Designs to Refine

I have just come back from seeing the architect's four different concepts for Almora, and they are totally not what I expected - in a good way! Each design has its own different attributes, but there are a few constant similarities between them all because the site is difficult to work with. In a sense that is a positive thing, because we won't get carried away with hundreds of different options. We've been limited to the four created by the architect and her colleagues, and now we have until Friday week to choose our favourite to refine (which means build upon, develop, perfect, etc.). 

Out of all of the options my favourite is number three. I'll give you a little visual of one area of the design:

 I love this extension the most. The kitchen being in the centre of the south wall as opposed to right at the back squashed into the side wall seems much more balanced and functional. I love how the living area peninsulas out from the dining area. I love the flow from laundry to kitchen - something about the circular flow is really appealing. And having extra storage right next to the kitchen is a bonus too. But I feel like the island is a little small, especially compared to my design of the kitchen. I'm thinking the dining area could be less wide, and maybe also have an inward jut of about 1000mm to fit a light-well, instead of the cupboards. I had this idea in my own plans and I really like the extra light plus a vertical garden.

It's hard to try and somewhat let go of my own design for Almora. I have to understand and accept what is more likely to be possible and more economical (financially) for the site and its surroundings, plus be flexible in exploring other design possibilities. However, I don't favour any of the designs for the heritage rooms at the front of the property. This is where I am bringing my own design to the table. Most of the architect's concepts have a bedroom, a bathroom/laundry, another bedroom, a living space, followed by a light well. But I am not a fan of this configuration. I don't know if I have mentioned it previously, but I have my heart set on walk-in-robes for the front two bedrooms, and I will fight to get them (despite one parent saying 'no' already, but here's my argument). Because the current bedroom sizes at the minute will be about 3800mm by 3800mm, floor space cannot be eaten by wardrobes, and two rooms have a fireplace that I want to get rid of for the same reason. They're lovely pieces of history, but so redundant in this day and age. So I want them gone, and I also don't want wardrobes to flank the fireplaces either side. This configuration is SO common in heritage houses but SO unaesthetically pleasing. You see, fireplaces usually jut out 400 or 500mm from the wall. Wardrobes require a depth of at least 600mm. Therefore, there is a discrepancy in how flush the wardrobe and fireplace are, of about 200mm (20cm). And it is ugly. I will not allow it in my room. As an Interior Designer (as I like to think of my self) I am putting my foot down. (What happened to being flexible? Hey, interior designers are supposed to develop better functioning spaces, i.e. a WIR.)

When I came home I immediately scribbled down all of my ideas onto a piece of paper, then refined it on EZ Architect. I've since printed it and annotated the changes I want to incorporate into the option above. Mainly the changes centre around the front. I've drawn the first bedroom, followed by the WIR's , the second bedroom, then entering the current lean-to, a WC down a short hallway and the bathroom. After this, hopefully my most favoured extension will follow. I've eliminated the living space and light well for the front of the house because the main family area will be down the back and a sitting room will be upstairs. I think three is a little excessive for our household. But if the site length allows, then the third living area and the light well that the architect wants to accompany it with can be incorporated, I won't complain. I just see the WIR's (which I plan to fit a desk in that can be either for study or make-up) as more of a priority than a third TV-watching area. And if someone argues that it would be used a spare bedroom for guests, well what's wrong with the sofa bed in the second living room upstairs that can be sectioned off with a door? Besides, guests usually only stay for two or three nights.

I haven't quite discussed this in as full detail with my family. I see that my opinion is really of  lesser value than the bill payers' of this project, so I wonder if my thoughts will be considered seriously. I think they have good merit and reason, but I guess I'm biased. You know what, I'll get them to read this blog post. Hopefully they listen to me and take what I have to say on board, because I really want my big wardrobe that I can use for storage and study, and a bathroom that isn't partnered with a laundry. I always believe, "Go hard, or go home." This house has to feel like our dream house, and shouldn't involve compromises that we will regret later and make us unhappy or unsatisfied. I know it's not my house that I bought, but I get to live there. It would be nice if my bedroom gets to be a space that I can design and decorate however I like. Does anyone else agree?

Thank you to those readers who check back frequently and enjoy reading about Almora's progress! I know the length of my blogs are quite long but I want to remember every detail and have an archive that I can come back to for advice I wrote for my future self or just a trip down memory lane. It will be amazing to read over these past few posts in a couple of years...

Have a fabulous week everybody. Hopefully I can show you more plans soon!

xo