Floor Plan Design: 3 Before & After Floor Plan Transformations
I’ve been obsessed with creating, reimagining, and fixing floor plans for over 25 years, while technically they’re just 2D schematic drawings, creating a floor plan requires visualizing the proposed spacial solutions in 3D form as well as imagining the sensory effects of light, touch, smell, and sound. Of course we’re tasked with resolving the most challenging spacial problems - like creating more efficient or open concept kitchens, increasing storage or adding a primary ensuite, however, well designed floor plans go far beyond just that. We add so much more into a floor plan design than just carving up the square footage into different areas. Specifically, in addition to FUNCTION we aim to infuse EASE and BEAUTY into every plan, with intuitive flow and intentional aesthetic moments and details - these are the elements often overlooked on builder plans and by those designing their own interiors.
The thoughtful details, which are often the mundane ones, can make the most impact on your enjoyment of a space be it chores or special occasions. Optimizing layouts to maximize every inch, highlight views, let in natural light and layer in architectural character and interest are the results of intentional design that should resonate throughout an entire interior. Too often people get hung up focusing their design efforts only on main features like a fireplace or a spectacular island but these individual elements alone aren’t enough to achieve a balanced well-designed home - every part of it, utilitarian or feature, should reflect the same level of thoughtfulness. Each aspect of your built interior should support or enhance another, your floor plan design is the foundation to creating the interior aesthetic, the ‘good bones’.
Here’s a look at some examples of how we transformed different floor plans that address many of the most common floor plan flaws and challenges that homeowners seek to fix and how we applied some very impactful solutions, ones that can be applied to practically any plan.
HOUSE FLOOR PLAN - Dated 70’s Bungalow
When we redesign a house floor plan this equates to at least one level of a house, often it will involve replanning the main level only and sometimes we take on the entire house whether its one, two or three levels.
This first example is a typical 1970’s bungalow in its original version when newly purchased by our clients who wanted to update the layout to better suit their lifestyle.
The Challenges
The house had all the classic 70’s house issues - small enclosed kitchen, small bedrooms, small dining room, small closets, no full ensuite bathrooms, no home office, not connected to the outdoors, lacked architectural character. The goal was of course to improve function but also to create an open concept living area and infuse a new fresh contemporary aesthetic throughout.
The Design Solutions
open concept ktichen
improved kitchen layout with integrated appliances
increased natural light by increasing window sizes, adding outdoor access off kitchen
built-in storage in dining room created a custom feature with added storage
pocket doors optimized small bedrooms
changed single closet doors to pairs for wider access
full height pocket door into office creates an open concept feel with multi-use function
converted front entry closet into built-in bench with shelving and easy access coat storage
added an ensuite, builtins, and two walk-in closets to primary bedroom
panelled staircase wall, adds function (durability) and architectural interest
relocated coat closet from upper level to lower level (not shown)
new contemporary railing adds contrast, vertical lines and enhances modern style
creates symmetrical detail for support posts of new structural beam
KITCHEN FLOOR PLAN - Historic Kitchen Update
This kitchen plan design was part of a complete kitchen renovation we designed for this very special house, an historical landmark which operates as a traditional Bed & Breakfast. The house has been beautifully maintained in its authentic heritage style although the kitchen was quite dated and in need of an overhaul for modern day appliances and practical function - an all new and improved kitchen in keeping with its heritage character.
The Challenges
The flaws and challenges with original or very old kitchens in old houses are usually quite obvious; inefficient layouts, lots of doorways, old style cabinetry with few drawers, lack of counter space, no backsplashes or exhaust fans, random placed appliances, and ill-fitting add-ons over the years. More often than not they’ll include laundry machines and a ‘lonely range’on a wall by itself - an oddity particularly popular in old East Coast kitchens (as is the infamous mantel with no fireplace). The design brief was loaded, this kitchen needed all the things. and needed to function for owner’s every day use and for his guests. The kitchen is adjacent to a sunroom which is one of the most popular places for guests to hang out, so one of the objectives of the reno was to make the opening between the two larger.
The Design Solutions
laundry machines moved to adjacent mudroom
widened opening between kitchen and sunroom
created effecient U-shape Kitchen configuration with 4th wall, opened up the flow
centre worktable for a classic english victorian unfitted look
separate beverage and snack zone for guests
separate bar/liquor cabinet
integrated full size appliances
panelled walls, crown and ceiling mouldings for architectural character
included variety of cabinet types; countertop cabs, wall hung, glass fronts and solid fronts
optimized the ceiling height extending cabinetry to ceiling
incorporated a feature hearth style range hood canopy to enhance heritage character
improved the symmetry, the flow and natural light through the kitchen space
BATHROOM FLOOR PLAN - Builder Basic to Luxe
This builder floor plan had all the trademarks of a suburban subdivision where the focus is on total square footage and simple layouts for efficient production. In this case the Principal suite has generous luxe size space but lacked the desirable luxe features that homeowners seek today. Here’s a look at the client’s existing floor plan, complete with one of the hallmark builder features of the 90’s - the gigantic step up built-in whirlpool tub. You’ll also notice one of the main quirks of the plan was that the door into the one and only bedroom closet was inside the bathroom.
The Challenges
One of the obvious challenges of the principal suite was its size, even a king size bed looked diminutive in the bedroom. These x-large rooms need a lot more furniture than average to keep from looking sparse and unfinished. Filling that amount of a space in a way that’s cohesive and inviting is overwhelming for the average person. Despite its grand size the suite had no architectural features, the finishes were all basic level and the suite included only a single closet a very small shower. It had luxe size but not luxe features.
The Design Solutions
reduced the ‘football field’ effect of huge bedroom
improved balance with defined foyer-like entry into bedroom
added two closets to the bedroom with panelling detail
added purpose and beauty to the bedroom entry incorporating a feature ceiling light
panelled feature wall for the bed adds character and interest
segmentd the walking closet from the bathroom
created a nook for a custom floating makeup vanity outside the main bathroom, adding function, improving flow
created spacious walkin shower with recessed nook for bench and soap niche adds custom high end look
optimal placement of tub visually expands floor area and improves functional space in front of tub and shower
added wall panelling on window walls, adds architetural character,
created pleasing symmetry with the panelling design around the windows
incorporated a large double vanity for more counter space and dual function
integrated the vanity mirror frame with the wall panelling to resolve the tight space/overlap issue of the window casing with vanity
pocket doors free up floor space
aligned doorways for optimal sight lines
intentional sconce placement for with space below for decorate accent piece to create attractive sight line
tucked the toilet in a discreet nook with option of enclosing it
If your struggling with a floor plan layout for your reno or new build project, we can help! With a variety of floor plan design options including; Floor Plan Review, House Plan, Kitchen Plan and Bathroom Plan. We’ll ensure you’re on the path to achieving designer level results and avoid regrettable mistakes. Learn more at the links below….
FREE DOWNLOAD - REFERENCE GUIDE:
10 DESIGNER MOVES TO IMPROVE A FLOOR PLAN DESIGN
Also new this week! I’ve published an overview of my 10 favourite, most effective ways to improve a floor plan design. This reference guide is jam packed with ideas and tips - perfect for anyone involved in a new build or renovation even if its already underway. It’s the first of our Good Design series, a resource library of design guides exclusively for TheDesign Shop.
Connect with Carol on Social:
For more insights on home design, what we’re working on around the house, on the job site, and favourite sources!
Blog Author
Carol Reed | Interior Designer
Carol has been a practicing Interior Designer for over 28 years, focusing on residential interiors since 2005 as Principal of Carol Reed Interior Design Inc. Her work has been featured in Canadian House & Home, Style at Home and Canadian Home Trends magazines among others and frequently contributes as a design expert for their various editorial content. Honoured to be included in House & Home Magazines Top 100 Canadian Designers list.
