bedroom suite renovation
This case study shows an exploration of design options for reconfiguring a second-floor primary bedroom suite. The suite is part of an addition done in the 1980s to a 1920s craftsman-style bungalow. The spaces of the suite are oddly proportioned, the bathroom and closet are hard to move through because of size and fixture placement, and the long thin bedroom which has a variety of windows is challenging for the placement of the client’s king-size bed. In addition to this space not flowing well, the windows were failing, the finishes and plumbing fixtures initially installed were of poor quality, and all needed replacement.
This project was a full interior gut and rebuild with full window replacement. The solutions below are from the “schematic design phase” of the project. Each, described below vary starting with least amount of labor and alteration to the most.
GOAL: maximize the use of the existing 265SF space, providing a functional bathroom and closet while optimizing furniture placement for the bedroom.
PLAN - BEFORE
ISSUES:
Bathroom: small, difficult to move through, small shower, no storage.
Closet: open to the bedroom, door to the bathroom is in the closet.
Bedroom: the space is long and narrow, the sizing/location of the windows is awkward, limiting placement of furniture.
Windows and all finishes need to be replaced.
SOLUTION #1
HIGHLIGHTS:
The dividing wall between the closet/bathroom and the bedroom remains in the same location.
Slightly smaller closet to make for a slightly larger bathroom.
Separate access to both the closet and the bathroom.
Plumbing fixtures are close to the original location but re-oriented for better circulation, larger shower + vanity.
Extra linen/toiletry storage.
The use of pocket doors as they take up less area.
New windows are the same size and location.
SOLUTION #2
HIGHLIGHTS:
The bathroom is enlarged, taking over the existing closet space.
Toilet location remains, and is separated from the larger vanity/shower area.
The new closet is long and thin, with hanging clothes on each end + built-in storage below high awning windows. The French pocket doors enclosing the closet have translucent glass to allow for natural light to pass through into the bedroom.
New windows are the same size and location.
By shortening the bedroom with the closet on one end the space becomes more symmetrical around the placement of the bed.
SOLUTION #3
HIGHLIGHTS:
The walk-in closet is relocated near the entry into the suite, creating more privacy for the sleeping area.
The bathroom is enlarged taking over the existing closet.
The toilet remains in the same location with a wall separating it from the new vanity/shower area. The bedroom is widened centering the high awning windows at the back of the room while also making space for the king-sized bed + side tables.
The other window locations are modified; the casement windows at the entry to the room and closet are separated and reframed, and a new opening is framed for a large picture window centered in the bedroom, looking into the mature tree canopy outside.
Double pocket doors to the vanity/shower room have translucent glass to allow for natural light to filter into the bathroom when closed.
