Beck
We like the look of the wood beams on the ceiling. We might like it with a half height fireplace that stops at the mantel with a window (angled to match the contour of the ceiling) in the space above. Definitely do not like the style of ceiling fan or the mirror. Can't decide if it would work with a half fireplace with the window or full floor to ceiling fireplace but would like the fireplace to be more flush with the wall.
We both liked these doors as one possibility for the entry way from our current large downstairs room into the lower part of the addition (this perspective would be facing the back into the new lower addition). We are now thinking this door way may be converted to single width door (see notes for layout of project/storage room). We were thinking split the difference and frame out equally on either side - on the left in this picture to make more room for bench/cubbies, on the right to make enough room for closet for large item storage (or counter/cabinet space if we put the closet on the back wall).
We are now moving towards having that lower part of the addition more finished than originally planned. We like the idea of having benches and cubbies. The door here would be facing the south side with the cubbies on the east wall. Our wall is a bit shorter thus our thought is to convert the existing double door entrance (where our sliding glass door is on the lower level) to a single door to give more room for bench/cubbies along that wall.
This captures the general idea if we continue the desk space and add cabinets along the back (west) wall. On the right in this picture (our north wall) would most likely be the closet storage for larger items. We were also pondering the idea of leaving room in the northwest corner for a small wood burning stove. Cooling in our lower level is rarely an issue in the summer (we usually close all the vents on the lower level to prevent it from becoming too cold) but heat is insufficient (even all the ceiling vents open it is not comfortable in the lower level in winter). Space may be a limiting factor though, so not sure the woodstove is practical here.
Just another perspective shot though we do like the colors in the floor tiles (key feature for the floor in this room would be ease of cleaning!). In our design door would be half glass (possibly with an all weather screen door on the outside), there would be no cabinets on the south side with a window above the desk. If we wrap counter space around the corner the counter space might be truncated as you see in the front right (depends on whether the wood stove is a workable idea).
View walking out of existing lower level into addition. Our plan at this point is to furnish this space and not do any built in cabinets or counter tops. Note we would like to do a small wood burning stove. See link for one possible option: http://www.woodlanddirect.com/Wood-Stove-and-Accessories/Cast-Iron-Stoves/Horse-Flame-Shetland-HF-905-Wood-Burning-Stove
Top down room view of lower level.
Top down room view of upper level. Spacing of beams may not match final layout which would most likely be symmetrical spacing. Would need one more set of beams on the wall next to dining room. (see Ally Whalen design photos at top of this ideabook).
Updated top down view of the upper addition. Dimensions may not precisely reflect the actual dimensions.
Updated/alternate layout for the lower addition. This allows for a bit more space around the wood stove, without sacrificing on closet or work surface space.
We think we like this arrangement the best with more clearance around the woodstove and easier closet access. (old layout - no longer including a closet or pocket door)
Pearl MantelsThe Cumberland1.5" Projection48"W X 42"H Interior Opening66" Overall Width72" Shelf Length10" Shelf Depth58" Overall Height - See more at: http://www.millworkcity.com/pearl-mantels-mantel-cumberland-196-48.html?gclid=Cj0KEQiAhuSzBRDBoZfG56bK9-YBEiQARiPcZeLZtLUHv1MIcqKvrQrUfUJafET5-CPP7td1f-RfRMoaAu5x8P8HAQ#sthash.aZ1ECYug.dpuf
Possible idea for stone inlay between mantel and fireplace
Another example of stone inlay.
Like the beam and mantel colors and texture and floor
Another nice combo of beams and flooring
Floor, wood trim, beams, wall color
Dave - I'm not a big fan of the blinds - subtract the blinds and extra window above the blinds and I like the spacing of these windows. This space may be a bit bigger than what we currently have in the floor plan so I'm not sure if our current dimensions would support this layout. But I like how the corner windows are evenly spaced around each corner. As for the side with the door - the garden window off of our kitchen seems to get in the way of having a full size window next to the door - but I like the balance that comes with having the window spacing the same around the corner. It would be interesting to see what these windows (minus the top part) - which are a bit taller, and closer to the floor and have the grids - would look like in the Ally Whalen rustic sunroom (with half height fireplace with window above).
Q