Written By tami faulkner
I approach designing floor plans for full-service clients in two different ways. My preferred method is to create the floor plans from the start, where I work within a proposed footprint provided by the architect.
Alternatively, I also undertake full-service projects where I modify and refine floor plans initially designed by someone else. In either case, I expect to alter the floor plans slightly when we move to the interior elevation stage. I go through the entire floor plan, one room and space at a time. This thorough examination often leads to slight modifications as I refine and develop each area. Besides infusing architectural character and dimension into each space during the design development of the floor plans and elevations, my overarching goal is to achieve a final design as close to perfection as possible. This approach aims to minimize the need for changes and avoid potential challenges on the job site, ensuring a smoother, more efficient, and enjoyable construction process for the clients and their build team.
SCULLERY DESIGN - FEATHER RIVER FARMSTEAD
FLOOR PLAN REFINEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT
This week, I'm spotlighting the scullery design with the adjoining pantry of the Feather River Farmstead project (full-service design project that started with me designing the floor plans) to highlight this process and to underscore the continuous refinement of floor plan development. We'll begin by reviewing the initial floor plan for the scullery/pantry with notes pinpointing areas requiring revisions, along with the perfected floor plan and accompanying list of the design solutions. From there, be sure to scroll down to see the design drawings and the preliminary selections for what's going to be a highly functional and beautiful space.
SPATIAL DESIGN PROBLEMS
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DESIGN PROBLEM
Initially, when conceptualizing the floor plan design for the scullery, I expected the window sills to have sufficient height from the floor, allowing for a generous backsplash. However, when the architectural team crafted the home's exterior, they positioned the windows lower than anticipated, with the counter and sill height at the same level. Though the tall windows will contribute significantly to the exterior's beauty, they necessitated a reevaluation of the interior design..02
DESIGN PROBLEM
In the .01 Design Solution outlined below, I've detailed my resolution to the sill height predicament. However, this solution introduced a new challenge. Take note of the initial design shown in the floor plan, which features upper cabinets with open shelves facing each other, resting on the counter at both ends of the sink cabinet. This configuration posed an obstacle to the design solution for the sill height that needed to find a resolution.*Read on..03
DESIGN PROBLEM
Observe the placement of the pocket door that leads into the built-in pantry; you'll notice it is not centered between the cabinet walls. In the initial floor plan, the door was centrally located, but due to the expansion of the scullery's size during the exterior architecture design, this balance was disrupted..04
DESIGN PROBLEM
Notice how the cabinet is slightly deeper than the wall. Again, in the initial floor plan, the cabinet was slightly less deep than the wall next to it. Still, it inadvertently was changed in shifting the floor plan during the development of exterior architecture.
SPATIAL DESIGN SOLUTIONS
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DESIGN SOLUTION
The taller windows are set to enhance the exterior aesthetics, but this adjustment prompted a reassessment of the design. I increased the sill heights by 6" with the architect's approval. To address concerns about potential splashing on the windows, I decided to introduce a ledge, providing additional distance between the faucet and the windows..02
DESIGN SOLUTION
As mentioned earlier, the resolution for the sill height and its interaction with the faucet introduced another challenge. This complication prevents the inclusion of the flanking open shelves depicted on each end of the sink cabinet, as there would need to be a suitable transition point between the ledge and the open shelves. Notice how I abandoned the idea by giving up the space first allocated for the open shelves by framing it and incorporating wall lights into the design instead. As part of the solution, I allocated more space to the walk-in pantry than I originally designed. This was done to create equal space between the cabinets/shelves and windows in both spaces,As a side note, while I may not always love surrendering space, my extensive experience has taught me the necessity of doing so to achieve well-designed floor plans. Another valuable lesson learned over the years is that designing homes with possible spaces for structural and mechanical needs is crucial. If there are areas that are open for these requirements, it can prevent interruptions to the design. Because of that, I know that the space will likely not be wasted and will be allocated for a different purpose than originally conceptualized.
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DESIGN SOLUTION
Achieving the centering of the pantry door between the cabinet walls involved a series of slight adjustments, including furring the wall between the kitchen and scullery..04
DESIGN SOLUTION
Addressing the cabinet depth issue and its relation to the wall, akin to the approach for the Design Solution .03, required some finessing and making small adjustments to the walls to rectify it.
FLOOR PLAN MODIFICATIONS
EXTERIOR & INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE
Modifying the floor plan to align with the exterior architecture design is an integral aspect of the overall design process and is something I anticipate and welcome. When collaborating with architects and providing them with floor plans, I understand that adjustments may be necessary to achieve the desired outcome for their scope of work. For me, the collaborative effort is rewarding and sparks creativity in overcoming challenges. The scullery design, in particular, will benefit from the adjustments made to address the unique challenges posed by the windows.
In reviewing the perspective drawings of the scullery and pantry design, I think you’ll agree that the attention and effort put into adjusting the floor plan, although tedious, will result in a beautifully crafted space.
BEFORE & AFTER FLOOR PLANS
SIDE-BY-SIDE COMPARISONS
Below I’ve included the two scullery floor plans side by side for direct comparison. Seeing the drawings next to one another helps emphasizes how relatively small, yet meaningful changes can significantly enhance the quality of a floor plan.
FIXTURES, COLORS & MATERIAL SELECTIONS
FLOOR PLANS, ELEVATIONS & SELECTIONS
When designing the interior elevations, I work in tandem with making any needed modifications to the floor plan and selecting specific fixtures and finishes. Below is the design board shared from the presentation for the clients.
THE TAKEWAY
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Let’s revisit my point earlier regarding the need to adapt the floor plan to harmonize with the exterior architectural design - I want to emphasize that this is commonplace and part of the design process. In assembling a design team, you'll want to select those who value and appreciate the collaborative approach and are accustomed to working that way. This will help ensure the best result possible for the design and build of your custom home.
Before finalizing your floor plans, work with a skilled spatial designer who will thoughtfully and thoroughly evaluate the floor plan and troubleshoot potential spatial problems or oversights, while developing the floor plan and elevations.
FEATHER RIVER FARMSTEAD
SEE MORE ABOUT THIS PROJECT
MUDROOM FLOOR PLAN AND INTERIOR ELEVATIONS - SPATIAL PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
THE VALUE OF INTERIOR ELEVATIONS IN CUSTOM HOME DESIGN
WHY ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS SHOULDN'T ALWAYS FULFILL THEIR CLIENTS REQUEST
CAPTURING ATTIC SPACE FOR A BUNK ROOM GUEST SUITE
UTILIZING ATTIC SPACE FOR A GUEST SUITE - TIPS FOR DESIGNING SLEEPING NOOKS
FOUR WAYS TO SUCCESSFULLY INCORPORATE EXTERIOR ANGLED WALLS INTO A FLOOR PLAN
FOUR WAYS TO ADD ARCHITECTURAL INTEREST TO A DINING ROOM FLOOR PLAN
FROM REMODEL AND ADDITION TO NEW BUILD PROJECT - FEATHER RIVER FARMSTEAD
THE TF DESIGN APPROACH
THE ART OF FLOOR PLAN DESIGN - DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
As with any significant endeavor, the foundation for a successful custom home lies in thorough planning. Prioritizing well-designed floor plans and detailed interior elevations before starting construction is crucial. This strategic approach and what I have coined as The Art of Floor Plan Design will help ensure that the home not only aligns, but exceeds your vision. This process will deliver an outstanding end result while making the the construction journey a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
DESIGN PASSION - WHERE IT STARTED
My passion for design stems from a personal journey that began when my husband and I purchased a 1949 California ranch-style home with an outdated floor plan. Determined to transform it into a home to meet our young family's needs, I enrolled in an interior architecture bachelor's degree program. While in design school, I simultaneously designed floor plans for our remodel phases while going through actual renovations. This hands-on experience, working with gutted spaces, provided invaluable insights into floor plan design, construction, plumbing, electrical systems, and collaboration with builders and subcontractors. However, a critical mistake during the largest and most significant phase taught me a crucial lesson. Feeling time-strapped, I neglected to make finish selections and design detailed interior elevations before the project started. I mistakenly assumed that along with the builder we could figure out the specifics on the job site. Though this happened nearly 30 years ago, the experience has never left me. Still, to this day, it informs and guides my commitment to thorough design, ensuring meticulous floor plans and interior elevations to prevent my clients' frustration, stress, and costly mistakes.
TF DESIGN SERVICES
FULL-SERVICE DESIGN
FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND WHOLE HOUSE REMODELS AND ADDITIONS
Due to my thorough approach to spatial design, I dedicate considerable time, effort, and passion to every project I undertake. If you believe that TF Design process and philosophy aligns well with your aspirations for a comprehensive full-service, custom new build project or whole house remodel, I invite you to explore further details by visiting the link below.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FULL SERVICE DESIGN
VIRTUAL DESIGN SERVICES
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FLOOR PLAN REVIEWS
If you aren’t looking for full-service design, but are embarking on a new custom home project and are feeling insecure or need more insight and input on your floor plans, schedule a Floor Plan Review to get the benefits of expert spatial advice and tailored guidance. By leveraging this support, you can achieve optimal results for your new build, remodel, or addition project. My goal is to help identify challenges and provide potential solutions before your floor plans are finalized, minimizing unexpected costs, the need for tear-outs, rebuilds, and future regrets.
KIND WORDS
“We feel so fortunate to have come across Tami's instagram account. Her passion for spatial design and functionality in her plans resonated with us. She was extremely responsive and came to our meeting well-prepared with great ideas to improve our current layout. We really appreciated the fresh set of eyes and feel more confident going into the building process after our meeting. A full set of plans from Tami would be financially beyond our reach, but the floor plan review process was just what we needed to fine tune our current set of plans. Thank you, Tami!" - Emily and Mitch, MAINE
SCHEDULE YOUR FLOOR PLAN REVIEW
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DESIGN CONSULTATIONS
So much goes into the design and building of a custom home. The decisions seem endless, and the pressure can feel completely overwhelming. With nearly 25 years of experience as a custom home designer, I can help guide you through your design dilemmas. During our time together, I will answer your questions and provide solutions, all while explaining their reasoning. That way, you better understand thewhy’s and why-notsof good design and can move forward confidently.
SCHEDULE YOUR DESIGN CONSULTATION
LET’S WORK TOGETHER TO CREATE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS.
Cheers!
Tami
Feather River Farmstead Projectscullery floor plansculleryButler's pantrybutler's pantry design
tami faulkner
