Photos To Review With DTAL
Like the materials (ceiling, beams, stone, floor) for the screened porch. The stone walls/ledge under the window is probably a good idea for us given the propensity of large dogs to place their paws up against the wall/window in order to view outdoors (thereby scratching/damaging walls, frames, screens, etc.) - dogs also tend to scratch the walls while they are laying on the floor and stone is resilient in that respect as well.
Like the beams. Like the lighting. Nice fireplace.
Nice use of wood and stone partially enclosing large shower (perhaps prohibitive from a budget/space perspective). Would prefer a zero-ledge entrance (ie. age-in-place).
I think I prefer solid wood ceilings, but this design looks nice too (if there is an argument for utilizing multiple materials).
Nice beams/trusses (not necessarily for our kitchen) and range hood.
Perhaps not feasible from budget and space perspectives, but a cool design in terms of allowing spacious shower space with no door (great to age-in-place), freestnading tub and separated sink areas (which we have now and prefer). Nice materials/colors too.
Generally speaking, we like the idea of combining dark stained wood with antique white cabinets. Not sure whether or not hardwood floors will make sense for us (given dogs), but the combination of brown ceiling/floors with antique white cabinets is appealing.
Like how the stand-up bar blends in with room. Also like the room (not the furniture) generally speaking, although perhaps needs more variation in terms of color (ie. both darker and lighter colors). There is a balcony in this room, but the implementation doesn't look like it would work in our house as it doesn't seem like it would offer much of a view toward the pond while 'sitting' up there.
Like how there is a separate sitting area with two reclining chairs (with table and lamp) permanently facing outside (great for reading or relaxing with music). The idea of an adjacent bar or perhaps a bistro table on the same wall is interesting. I don't particularly like this specific bar implementation, but the idea has merit. Interesting windows - large on the bottom and smaller on top.
I don't think this implementation works for our house, but idea of window jutting out with two chairs is appealing (although the chairs would need to be facing outside with enough room for ottomans or perhaps recliners) - ideal for reading.
Landscape swales with rocks/stones?
I'm still undecided on basement features/layout. Aside from overall house budget constraints, the decision will partly rest on available space and priority of other features. A poker table area (with multiple screens) is still a priority. I'm undecided about a billiard table and a guest bedroom/sleeping area. All that said, I'm also undecided whether it's worth implementing a tiered-seating home theater set-up versus a more traditional one-level approach. Either way, I want a large tv/screen (currently leaning toward TV versus projection). The tiered seating option prioritizes viewing angles / comfort at the expense of a less social seating arrangement. Either way, I like the idea of bar counter seating behind. I really like this room design as a hybrid option versus a completely enclosed theater room (at the expense of some lighting control I suppose). The whole room is quite nice (especially for accommodating a billiard table) - click on image for other photos of this room as well as some dimensions. I like the higher bistro table seating around the table. My poker table will be larger (10 seats) and will need additional/different screen placements to facilitate optimal viewing...
Not sure of the potential negative implications (on the outward view from within the adjacent screened porch and on the overall exterior look/feel of the house) from this approach, but like the idea of an expanded view outside and the impact on the look/feel of the room as a result of having the floor/windows jut outward. Not sure if this is considered a 'bay window', but I prefer this approach with a rectangular area (rather than an octagonal area), at least for this particular room.
I'm not sure this design would work anywhere in our house (main floor? basement? screened porch?), but I really like the idea (assuming the sun wouldn't creating a glare problem) in terms of facilitating a nice social seating plan (ie. U-shape rather than a straight line) that takes advantage of the view outside. Likely only makes sense in a main floor room since basement rooms are less likely used during daylight hours.
Like the varying color and shape of stones
Like the beams/trusses, stone and lighting. Stain on beams is nice, but also like darker stain.
Like the beams. Like the wall paint color.
Like the stone. Like the use of beams to frame opening.
Like the beams and stone. Like the windows, but not sure where we would use it in our house design.
Like the use of beams to frame opening. Like the stone baseboard.
I think I prefer a solid wood ceiling, but I like this ceiling too if there is an argument for use of multiple materials. The wood wall is interesting too.
Maybe consider this side-by-side approach for sauna and steam shower in basement? Don't particularly like stone veneer.
Probably not enough room (or budget?), but ike the idea of doorless shower and like the wood and stone.
We might want to consider buying a purpose-built dog washing tub like this one (vs. custom tub or shower). Need to consider whether this style could also replace need for a separate laundry tub (note: we will want a separate/dedicated laundry soaking sink either way).
Q