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.