The Master Suite (10 of 11): The Water Closet

. . . because, face it, it sounds better than toilet.  The saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do,” is, in part, reference to this.  In ancient Roman times, the toilet was a series of holes on a bench placed at the perimeter of the main public square and exposed for all to see.  Several feet below this bench was a running stream that carried the waste away to streams and rivers.  In front of this bench was a trough of flowing water which contained several sponges on sticks you used to clean yourself when you were done with business.  In the home, a seat with a hole and similar sponge in a bucket was placed next to the main cooking area.  Water for cleaning was then dumped down the hole to wash away any waste.  To think this was the most advanced civilization in the world at the time.  Thankfully we have progressed a bit since then, although the concept of sitting over a hole has not changed much, at least there is privacy and it is not part of the kitchen!

Now, many master suites have a separate room designated for the water closet.  And gaining popularity is the bidet.  (Although I still prefer the good ole reliable TP).  No matter your preference it is nice to have a separate area to do your business and if you enjoy a hearty bowl of chili – be sure you have a powerful fan and perhaps a few layers of insulation to muffle the sound!

The Master Suite (9 of 11): The Vanity

In ages past the bathroom was only thought of as a place to clean yourself up and relieve "internal pressure".    To some it held the bar of soap mom used to clean a dirty mouth – yuck!  (Fond memories)  With today’s spa like master suites the vanity counter has also transformed from a vessel to wash your hands to a vital necessity in getting ready for every event.  Whether it is preparing for usual daily activities or preparing for the sophisticated holiday gala.

If you are a simple person with simple needs then perhaps the single bowl vanity will work for you.  If you like to spend some time getting ready for special events or if you and your spouse battle the bathroom at the same time then a double bowl vanity will likely suite your needs better.  But if you are one who likes to pamper yourself then a grooming station would be your best solution.

The grooming station should be furnished with a plush stool and framed with a large mirror behind a spacious cosmetics display.  This, naturally, should be positioned away from his simple vanity with token mirror (to compliment your station of course).  You should not have to witness him trimming his nose hairs while you capture your natural radiance!

The spa needn't be something you visit occasionally.  Bring it home and give yourself the pampering you so richly deserve every day!

The Master Suite (8 of 11): Tub vs Shower

The great debate – Do you have both a tub and a shower in your Master Suite?  In the previous post we discussed the 5-piece bath which includes both.  For some this is necessary.  One person loves taking showers.  Having multiple heads with various settings provides the perfect start to the day.  For others, the large soaker tub with its relaxing, massaging jets and in-line heater, is essential to wash away the cares of the day.  The answer to the debate is to plan the fixtures that are just right for you.  If you are concerned about the future sale of your home then perhaps you should have both.  From my experience and working with many different clients from various backgrounds and routines – the tub is starting to play a minor role in the Master Suite.  About 75% of the clients I have worked with prefer not having a tub in the Master Suite.  (Why would I want to sit in a pool of my own filth? – Ew!)  The other 25% are very insistent that they have a separate tub – even if they only use it sporadically.  (How can I read a book in the shower?  Stupid soggy pages!)  So how do you like to wash away the stresses of daily life?

The Master Suite (7 of 11): The 5-Piece Bath

Convenience has played a huge role in the development of the modern bath.  This epitome of this evolution has been termed the ‘5-piece bath’.  It can easily be inferred from this creative title that there are five key elements to the modern master bath.  These elements are two vanities, a water closet (or toilet for those who are not offended by the common term), the tub and the shower.  Notice that the tub and the shower are listed separately.  This is for a few reasons.  First – the tub should be better than that for any standard bathroom.  This should epitomize luxury.  It should be larger and deeper and for most people it should include jets.  [A side not with jets – If you want to be happy with your tub for all the years you own it, the jets should circulate through an in-line heater so your water doesn’t get cold too fast, and the pipes (or tubing) should be rigid and sloped for positive drainage.  Do not get a tub with corrugate tubing.  The water will collect in the ribs and mold so you get a cloud of green mold pumped into your tub when you turn on your jets – now back to our regular programming.]  The next reason the tub and shower are separated is because the shower has so many options for shower heads.  A truly luxurious shower has shower heads on all the walls which can be adjusted and manipulated to give therapeutic massage thus optimizing relaxation.

The dual vanities have gone through an evolution process of their own.  Naturally this is so each homeowner can have a sink all to themselves.  (So now you are responsible for cleaning up your own toothpaste splatters and whisker clippings.)  When more space is available, separating the two vanities to opposite sides of the bathroom and providing her with a grooming station/make-up counter will make life in the morning a little more enjoyable in the mornings.  With no bumping elbows she can avoid stabbing herself in the eye with the eye-liner and he can avoid nicking himself with the razor.  Life is good and the drive to work is a little more enjoyable!

So to keep harmony and bliss in your life – make the 5-piece bath part of your Master Suite.

The Master Suite (6 of 11): The Dressing Chamber

With increasing space and his and hers closets (as discussed in a previous post) the amenities of the Master Suite have improved and become almost standard.  One generation thinks it to be frivolous – the next a necessity.  One of these potential standards is the dressing chamber.  Past generations felt a sense of extravagance to have separate closets or a spacious closet which could be used, not just to store your clothes, but for changing as well with enough room for a comfortable chair and perhaps an island and ornate light fixtures.  To introduce a room simply for changing may seem overkill but once you become accustomed to it it becomes one of those spaces you never thought would be so useful.  And once you find yourself in the throes of prom or hosting a wedding for your first daughter you will be glad you had this extra space to capture treasured memories.  And it’s just fun to change in a luxurious space as you get ready for that special occasion . . . or to start laundry!

The Master Suite (5 of 11): The Closet(s)

The morning routine is a sacred thing.  For some, any variation in this routine will result in cascade of catastrophic events.  Every step is vital.  And when the bedroom is shared – ones morning rituals can have a devastating effect on the other.  Does that bathroom light disturb the deep, blissful slumber on the one in bed as you cross the bedroom to the closet?  Do you find yourself hampered by an attack with a downy projectile encased in a white pillow case?  These hazards can be avoided with strategic planning forethought.

Who knew a closet could be the source of so much hostility?  There are several design strategies when planning your Master Suite which will result in a harmonious and serene greeting to each day.  Some have found that a closet which is accessed directly from the master bath is a perfect solution since the bathroom door can remain closed during all morning preparations, avoiding that cruel flash of light to the one still slumbering as the door is flung open.  For others who prefer to keep these areas separate – all is not lost.  In a previous post we discussed the virtues of transition spaces to the Master Suite.  Providing an entry vestibule or a gallery is a perfect solution.  All areas of the Master Suite can be accessed through this transition space and one need not pass through the bedroom at any time during their vital morning rituals.  All parties are happy and start the day perfectly peaceful – IF HE WOULD ONLY PICK UP HIS DIRTY SOCKS ONCE IN A WHILE!

This could be a real challenge to marital bliss as well and is a deal breaker for some couples.  He doesn’t want to see her stockings draped over every surface and she doesn’t want to pick up his sweaty gym bag every day!  Thus the dual closet was born.  In the very early days of separate closets equal space was provided for each partner.  It was soon realized that this was a folly which needed immediate resolution because she took both closets and he had to dress in the guest room down the hall where his clothes were hung.  Although there is no hard and fast rule to apply to his and her closets – it is common knowledge that she needs much more space than he does and there must be enough room for all of her shoes.  This is where I let her tell me what she needs and I plan at least ten percent more.  He is usually fine with whatever she gives him – after all he is still wearing the same underwear he had since college.

The Master Suite (4 of 11): The Master Deck

Some of the most breathtaking moments are leaning on a picturesque railing watching the sun set in warm autumn hues.  The crickets have started their serenade and a cool, gentle breeze playfully lifts your hair in a whimsical dance.  The silhouettes of birds float across the paling sky.  It’s the perfect end to a perfect day!  You start to think that nothing could possibly ruin such a tranquil moment – and then – MOMMMMM! She won’t stop breathing my air! – Now you close your eyes trying desperately to recapture those few peaceful moments.  But the moment has passed and you have to get everyone ready for bed and through the tub until you can finally escape to your Master Suite, wishing you could just step out your door and inhale that cool night air while gazing at the twilit sky sprinkled with a dusting of stars – but alas all you have is a window which just doesn’t feel the same when gazing through a screen!  If only you could have a private deck accessed from the Master Suite!

Never fear!  The trends Gods have heard you plea!  Along with the sitting room (as discussed in a previous post) the private deck (or patio if you’re Master Suite at grade) is waiting to become a part of your home.  Some have incorporated the Master Deck into the main deck providing a somewhat private transition such as a walkway or elevated section.  Others have secluded the Master Deck entirely from all other spaces making it a private retreat to be enjoyed by the homeowner only (Sometimes you really do need to get away from it all).  Whatever your preference the Master Deck is a welcome addition to every home and something you will enjoy in any stage of life.

The Master Suite (3 of 11): The Sitting Area

The Master Suite has evolved in many ways.  It has grown and expanded to include more features and characteristics which have become almost a necessity.  One of these necessities is the sitting room.  After all who wants to sit on the bed to read a book when you could have an overstuffed arm chair with an equally plush ottoman?  This was once accommodated by simply enlarging the bedroom and putting a chair in the corner.  But that phase did not last long.  Soon separate rooms for the sitting area were necessary, the corner was too restricting.  This led to the incorporation of a fireplace and entertainment.  Who wants to curl up with good book on a cold Colorado winter day with no fireplace?  So now it is a question of how separated do you want the sitting area?  Do you want to enjoy the fireplace from the bed as well as the sitting area?  What about the TV?  The truth is that having a private area can help to make the day a little more enjoyable.  Even waking up and facing the day can become more bearable with a well-planned Master Suite.   Some have made the morning more welcome by incorporating a breakfast station so they can have morning treat without having travel all the way to the kitchen.  So find out how you want to start and end your day and plan your Master Suite to help you reduce the daily stresses which can make a monster out of anyone.

The Master Suite (2 of 11): Transitions / Identification

It is a key principle in building design that the entrance should be obvious.  You should not have to guess where to enter the building.  The same is true for the Master Suite – although it is more to mark a territory than an invitation.  This can be done with simple or complex means.  Providing a recessed door with an overlaid arch marks significance and importance and works well if you don’t have a lot of extra space.  But if you do have some extra space then the possibilities are endless.  You can create a gallery space to transition to the Master Suite.  A vestibule with art niches and columns marks an unmistakable barrier and creates interest and a sense of anticipation.  If greater seclusion is desired, and you have more space to work with, providing a separate staircase to the Master Suite opens more possibilities of landings for meditation and reflection.  This is a space you will use every day so make it interesting but also obvious to others that it is a personal place and only you are allowed into your own private oasis!

The Master Suite (1 of 11): Introduction

There are two spaces in a home that should be given greater attention than any other.  The first is the kitchen which was a topic of discussion in previous blogs.  The other is the master bedroom.  No longer is the master bedroom simply a bedroom any more.  The modern home has evolved in many ways and the master bedroom is probably the most dramatic of all.  This is a place of retreat and repose for most homeowners.  It is a place to get away from the rigors of life, relax and let the cares of the world fall off at the door.  In fact the master bedroom has donned a new name – the Master Suite.  Luxury and pampering are almost essential in most Master Suite layouts.  The master bath has developed a spa-like atmosphere.  Some even boast hearth rooms and water features.  Follow our next series of blogs to find out what changes have developed to create a luxurious Master Suite!

Outdoor Living (7 of 7): Covered vs Uncovered Space - Both are Needed

Some people think that they have all their bases covered if they add a deck on the back of their house.  “Now I can spend every day outside,” they mistakenly think.  With our more days of sunshine per year here in Colorado vs other states you may think that this is okay.  But you will soon find that there are many days that it is too uncomfortable or that the weather is too uncooperative to make this possible.  So now you have spent a lot of money on an “awesome” deck that you can’t use as often as you would like because it is too exposed.  But be careful you do not go to the other extreme and provide permanent coverage over your entire deck.

The prefect outdoor living space will have both covered and uncovered areas.  There may be times you want to sit in your deck chair while gazing at a clear summer night sky.  Or you may want to spend that rainy afternoon enjoying the cool breezes and tranquil sounds of rain splashing on the ground while reading your favorite novel.  (FYI – this cannot be done without some kind of coverage).  If space is limited some have found that retractable awnings provide a viable solution. 

Whatever your need or space requirements providing covered and exposed areas will give you year round enjoyment.

Outdoor Living (6 of 7): Cooking Centers

Cooking outdoors – although similar to indoors – has a few differences.  The most important is location which relates to the type of cooking preferred (ie grilling or providing an outdoor cook center).  Grilling usually involves a great deal of smoke (or it does in my case).  With this in mind then the location should account for prevailing winds.  If possible it would be good to place the grilling center downwind from any of your congregating spaces.  If you are a good cook or have a cook center that minimizes smoke then placing the center upwind could be a feature, allowing the inviting aromas of a perfectly seared steak and fresh grilled vegetables to permeate the whole yard.  You also don’t want to be so far removed from the kitchen that you must run a marathon between the kitchen and grill to prepare a simple meal.

So now you know where to put it – what is everything you want to put in it?  Is it going to be simply a place for your mega grill or do you want a mini-kitchen (for those gourmet grillers)?  Will this include a bar and dining area?  Is the space going to be covered (good for year round grilling)?  Do you do your prep work inside or is it done at the grill (ie will you need a sink and counter space)?  The sky’s the limit even if your budget is not.  Proper planning will incorporate all of these needs and budget constraints.  But do not fret if you have a limited budget – you can still plan the perfect grilling center for you.

Outdoor Living (5 of 7): Scale

Designing exterior space is very different than designing interior space.  A weird phenomenon occurs once you step outside – the spaces get crowded a lot quicker!  If you take a 10x10 space and furnish it inside your home – that same layout will feel crowded and uncomfortable outside.  So be sure you have enough space to do what you want outside.  If you are planning a picnic area with table and chairs you need more space than in your dining room.  If you are planning a lounge area you need much more space than you would for your living room.  A key is to provide less furniture than you would inside and allow the lawn to become part of your space planning.  Nothing feels better than to lay back on a thick carpet of grass and spy shapes in the drifting clouds!

Outdoor Living (4 of 7): Landscape Planning

Some of the worst mistakes in outdoor planning are picking the wrong vegetation.  Nobody thinks of what the plant will look like when it is fully grown.  Sure, as a sapling the tree you pick is perfect right next to your house – but then it GROWS!  Now you have a cracked foundation and your house gets pummeled every time the wind blows.  So not only did you pay for a cool tree, now you have to pay a whole lot more to get that cool tree out of there.

But do not fret!  Trees are awesome when planned correctly.  The ideal yard will take advantage of all kinds of species.  With drastic climate changes in Colorado and the sometimes severe weather we have to deal with, trees and other vegetation can be very helpful.  If planted on the south side of the house (and far enough away that roots and branches are not a problem) deciduous trees (or leafy trees) are perfect for summer and winter.  In the summer they provide shade on the house which reduces cooling costs and allows sunlight (and heat) through in the winter. 

Conifers (or evergreen trees) are good to plan into your landscape as well.  With the extreme winds we can have, especially in the foothills, conifers provide great wind breaks.  Because they do not shed leaves you do want to be careful where you plant them.  If they are on the south side of sidewalks or driveways then the sun has a difficult time melting ice and you will be cursing every winter as you’re hacking at the ice with your snow shovel.  It also will prevent ice and snow from melting on the roof which could create ice dams and trap water eventually finding its way inside.

So plan carefully, and be aware of the size and location of each plant (especially trees) and you will have a yard that you will enjoy all year long.

Outdoor Living (3 of 7): Transition Spaces

Just like designing spaces for your home, there should be a separation of spaces in your yard.  If you are a party animal those transitions may be very minimal.  If you are the reflective type, then you would have more spaces and more need for transition or separation.  You wouldn’t want your grill or entertaining hub right next to your Zen garden (it messes with the chi!)  This does not mean that there must be solid barriers or walls, but a simple ledge or elevated section could provide a soft edge and separation.  Or perhaps you want to create a path surrounded by foliage which leads to a serene pond and waterfall.  Whatever the case – simple or complex – with a little thought and planning, you could have a yard that will allow for all of your outdoor needs.

Outdoor Living (2 of 7): Evaluation

Everyone wants the backyard with all the amenities you could dream of – the pond with a stream and waterfall – the seven piece grilling pavilion – the gazebo backdrop for your daughters’ wedding – the quaint Victorian mother-in-law cabin – all bordered by a picturesque forest!   Unfortunately for most this is made impossible due to unreasonable neighbors who will not let you take over their yard for your perfect summer retreat!  (Curses!!)

But do not fret!  All is not lost!  Your yard can become a haven even when evaluating the space and restrictions you have.  The key is to look at the space and unique features of your yard and plan your space with those restriction as part of your arsenal – not something to pull your hair out over because you can’t find a way to work with it.  This is where a good designer comes in handy.  The key is to find what is most important to you.  Is it creating a tranquil setting for reflection and meditation?  Or is it the block buster parties with ample food and drinks?  Once you know what you will do most in the space, then planning for the perfect backyard becomes much more manageable. 

So don’t be afraid to find features you want to have in your yard – just be aware that some things will need to be adjusted (sometimes) dramatically to make it truly work better than you anticipated.

Outdoor Living (1 of 7)

The summer can be a fantastic time to spend outdoors.  In our next series of blogs we will discuss how you can make your backyard the best place to be during these perfect Colorado summer days!  We will discuss how to utilize your backyard through landscaping, scale, and creating spaces for entertaining, cooking and play.  Most people think of their homes as only the space enclosed by the exterior wall of their house.  We want you to gain more space by utilizing the largest “room” in your home – The back yard!  We have more days of sunshine in Colorado than in either California or Florida.  A vacation does not have to be an expense you can only relive through photographs.  We will bring the vacation to you to enjoy daily!

Kitchens (8 of 8): Cooktops and Ovens

At first glance it doesn’t seem that there is much to discuss regarding cooktops and ovens.  The only thing to consider is finding the one you like and all is done!  Not true. 

With all the advancements of technology and energy efficiency the basics of safety seem too often to be neglected.  This neglect begins at the manufacturing plant and continues through kitchen design and installation.

So let’s first consider the safety of the appliance itself.  When electric ranges were first developed they were made with a tall back panel that had all the knobs, etc.  Coming from an age of wood burning stoves this was a huge improvement.  But we are beyond that now and the appliance with the controls behind the burners is something that should be done away with entirely.  Scalding from bubbling and boiling pots and splatter from crisping bacon can be more easily avoided by selecting an appliance with the controls to the side or on the front.  This is available in both knobs and electronic touch panels so there is no excuse to select an archaic appliance with the controls in the most dangerous position.  Also the tall backsplash appliance is just hideous and should be shunned on aesthetics alone!

Now we can move on to other matters.  It should go without saying that the cooktop is a very hot place.  So naturally we want to place it right next to the wood pantry cabinet or wall.  YIKES!!!  I understand that some kitchens have been designed this way and it may be very costly to move the appliance to another, safer location.  Do not fret!  If you cannot move your appliance for whatever reason, then you should cover the adjacent combustible surface with something non-combustible (i.e. tile).  But let it be known that the cooktop, with its potential for fire, should be placed away from any vertical surface directly to either side.

Ovens are another concern to consider.  If your oven is part of your cooktop then the location is taken care of if you have placed your cooktop properly.  The main thing to consider when designing the location for your oven is landing surfaces.  When you are lugging a fully cooked 20 pound turkey, the last thing you want to do is test your physical prowess by traipsing to the other side of your kitchen to reach the nearest landing surface.  Modern design is to create a visually appealing place for your double ovens inside their own little niche.  Although this may look cool, you will be cursing your designer once Thanksgiving comes around.  So plan for immediate landing surfaces directly to the side of your ovens.  You will be a very happy and safe cook if you do.

Kitchens (7 of 8): Microwaves

Microwaves have become a vital part of every kitchen.  Unfortunately they have been given little consideration in design.  This lack of good design is regarding the two most fundamental aspects of the microwave.  First is the potential for something very hot to be removed from the unit, like soup.  So naturally the best place for it is up high over a hot stove.  Ouch!  The microwave/hood is probably the worst and most dangerous appliance ever made.  Not only is the placement potentially hazardous, it also limits the use of your cooktop, making it difficult to reach the back burners, but also limiting the size of pots you can cook with since the bottom of the unit is lower than the cabinets on either side.

The best location for a microwave is around countertop height with a landing surface to the right of the unit.  This is because all microwaves are made with the hinge on the left side.  This is a highly used appliance – a little planning can make a big difference in creating a safe and well functioning kitchen.

Kitchens (6 of 8): Sinks and Dishwashers

The sink is another heavily used fixture in the kitchen.  The ages have transformed the kitchen sink.  Originally, the sink was a single, large basin to which water was hauled to facilitate cleaning.  When plumbing was brought into the house the sink was divided and used to help prepare meals as well as clean.  Now one could wash and rinse.  The disposal improved this process as well, making it even easier to prepare meals.  The dishwasher changed the sink further by bringing back the single bowl since hand-washing was no longer necessary.  Further, the “prep” sink – a small, single bowl sink located away from the main sink, made meal preparation even easier and allowed for multiple cooks to work simultaneously.  Unlike other appliances and fixtures, there are very few rules regarding the sink.  Each person has their own preferences.

Dishwashers go hand-in-hand with sinks.  The biggest issue is to make sure you plan for the door in the open position.  I have seen kitchens with the dishwasher in the corner and the sink adjacent.  This does not allow anyone to stand in front of the sink and load the dishwasher.  OOPS!  That is not a mistake you want to discover after the kitchen is installed.  So find the sink that works well for you and don’t put the dishwasher in the corner.