This lakeside lot had spectacular views, particularly from part of the back and the side (A). But the kitchen (B) and the den (C), along with the entire front half of the house, were sadly lacking in views.

As with many houses, there were areas that were not used. The front porch (D) and the front door (E) were totally ignored, and all traffic went through the garage (F). The living room (G) was not used, probably because it was dark and had no view. The two bedrooms in the front (H and I) were empty and had no viable use to this owner. The hall bath (J) was another unused room. The den (C) next to the kitchen was really just the walkway from the garage (F). The walk-through bath (K) on the lake side was one of the three rooms, along with the kitchen (B) and the master bedroom (L), that were the only areas of activity.

To reach this man's goals would take some reorganizing of spaces and the addition of amenities, especially improved orientation to the outdoors.

By expanding some living space eight feet toward the lake, we created a sunroom (M) that capitalizes on the view. This room, combined with what was once the dining room, provides enough space for seating and outdoor access. Since the width of this new room was determined by the edge of the kitchen sink countertop (N), the kitchen feels very open and shares the view.

Two skylights (O) distribute light throughout the main living part of the house. The dining table (P) was moved in front of a wall and now is not a traffic obstacle.

The dormant living room (G) was transformed into a "garden room" (Q) by filling the exterior wall with French doors. These doors open onto a stone terrace (R) that steps down into ground cover and decorative bushes, which contain this outdoor space and actually create a view. This area can still be used as the front entry.

To address the family entry (S), we expanded the step in front of the garage-entry door and have a place for a ramp, should that become necessary. An alcove was carved out of the former den (C), which provides a place for coat hooks and a "to go" shelf.

Farther inside, a restaurant-style booth (T) was installed along with a wall of built-ins and a sink for a coffee bar. The main desk was positioned below new windows on the lake side. This is the spot for the main computer.

An expansive kitchen island (U) offers an expansive workspace, a dumping spot for incoming groceries, plus an area for some stools. Little else was changed in the kitchen, except to remove the end wall (V), which left just a low wall on the remaining peninsula end.

The main bath (K) was reduced to a half bath on one side, and a laundry room on the other. Master bedroom (L) changes were primarily with the closets and the addition of a door directly into the hall bath (J). The last change was simply to add a door from the inner bedroom (H) into the garden room (Q) to create a private study.