Many of us have fantasies of how we would like to have our dream homes. A get-away spot is not an uncommon desire. Whether it is simply to isolate ourselves or to put us in a special, private place helps to determine what kind of get-way to design. Having your own space has proven to help marriages. We can share only so much!

PROBLEM

This basement-less house in Reading, Mich., had a strange layout to begin with. Even I couldn’t figure out the historical modifications, beyond the living room (A) and attached garage (not shown) stuck onto the side of this house. I guessed that the half bath (D) was added later. The water heater has its own closet and the furnace is in the attic. The homeowners were a couple with no children of their own, but a rather large extended family. The master bedroom (B) fell far below current standards with no attached bath. They used the closets in all three bedrooms for their clothes. The main bathroom (C) was tiny and windowless. An equally small (windowless) half bath (D) was right in the front entry (E), which also housed a stack washer/dryer (F). The kitchen (G) was large enough but needed updating. The dining space (H) was nothing more than a dinette. It was located at the end of a strange strip of space on the side of the house. The desire was to clean up the floor plan, add more square footage, a master suite and some style. When the homeowners talked about creating a special get-away space, I suggested a tower with the second-story addition. They were excited about the possibilities.

SOLUTION

The first floor needed a modest addition for a dining/sunroom (I). This created a desirable space off the remodeled kitchen (J) and access to a deck (K) for outdoor entertaining. We also added a grill deck (L) on the other side. The former dining space (H) converted into a laundry closet (M) and a walk-in pantry (N). The two bathrooms (C&D) combined to become a larger main bah (O) with a window. This allowed us to create a dedicated entry (P), convenient to the living room and a new staircase (Q), with open ceiling - drama and design.

The new second floor is dedicated exclusively to the master bedroom (R) and bath (S). Glass pocket doors (T) offer access to a sun-filled sitting room (U), which became the get-away spot for her. The closet (V) is ample and interesting. A window-filled tower (W) is just off the master bedroom and up a short flight of stairs. This adds drama and a higher ceiling height in the foyer below. The man of the house claimed this as his get-away and all were happy. Marcia Lyon is a professional remodeling designer and freelance writer, producing projects locally and several other areas across the United States and Canada. Her new E-book on remodeling design is available at www.creatingspaces.net. Reach her at Marcia@creatingspaces.net or at 515-991-8880.