This was probably the most daunting design project I have ever worked on…the design of our own home. Having my husband and myself as clients is a lot harder than one would think. How do I get all those cool ideas I have been wanting in a house into a cohesive design and within budget? All of our decisions were based on balancing our, at times conflicting, priorities.

 

PRIORITIES

• A home we will love - cool, beautiful and comfortable

• Lots of natural light

• Stay within our budget

• Energy Efficient

• Healthy, Low Maintenance & Environmentally Responsible interiors and exteriors

• A house that fits into the neighborhood

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DESIGN PARAMETERS

• The lot size is 40’x120’ with alley access, 20’ front yard set back and 16’ rear yard with 5’ side yard setbacks. 

• Open up to the southern exposure along the long side of the lot.

• Attached ADU (accessory dwelling unit, aka mother-in-law unit)

• Main living space on the second floor with separate bedroom

• Connection to the outside on the second floor

• Garage big enough for the Mini Cooper, motorcycle and all of Neil’s tools and work materials. 

• Home offices for both of us

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DESIGN CHALLENGES

• Display my extensive book collection without overwhelming Neil’s minimalistic sensibilities.

• A large enough home to entertain in, but small enough to be intimate for just the 2 of us. The right size home.

• Maintaining privacy within a city environment while bringing in lots of natural light

• Create 2 dwelling units that are separate, but have an indoor connection.

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The main space is really what the whole house is designed around. I wanted lots of natural light and ventilation. A room that is both intimate and spacious. A room where the bookshelves and cabinets are built in and become the walls. The house is designed around how we live and want to live.

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For more in-depth information on the construction of this house, please check out my previous blog - www.detailsofhome.com.
 

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