Very soon after my clients purchased this home, they realized that it lacked integrity of style and functioned poorly. From the outside, their home looked like an updated "Craftsman" style. Inside, it appeared to be a conglomeration of many different styles. One could easily conclude that the builder had created this home from spare parts, or liquidators' specials. The main area in the master bathroom was occupied by a whirlpool tub installed in one corner, flanked by two lavatories. There was nothing "Craftsman" about this room. The inexpensive white cabinets featured square raised-panel doors. The countertops and tub platform were 6x6 white glazed tile.
Two narrow doors opened from the main bathroom into a small shower and toilet room, and a small walk-in closet. There were other things they wanted to do, to make their home look and feel more "Craftsman," which included new wood ballusters and newell posts to replace the existing traditional white ballusters, new carpeting, and painting every room in the home.
The wife asked if it would be possible to move the laundry room upstairs, where all of the dirty clothes and linens were generated. She wanted the room to be generous, with a folding area, and a clothes drying rod.
The programming phase of the design led to a list outlining the project:
1. Remove the tub -- not needed
2. Larger shower, to accommodate two
A. Two valves
B. A "rain" showerhead for him
C. An adjustable personal shower for her
D. Seat
3. Dedicated toilet room
4. Larger closet with more niches and drawers
5. Move the laundry room upstairs
6. Craftsman style
A. Cherry cabinets with square recessed-panel doors
B. Rich colors -- not white!
C. Slate and other natural materials
7. Better lighting and ventilation
A new closet was created in a tall attic above the family room, and the previous shower-toilet room became part of the laundry room (with other space borrowed from the large master bedroom). The original master closet was turned into a hallway, accessing the new den-loft above the living room, which effectively lowered the living room ceiling to a cozy height. The living room was transformed into a pub-like billiard room. The interior addition totaled 363 square feet of usable space that has integrity with the new "Craftsman" style.
