerned that the laundry room was too small (as it is in this house, too).  In the end we took down a wall and made a combination laundry and work room – without hiring a single contractor!

We are also finding that we really have to determine what our priorities are.  This iteration has lost the screened porch option.  I’ve told you how important a porch was to us.  Will we give it up in the end or find a way of integrating it?  Stay tuned.  I’ll let you know as soon as we do!