From the outside in

What I love most about this process so far is knowing that this house will be custom-designed for me.  Throughout my adult life I have lived in "second-hand" homes, redesigning them within the constraints of my budget and the structural footprint.  To date my most ambitious project has been a kitchen-family room redo, but since no walls were punched out or additions constructed, it was a fairly easy process.  In this new home, every doorknob, cabinet, floor surface, window and fixture will be of my own choosing.


Jane has designed the main floor as virtually one big space that can accommodate entertaining and daily living.  The entry, from the porch that runs along the east side, leads to the kitchen.  To the right are a half bath and walk-in pantry positioned at the street side. The kitchen morphs into dining space, then living space beyond, with a screened porch on the south end.  Hopefully the porch will have a modest outdoor kitchen.


From the kitchen, several steps down lead to the terrace, anchored by a fireplace.


The courtyard area will not be a fussy yard; rather, I hope simply to use native plants that require minimal maintenance.


The entire second floor is the "owner's suite," with a studio room for my creative activities on the north end, with a library/study facing east. A short hall leads to the master bedroom, and centered between the studio space and the master are a big walk-in closet and the laundry room.

I love the deck cantilevered over the terrace, wrapping around the fireplace.  The plan above also shows the guest suite above the garage, with its balcony and marsh view.


My goal is to incorporate a lot of built-in cabinetry to minimize furnishings: so the walk-in closet will have drawers and shelves so I won't need a dresser.  In the living/dining area, built-ins will eliminate the need for a separate hutch or buffet and make the space flexible for entertaining.  All I'll need to do is make some friends who like to eat.....