FOUR WAYS TO ADD ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST TO A DINING ROOM FLOOR PLAN
In my early career of designing custom floor plans, I was highly tuned into making sure that I provided livable functionality to every inch, every square foot and every nook and cranny of the homes I designed. And though this is still true of my approach to floor plan design today, I’ve since refined my notion and definition of purpose and the utility of space. There’s much that I could share to provide more context to this design transition, but in an effort to be brief I’ll just summarize by sharing the following four points:
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MODERN LIVING
Modern living requires more square footage. In the nearly 25 years since I graduated from design school and started my design practice, the square footage of our homes have increased nearly two-fold. We’ve gone from considering a walk-in pantry as being a luxury, to homes that now have large, beautifully appointed kitchens with chef sized appliances, supported by sculleries that are often complete kitchens in-and-of-themselves, that then have adjoining walk-in pantries.
By simply having more space to work with and more rooms to design, it typically provides greater opportunity to define and interpret space in a more distinguished, artful and refined way, rather than needing to use every speck of space for storage, circulation, or for the inclusion of furniture..02
HARMONY ORDER AND BALANCE
Besides generously sized living spaces and specialized rooms like theaters, wine rooms, libraries, bunk rooms, speak easies, snugs, golf simulator rooms, etc. being added to custom floor plans, there’s been a resurgence, a rekindling, an awakening, if you will to harmony, order and balance in interior architecture. Clients are looking for both physical and visual order in their custom homes.
Though I’m not a social scientist, between my full service projects and virtual floor plan reviews, I have a front row seat to a broad swath of clients designing and building custom homes. From my vantage point, it seems that the chaos, distractions and continual interruptions of modern life has caused clients to crave the sense of tranquility that these fundamental elements of design - harmony, balance and order provide. This being true within all interior architectural styles or genres..03
GREATER APPRECIATION, SENSITIVITY AND UNDERSTANDING OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL SPACE
Over the years I’ve worked to continually hone my craft and have developed a greater appreciation, sensitivity and understanding of three dimensional space. While designing floor plans and the accompanying interior elevations for my clients, I’m constantly weighing out in my mind the designation of space and the value it brings to the overall design. Instead of being so heavily focused on the utility of space as it relates soley to livable functionality, such as storage, etc. now, when it makes sense, I wholeheartedly embrace giving space to the function of architectural definition. Still making sure that every inch, every square foot, and every nook and cranny adds value, and intention but in a more holistic way..04
WORKING WITH LIKE-MINDED CLIENTS
Along with that, working with like-minded clients who appreciate, value and trust the designation and allotment of space in the floor plans that I design for them, gives me both the latitude and confidence to do my best work. The clients I work with know that during the design process much consideration, intention and thought has gone into creating a floor plan that is practical and meets their spatial needs, while still providing opportunities for architectural interest and definition.
AESTHETIC VALUE OF SPACE
To illustrate the value of appointing space for aesthetic reasons, we’ll take a look at the isolated floor plan for the dining nook at the Feather River Homestead Project, a Northern California new build. We’ll start by reviewing the the actual floor plan (labeled as AFTER) for the project with notes pointing out the specifics about how I defined the space and why. Then for comparison, we’ll review a floor plan (labeled as BEFORE) of the same space, but with a utilitarian-focus. In reviewing the two different floor plans, I think you’ll agree that the after plan has depth, interest and charm while the other plan is lackluster and dull.
FOUR WAYS TO CREATE ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST - DINING ROOM FLOOR PLAN
ONE SOLUTION LEADS TO THE NEXT
In describing my approach to remedying and improving floor plans, I often make the point that one solution leads to the next.JUST FOR FUN
As you review the four ways to add architectural interest to a dining room floor plan, you’ll see that all of the features are reliant on one specific addition. Without its inclusion, the other three details wouldn’t be possible. As you review the graphic below, and before reading the descriptions I included, see if you can identify what the design catalyst was.
DINING ROOM DESIGN FEATURES
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WALL FRAMING
Notice how I included additional wall framing on each side of the built-in buffet cabinet. I did this to create a custom look and to enhance the architectural definition in the space. Notice too how I repeated the wall framing in all four corners of the dining room. Besides the balance and order the additional walls will add to the room, there are a few other important reasons (both aesthetic and functional) for why I included them in the design. *Keep on reading to learn more.
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WALL LIGHTS
Besides creating architectural interest and definition, the additional wall framing will provide a place for a series of wall lights. Besides adding interest and depth in the space by providing additional light sources, the repetition of the wall fixtures will create visual impact.
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SOFFITS
Did you notice that I included soffits above both the built-in cabinet and the window? This was also done to add definition and interest and to provide a more prominent built-in look.
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FIXED CURTAIN PANELS
Nothing quite matches the warmth and appeal that the inclusion of textiles brings to a space but in order for them to assimilate properly in a space, they have to be planned for during the development of the floor plan. With that in mind, this was another reason that I included the additional wall framing. Notice how the walls will provide a clear and designated place for the fabric to stack against.
DINING ROOM FLOOR PLAN - WITHOUT ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES
There’s a stark difference between the dining room floor plan, shown above, where I added architectural details and the one shown below that has more of a utilitarian-approach. This type of thoughtful approach to design is what enhances space and makes custom homes distinguished and elevated.
THE TAKE AWAY
When the value of space is utilitarian centric, it naturally limits opportunities to create a home that has depth, interest and enhanced beauty and order.
When selecting your design team for your custom home, be sure to choose educated, skilled and experienced professionals whom you can collaborate with and wholeheartedly trust to help you realize your dream home.
I wish you could observe one of our design meetings with the clients from the Feather River Farmstead project. Like mentioned above, my goal for each project is to achieve the clients’ architectural programming while being respectful and sensitive to the use of square footage. When explaining why square footage was prioritized in certain ways, the clients understand and value what these types of details will add to their project. They trust the vision, knowing that the outcome will be functional and practical, while being infused with the perfect blend of architectural interest.
PROJECT UPDATE
After designing the floor plans and getting them approved by the clients, I’ve since passed my drawings on to James Jones, the architect on the project to design the exterior architecture. Once the general massing, is completed, James will continue to add exterior definition and details. When the exterior architecture is close to being finalized, I’ll jump back in to continue my scope of work with designing all the interior elevations, making any needed adjustments to the floor plan and window placements based on the exterior architecture and continual refinement of the project. Check back soon to see more about how this project is developing.
COLORS AND FINISH MATERIAL CONCEPTS
SEE MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT
FROM REMODEL AND ADDITION TO NEW BUILD PROJECT - FEATHER RIVER FARMSTEAD
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“I found Tami online when searching for a spacial design expert to look at our custom home plans. We wanted to ensure we were maximizing the use of space and layout of each room. Tami listened to my situation, welcomed me like a friend and went to work on our floor plan review. The design review was incredible. Not only did she show us how to improve the layout of the spaces we needed help with, but we also learned valuable information about spacial design that will help us moving forward. Tami is a wonderful person and an expert in her field. We are grateful for her and can't recommend her enough!” - Kim, California
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