Think what makes a room inviting is strictly subjective? Follow these guidelines to increase the attractiveness of your homes.
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Entering the home through the entry courtyard of Plan LWG-3245 [1] provides a welcoming experience and a lasting impression. The transom windows allow additional natural light into the dining area while adding an impressive detail to the exterior design. Notice also the small area with a built-in desk and bookcase adjacent to the office/bedroom. Reminiscent of the nooks and crannies found in older homes, this alcove is cozy, yet functional.
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Corner windows placed in the study of plan LWG-2515 [2] create a diagonal view that makes the room seem more spacious.
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Corner windows placed in the study of plan LWG-2515 [2] create a diagonal view that makes the room seem more spacious.
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A 12-foot ceiling allows for clerestory windows in the optional office of Plan LWG-3245 [1]. Display ledges are created by keeping the closet ceilings at 8 feet.
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As with any discussion relating to design elements, an analysis of just what makes a room or area seem inviting is often quite subjective. Diverse personal preferences make it difficult to outline specific do's-and-don't's, but a few general guidelines can help increase the attraction of certain areas in a home.
As an alternative, consider borrowing an idea from Frank Lloyd Wright. Instead of creating massive entries, Wright often used lower ceilings as transitions to rooms with larger proportions and taller ceilings. Rather than being initially overwhelmed by the foyer, there is a sense of being drawn towards the next room.
The comfortable height of any room relates to the other proportions of that space. A 16-foot ceiling may work fine in a room measuring 25 feet in width, but a hall or bathroom with a 10-foot ceiling can feel like a canyon. In general, make sure either the width or the depth of a room is greater than the ceiling height.
In recent years, our attempts to create extremely "open" plans often have eliminated such delightful areas. However, most designs easily can be reworked to include such spaces. As the design community strives to create more innovative floor plans, we should remember that it's often the subtle details that make homes inviting and comfortable. Instead of trying so hard to develop something new, we sometimes need to pay attention to design elements that have worked for many years.
Links:
[1] http://www.conceptualhouseplans.com/housingzone/conceptualplandetails.asp?conceptualplan_number=LWG-3245-CP
[2] http://www.conceptualhouseplans.com/housingzone/conceptualplandetails.asp?conceptualplan_number=LWG-2515-CP