Defining Space in an Open Floor Plan

Many of today's home designs incorporate open floor planning - with kitchen, dining and living areas all very open to one another.  Open planning is great for entertaining and family gatherings because it allows people congretating within these "zones" to remain connected with one another. 

One problem with open planning however is that sometimes the combined space becomes too large and begins to lose a sense of intimacy.  Also, how about that kitchen clutter?  Many clients want to remain "connected" with their guests while in the kitchen, but do not necessarily want all of that kitchen clutter exposed to their guests.

There are a number of ways to combat these issues.  I will try to illustrate in the following examples designed by Larson Brenner Architects in Stillwater, MN.

Photo below illustrates dining area and adjacent front foyer.  A dropped soffit in the foyer and hallway helps to define the edge of the dining space (ceiling elevation changes are a great way of defining space).  Cabinetry placed between the hallway and dining serves as china cabinet and buffet counter.  The position of the cabinet also reinforces the edge of the dining area.  Windows on two adjacent walls help to define the center of the space, where the dining table is positioned.

Photo below illustrates a dining area and adjacent front entry foyer beyond.  The cabinetry is now engaged between walls.  This method provides a little more "enclosure" for the dining space.  Double thick wall with "bulkhead" opening provides space for ductwork and creates a more dimensional separation from the adjacent kitchen and stair.

Here you can see that double thick wall opening between the dining and kitchen areas.  Kitchen island has 3 surface heights.  The 42" high eating bar and 48" high display cabinets conceal the primary kitchen work / clutter surfaces behind.  The island itself defines the long edge of the kitchen.

In this example a kitchen is separated from the dining room with a full height cabinet.  The cabinet has a "hole" in the middle to provide space for a serving counter and to maintain visibility between the spaces.  Circulation flows around either side of the cabinet.  The cabinet engages at the top with a bulkhead which further helps to define each of the two spaces.

View from kitchen side.  Again the raised serving bar helps to conceal kitchen clutter from the adjacent dining space.

Simple,Unique, Creative and Green House Plans

Child Room Design Photo

Child Room Design Photo will surely have sweet dreams with the ultra functional Berg Sierra Collection Captains Bed 12 Drawers with Stairs. This beautiful multi storage bed is a wide, stylish, and family-friendly furniture that is made from the finest materials, which gives it great strength and durability. This bed is also designed for maximum functionality, easy maintenance and lasting performance and offered at very competitive prices.

• Crafted from the finest beechwood
• Constructed with safety and quality
• Available in four finishes
• Color coordinated knobs
• Made in the USA
• Dimensions: 47" H x 96" W x 45" D

Not So Big 10 Year Anniversary

It is the 10 year anniversary of "the not so big house".  This was the first book in a series published by Residential Architect Sarah Susanka.  This series of books touts the virtues and benefits of great design, clearly illustrating with beautiful  and thoughtful examples that modest spaces can be as functional and more intimate than large ones.  

The book series has been exceedingly popular, and Ms. Susanka has tirelessly promoted it.  In the process she has single handily done more to promote the value of an Architect than any efforts I have witnessed over my career by the American Institute of Architects.  For this I say - Thank You Sarah Susanka!

Her book series can be found at Amazon.com 

Simple,Unique, Creative and Green House Plans

New Interior Video of Stillwater Craftsman

Simply Elegant Home Designs has added an interior animation of their "Stillwater Craftsman" house plan.  The animation can be seen below.

Simply Elegant intends to publish more interiors information on all of their home designs.  The idea is to provide customers with better information so that they can make more informed buying decisions.