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SOLUTION
CREATING SPACES by Marcia Lyon
This project is located in Dearborn, Mich.
If it is in your area, and you would like more information, please contact Marcia Lyon.
I still don't understand why minimal and substandard space is allocated for the family entry -- used on a daily basis -- that results in a congested, ugly and cramped area with no storage space. Why do we allow the builders to do that to us?
Let me comment on laundry: It is frequently stuck in the family entry area by default. Laundry is a PROCESS. When laundry is being done, space is required to sort dirties, then fold or hang cleanies. Who wants to step over or even look at the plethora of wardrobe when one is coming or going? Can we please re-think the concept of family entry and make it an attractive and efficient transition from the outside to the inside?
Foyers are overrated. To provide a large space for the front entry and little space for the family entry is not practical. I am not recommending eliminating foyers, but allowing equal space for the frequently used family entry.
This single professional had three things on her priority list: She wanted to move the laundry (A) to a spot she found on the second (bedroom) floor, dreamed of untangling and enhancing the long, narrow and dark family entry (B), and hoped to enlarge the family room (C).
The laundry issue was already solved. The real problem to attack was the family entry (B). The door from the garage (D) opened outward, making people back up into the garage (E) when they entered the house. The laundry room (A) occupied the space at the end of the narrow hall (B). The exterior door (F) was never used because it opened to a narrow side yard. The family entry had no coat closet, so coats were taken to the foyer closet (G). The first available drop-off spot for keys and other items was the kitchen island (H).
My usual approach is to find the needed space without an addition, if possible. I knew that we could extend the family room out with a modest addition, but I wanted to see what we could do first, without that expense.
The solution came by rearranging the original half bath (I) and removing the junk closet (J). This effectively reconfigured the space into something more square (K). We enlarged the step (L) in the garage to make life easier, and then opened the door inward. A wall-hung "to go" shelf was installed (M) next to a custom-built corner tower of cubbies. Baskets under the to-go shelf will contain boots and shoes.
The old pantry (N) was flipped and converted into a coat closet (O) in the family entry, and a pocket door (P) was installed to close off the entire area when needed. The removal of the basement door netted more space as well.
On the kitchen side, the pantry (N) was replaced by more base and wall cabinets next to the refrigerator. The original island (H) was replaced by a longer one (Q), which added more seating and base-cabinet storage.
The new shape of the half bath (I) provided an angled wall (R) in the family room. The space left by the now-vacant laundry room was added to the family room. An entire wall of new cabinets (S) was erected to house photos, keepsakes and games. We then built a diagonal wall (T), parallel to the new wall for the couch, and provided the perfect spot for a new plasma-screen TV. The family room effectively got larger without an addition.
(Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects in [INSERT YOUR CITY] and throughout the U.S. and Canada. Her new e-book is available at her Web site www.creatingspaces.net. Reach her by e-mail at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or phone (515) 991-8880.)
