I’m big on the design phase; all options are open and creative wins. For me, the design process starts with the flow, a traffic pattern that makes the best use of the space and flows naturally. Without flow, the design will always feel off and take away from experience. My inspiration can be described as open, organized, neat, clean lines, and minimal. Having too much furniture, our “clutter” immediately overtakes a design. This cannot always be accomplished as each project is unique and typically dictates what can and cannot be done. Each house, restaurant, or room has a unique shape or characteristics that define it. We must work around what is given.
For this house, there I did 10 pages of blueprints. Blueprints are key to a successful remodel. They help conceptualize your ideas to others and prevent miscommunication. Everything you want to do is clearly noted o the blueprint.
Getting started on the design
Several ideas went into the design stage of this house
1) This is a 1925 brick bungalow… Careful planning is a must
2) What can be done to make the house unique
3) Forward-thinking. Based on the age, what are the key components? We will most likely be replacing. We ant to understand that now so we can include these notations in our blueprints.
List of blueprint pages created
1) Cover Page – General construction notes, code details, house details
2) Existing Conditions – Reflection of the current, existing layout.
3) Demo Phase 1- Preparation for removal of load-bearing walls
4) Demo Phase 2 – Shoring and removal of load-bearing walls
5) New wall schedule – Location, de[pth, height, and detail of all new walls
6) New floor plan/layout review -= Overview of layout with fixtures
7) Finish Schedule – Dictates what finishes will be used were
8) Kitchen Review – Detailed look at cabinetry design and appliance specifications
9) Electrical – Overview of needs and fixture specifications
10) Mechanical and Plumbing – Overview of needs and fixture specifications