Here’s Our New Floor Plan! (And The Order In Which We Will Do These Projects)
For the last two days, I have not been able to concentrate on anything other than the new plan for our house. After canceling our addition that we’ve been planning for years now and deciding to mainly work within the footprint of our current home, adding on just one room, my mind has been in overdrive. I have been at my computer for hours moving things around on the floor plan to come up with the perfect arrangement for everything that we need. I’ve been walking around the house with a tape measure in hand, measuring just about every wall and opening in the house. So I won’t keep you in suspense. We’re building a kitchen addition!
If you missed the part about me cancelling our addition, you can read about that here: The Emotional Breakdown Came (And I Cancelled Our Addition).
It took me several tries, lots of consideration about our specific needs (especially Matt’s needs), and lots of moving things around and tweaking different ideas, but I have the final floor plan. Here it is.
The most exciting part is that the new plan is obviously the kitchen addition, but quite honestly, I’m so excited about all of it!!! So let me explain my thought processes for all of these decisions, and I will get to the reason why I decided to make that new room in the kitchen.
First, let’s start in the master suite. Since we already have the master bathroom completed, it just makes sense to turn the bedroom next to it into the master bedroom. Once the remaining walls left over from the closet, areas are taken down, this room will be quite a bit larger than the room we’re in now. And we desperately need a larger bedroom, so this will work out perfectly. It’s definitely not as big as the one we had planned for our original addition, but this one will be spacious enough to move Matt’s Hoyer lift around without me constantly running into it, hitting my head on it as I try to walk past it, or tripping over it, which are all common occurrences in our current bedroom.
Since there is no room inside the actual bedroom for a closet (a closet in that room would make that room the same size as the bedroom we’re in now, and that’s just not doable for the long-haul), I’m going to be turning the current guest bedroom into a big walk-in closet/exercise area/storage area for Matt’s equipment. I’ll finally be able to use IKEA Pax wardrobes and have a big, beautiful, organized closet on one side of that area. And since it’s literally the size of a bedroom (because it is a bedroom) and I don’t have nearly that many clothes or shoes, there will be plenty of room for the essential exercise equipment that we want to keep, as well as plenty of floor space in the middle to keep mats equipment (Hoyer lift, shower wheelchair, etc.) when he’s not using them.
It will be the perfect big, open space that we need for all of those things. I will be closing that room off to the hallway, but I also decided to leave the current door in place (it’s a pocket door) and just drywall over it. That way, if a future owner wants to turn this back into a bedroom, it will be as simple as drywalling over one doorway, and removing the drywall from another doorway, and then, just like that, it’s a bedroom again. And it will already have a door.
Now let’s talk about the music room. Every single time I bring up floor plan ideas, most people seem to want to put the music room on the chopping block. But I really cannot stress this enough. The music room cannot be changed, cannot have furniture added to it, and cannot be used in any other way. While it’s not used as an actual music room (sadly, I just don’t have time to play the piano right now), this room is currently one of the most used rooms in our house, and it is a room that we cannot live without.
First of all, just from a visual standpoint, I really like the view from the front door through the back of the music room. I really don’t want to put anything in there to hinder that view.
But even if I wanted to change that room and do something else, like turn it into a dining room, that would just be impossible. That would make life so difficult for Matt because this is the most high traffic room in our house throughout the day. With Matt in a wheelchair, I continually have to think about traffic flow and not putting things in his way so that he can get through the main areas and to all of the exits in the house. And as you can see, with the music room right in the middle of the house, it gets so much much through-traffic that the current arrangement is the most perfect way to make that room look pretty, and finished, and purposeful, while also keeping it open for Matt to get through easily. I just couldn’t even imagine what hardship I would create if I tried to turn that room into anything else.
That is also the area where I transfer Matt to and from his wheelchair using the Hoyer lift. It’s the only room in our house that has enough space for me to put his wheelchair just the right way, and then pull a Hoyer lift right up to it. So if I were to go and put a dining table or anything else like that, in that room, it would destroy its very valuable functionality for us. So while the name “music room” is a bit deceiving, this is one of the most functionally useful rooms in the house just as it is. There’s no way I would change anything about the music room layout.
Now let’s talk about the fun stuff! The new kitchen addition! I considered so many options for that area including making the new room a dining room, making the new room a laundry room, and even making the new room a TV room. So why did I decide to finally make that area a new kitchen? Because of the potential of windows and natural light directly in the kitchen!
One of my least favorite things about our house is that the current kitchen is right in the middle, and has no windows with direct sunlight actually in the kitchen. I’ve opened it up so that it can get sunlight from the adjacent rooms, but I would love a kitchen with lots of windows and natural light.
So when I was trying to turn that area into a laundry room, and adding all those wonderful windows, it dawned on me that that should be the kitchen! I could just imagine having a sink with wide windows over the countertop. That’s the beginning of a dream kitchen for me! And in the last 24 hours, I have looked at so many beautiful and inspirational galley kitchens that my mind is spinning! I’m so excited about having a light-filled galley kitchen!
Once I realized that the new room was a perfect place for a new kitchen addition, everything else kind of fell into place. If the new room is going to be a kitchen, then the placement of the current pantry does not make any sense. Plus, this new kitchen will be bigger than my current kitchen, which pretty much eliminates the need for a pantry anyway. So if I change the position of the doorway into that room, that is the perfect place for a laundry room/utility room!
And then, with the entrance into the current pantry/future laundry room moved, that solid wall can now be the TV wall in what is now the TV room. I didn’t realize until yesterday, as I was walking around and measuring everything, that the current sitting room is pretty much the exact same size as the area of the front room that we use as the living room. But what makes the sitting room feel so small is the arrangement of the furniture because I have to leave that walk way through the room open. But with the current doorway to the pantry closed off, and with turning that wall into the TV wall, the rearrangement of the furniture will make that room feel so much bigger. Plus, there will no longer be a kitchen peninsula making that room feel so closed in.
And then that leaves the perfect room for a dining room. With the new kitchen addition, that means that the current kitchen will become my dining room. It’s the perfect place for a dining area, right between the kitchen and the TV room and the living room. It’s like it was meant to be! And I can have a table and chairs in there without blocking the traffic pattern through the room.
I have given this so much thought, and so much time, and I’m feeling almost 100% confident that this is what we’ll end up with. In fact, I feel so confident that I’m ready to get started immediately! Which brings up the issue of timeline.
The first priority is to move into the bigger bedroom. So with that goal in mind, we need to get that bedroom ready. That means demolishing the floor and the subfloor, installing new subfloor and flooring, removing the remaining closet walls, and creating a doorway from the new bedroom into the current guest bedroom. Our current breaker box is right where the new doorway needs to go, so that will need to be moved also. Once that is done, I will close up the doorway from the current guest bedroom into the hallway and begin turning that into the closet and exercise area.
After that end of the house is finished, then we will start on the kitchen addition, as well as turning the pantry into the laundry room. I’m really hoping I will be able to reuse most, if not all, of the existing cabinets that I built for that room.
So I don’t know exactly when we will start on the new kitchen, but that’s the order in which we want to do things. And Matt has also said that he wants to build my woodworking workshop at the same time we’re doing the kitchen. So we’ll see how that goes.
I have decided that I’m going to let other people do the work in the bedroom for me, because while they’re doing that, I want to finish up my studio and studio bathroom. And I also hoped to do the makeover on the hallway bathroom before getting started on the major stuff. But if I don’t get to the hallway bathroom before the bedroom, I do at least want to finish up in the studio and the studio bathroom before moving on to something else.
That’s the plan! Over the last week, I’ve gone from angry, to sad, to disappointed, to intrigued, to excited, to absolutely giddy. 🤣 It’s been a heckuva week!
Here’s one more comparison. Here’s what we have now…
Here was the original addition plan..
And here’s the new, much smaller plan with just a kitchen addition…
Note: Y’all, I am so sorry for all of the typos, wrong words, abundant use of random commas, etc., in this original post. I think I have it all fixed now. I wrote about two sentences in this post and the keyboard on my laptop stopped working. Just stopped! It’s been giving me trouble for the last couple of months (the W and L keys don’t work, so I have to literally copy and paste any time I want to use those letters), but now it has quit working completely. (I HATE getting new computers and having to transfer/update everything, so I put it off as long as possible.) So I ended up having to write this post on my phone. And because I didn’t want to type it all out on a tiny screen, I used voice recognition. Well, not only does voice recognition not understand my Texas accent at times, but it also loves commas more than I do! 🤣 Anyway, all that to say that I think it’s all fixed and readable now. I hope. And I guess I need to head out this afternoon and get a new laptop. Ugh.
Addicted 2 Decorating is where I share my DIY and decorating journey as I remodel and decorate the 1948 fixer upper that my husband, Matt, and I bought in 2013. Matt has M.S. and is unable to do physical work, so I do the majority of the work on the house by myself. You can learn more about me here.
Looks like a great plan, Kristi! Turns out that that floor issue was a true blessing in disguise and will actually save you some money in the long-run. 🙂 Have fun!
I can only imagine this feels SO much more achievable for you! And you were wanting to redo your kitchen down the line anyway! It’s like it worked out perfectly.
Wow, has your brain ever been busy plotting and planning the last few days! What a great, well thought out floor plan. When I saw that the pantry had been “disappeared,” my first thought was, “Oh, no, the tiles!” Do you plan to somehow incorporate them into your new dream kitchen design?
I highly doubt that I could get them off of the wall without destroying them. I haven’t decided what I’m going to do in my kitchen yet. I have some ideas, but I don’t think I would use tiles like that in the kitchen.
I obviously hadn’t considered the removal question. Even in the unlikely event that you could do it successfully, yeah, they would probably be “too much” for a larger kitchen. But those beautiful tiles sure are the stars of the show in the pantry!
Those tiles really are beautiful – would you be able to cut out a few pieces of the drywall and frame them as wall art for somewhere in your studio or new master bedroom? At least then you’d get to keep some of them. They are amazing!
As regards your laptop – If the OS is still supported and everything but the keyboard works fine you could save yourself some time and money by simply buying a wireless keyboard. I use wireless keyboards with both my personal and professional laptops. They are great!
I’m glad you discovered the opportunity out of the dark cloud of disappointment. 🙂
I had the same reaction. Hope the tiles will be saved! 💕
This is absolutely perfect!
Amazing! Looks like the perfect plan for everything you need and want! And I’m glad you are going to hire out the floor repair in the future master bedroom. Let someone else do the hard labor so you can focus on the fun stuff!
One thought: if you primarily use the hoyer lift in the music room and will store it in the master closet, would it be helpful to leave the pocket door into the guest room so that you can store the lift right inside? It would require reconfiguring the closet area you have planned, but would it reduce friction for a daily task?
No, it’s mostly in the evening and at night when I need a place to push it out of the way, and that’s after I take him back to the bedroom. During the day, after I put him into his recliner, I really don’t mind the Hoyer lift being pushed to the side in that part of the house. It’s just been having it pushed into the corner of our very small bedroom (that feels even smaller with that big lift in there) that really gets to me. So having it out of the way, and out of the bedroom, in the evenings and during the nighttime is the main issue.
Kristi, won’t having the kitchen so far away from the tv room separate you and Matt when you’re in the kitchen? With the kitchen overlooking the tv room, as it is now, you and Matt are basically in the same room. I have my kitchen overlooking my living room with the tv on a wall where I can listen to or watch videos on YouTube while I am working in the kitchen. Just a thought to consider.
I’m fine with a little distance. 😀 And even when I’m cooking and he’s watching TV, I’m never watching the show he’s watching. I’m always listening to a podcast or audio book while cooking and cleaning the kitchen.
Good deal! Thanks for responding. Now I won’t worry that Matt will be all alone in the tv room, lol. I can completely understand that you and Matt like to listen to/view different programs. I’m looking forward to seeing the new kitchen!
Wow that is drastic. Everything you have done over the last few years will be undone. But you will wind up with the perfect solution to all the current problems. I know tearing down the beautiful work you have done will be hard mentally …well and physically also. Hope you can use those beautiful cabinets from the kitchen somewhere. You really do have a great insight as to the final house you want and need. I know the challenges of working the use of wheelchair and lift into the floor plan.. You are a genius and worked it out in just a couple of days. About the time I thought you were reaching the end of your journey…you have taken a twist. God bless everything you do.
At least the living room, entryway, and music room will stay the same! 😀 Actually, when we put the back doors in the music room, that may necessitate some changes, but I don’t anticipate that those changes will be drastic. And the kitchen remodel was already in the plans. The current sitting room will end up looking very similar to how it looks now, but it’ll just be rearranged. But yeah, major changes coming to the home gym, guest bedroom, and pantry. Kind of sad, but also very exciting!!
Ain’t life weird?!?! You just never know where it’s gonna take you… Congrats on a fantastic new plan and the PEACE that comes along with it! Can’t wait to follow you on this journey!!!
Hi Kristi,
I’ve a question. If you said where the carport is, I missed it. But, I thought from past posts it was behind the house, using the doorway from your studio. If so, then aren’t you going to have a long haul to lug your groceries from your car, through four rooms, to the kitchen? As you are the only one carrying them, that will get tedious quickly. My husband can’t help me carry things either which is why I hone in on these kinds of thing things. Best to you.
With this new plan, I’ll now have direct entrance into the kitchen. From the end of the wheelchair ramp in the carport to the planned location of the kitchen door, it’s approximately 7 to 10 steps. That’s much closer than what I have now, having to go into the studio, through the sitting room, and into the kitchen.
The floor plan looks great! I’m so glad you’ve found a plan that works for you and Matt. I remodeled my kitchen 3 years ago. I didn’t have space for a walk-in pantry. I have two floor to ceiling pantry cabinets each with 4 pullout drawers in the bottom half. It’s not safe to have pullout drawers in the top. I have my stand mixer, food processor and other appliances in those drawers as well as food. All other upper cabinets go in the kitchen go up to the ceiling.
You’re back! You are the most brilliant problem solver I’ve ever seen. But I’m sure going to miss that pantry. ❤️
Me, too. But we’ll always have pictures to look back on. 😀
Just a thought, dog bath in the laundry room instead of a sink? I don’t know if you bathe dogs, but you have a sink in the kitchen as well and its fairly close.
Nah! Don’t waste your money or valuable space. Just install a hot and cold combo hose bibb (hydrant) on the back of the house outside. Then you can hook up a hose and sprayer attachment, mix the temperature and wash the dog outside. It’s also great for power washing with hot water too.
If you look at the master bath, it has a door to the backyard deck. All Kristi has to do is bring Cooper in that door and right into the shower if need be!
Can you use a usb keyboard plugged into your laptop? I really hate swapping computers too. Its a lot of time setting things up again.
I tried that, and my fingers didn’t know what to do! 😀 It was awful! I don’t know if I’m just not used to the angle or what, but every single word was a typo. It was like I didn’t even know how to type.
I had the keyboard of my laptop replaced a couple of weeks ago. The new keyboard is exactly the same. In the repair shop they removed a small cover at the bottom of the laptop and took a picture of the label there, which had all the information they needed to source the exact keyboard. It was delivered the next day and it took about an hour to replace it and clean the inside of the laptop at the same time. And the cost was much less than a new laptop.
Oh Kristi, what a beautiful plan! It is no wonder your head was spinning. I bet you feel a ton of weight lifted from your shoulders. Have a blessed day.
Nice…. have you considered using the hallway bath as your laundry so you can keep your pantry? You’d still have a half bath off your work room for guests. Since you don’t have a guest bedroom, you might not need it? Excited to see your new kitchen plans. Kathy
I did consider that, but it’s just too convenient for guests to get rid of it. Sending people into the studio seems like quite a trek to me.
I was looking at the floor plan and thought it might be nice to swap the hall bath and laundry room. Either way, itll turn out great and functional!
Wow! Talk about blessing in disguise! Thank the Lord!
I couldn’t agree more! Those damaged floors have turned out to the best thing, and in the long run, will probably save us at least $100,000, if not more. Truly a blessing in disguise!
Girl, get a MacBook Pro! Big price tag but you will love it! By the way, Siri read this to me again. Maybe I can get her to have a TX accent? 🤠
One minor thought, in the new master closet, if you switched the built in’s to where the exercise equipment will be you wouldnt have to drywall over the doors. thereby technically still having two bedrooms. I can’t wait to see what you do with a brand new kitchen!!
We now have a ceiling track hoist for my husband which makes things SO much easier and quicker. No strain on my arms and hands, and no floor space wasted. Our morning care team appreciates it too. I strongly suggest you look at the possibility of getting one to make life easier, and future proof your ability to care for Matt whilst keeping you both safe. I found I could no longer manage the hoyer lift alone and was hurting my shoulder and arm.
Your new plan is both wise and exciting. Can’t wait to see what you do. I know it will look fantastic whatever you decide.
Isn’t it amazing when the worst seems to have happened it turns out it happened for a reason and saved you a lot of money
You have an amazing new floor plan.
Those ruined floors have truly turned out to be a blessing! They caused me to stop, think, get creative, and have more of a “use what we have…and have already paid off” mindset. I think those ruined floors will end up saving us at least $100,000 in the end, if not much more!
Great plan! Less housekeeping and your home space will be actually functional and I think you will love your galley kitchen…I know I do!
I must have missed something. I did not know that you had scrapped your plans for an addition. I can only imagine the hard work that went into both plans, It looks like this new plan is going to be perfect for you. I look forward to seeing the progress!
If you go back and read my posts from last Friday (July 12) to the present, you’ll get caught up. 🙂
https://www.addicted2decorating.com/our-home-gym-floor-is-destroyed.html
I was going to ask the same question about scrapping your original plans. I read the post about the ruined gym floor but still can’t completely follow your though process. You could replace the floor and still use it as a gym, no?
That would leave us with a master bathroom that doesn’t have a master bedroom attached, and that’s just weird and inconvenient. That also leaves us in the small, cramped bedroom, and that’s not something I can do long-term.
Yada Yada Yada, for 2 people living off government disability money, you seem to have and unlimited supply of money. Not like us real folk. You have changed your plans and ideas so much, spent and wasted so much materials and money and your never satisfied. You never will be. I used to enjoy your blog but now it’s only poor me, poor Matt, poor me again for taking care of Matt. Yes you had mentioned a few times in the past, but now your blog is all about your problems, with Matt. Stop talking about all you do for Natt. Theirs 100 million of us that do the exact same thing. If not taking care of our husband’s, then our aging parents, children etc. And there is no way any of us can spend and waste money like you do. It’s shameful. So goodbye to your narcissistic me me me, feel sorry for me, for I have to take care of Matt. Grow up and deal with it. Us caregivers do, without telling the world about it. And we don’t keep remodeling something that doesn’t need fixed. We just barely have enough money for food and utilities. That is real life not thr fantasy world you seem to live in.
Two people living off government disability money? Huh? It sounds like you’re the one living off government disability money, and your lot in life is making you jealous and bitter. I feel sad for you. It sounds like you are to be pitied more than anything else, not because of your lack of disposable income, but because of the bitterness and anger that has made you such a miserable person. Very sad, indeed.
Just to be clear, at the same time I’m pitying you, I’m also laughing at you. I went from planning a $240,000 addition (that would have ended up costing closer to $270,000 after furnishings and customizations) to scrapping that idea and coming up with an idea that costs A FRACTION of that cost, and THAT’S when you choose to unload on me? LOL…your bitterness and anger not only make you look pathetic, but it also has clouded your judgment to the point that it makes you look stupid. But whatever. Do what you need to do. Your anger has no effect on my life. But it obviously has an effect on yours. And just like that, I’m right back to pitying you. What a sad waste of a life to live with that kind of bitterness.
Lady your still an high school mean girl with your talk ! At 50+ you should be an adult, but the way you talked to that lady, shows how unmature you really are. Glad your not on disability, even tho you both qualify. But it must be nice to not have a paying job and still have money to blow out your ears. You adding up the building expenses shows the stupidity of your former ideals. You still wasting money on material things. That does not matter to normal folks.
Seriously? No person in their right mind would read her comment to me, and then read my response, and come away thinking that I’m the “mean girl”. Y’all just continue to prove that the hole y’all crawled out of rots your brain. Do you think I don’t know where y’all are coming from? Every single time y’all decide to crawl out of that hole and slither your way over to my blog, you end up making yourselves look and sound like complete brain dead morons. I publish your comments so that people can see how ridiculous you are, and as a cautionary tale to stay away from those black holes on the internet where pathetic people gather, spend their days bitching about people they don’t even know, and collectively rotting your brains together. Find something constructive to do with your time. Maybe if you crawl out of that hole for good and never look back, your brain can heal.
Good lord lady! Who peed in your Wheaties this morning? Are you even for real? If you don’t like it, why do you bother reading her blogs? You sound like an embittered woman who got rejected from something big. Maybe you’re too obtuse to realize it, but her blogging pays her real money, SO since it’s hers, I’d guess they can spend THEIR money exactly however they want to spend it! Good grief! Get a life!
Oh and I agree with Kristi. You are a very embittered person who takes out your anger on other people who have nothing to do with your situation.
I think Mike Tyson said it best:
“Social media made y’all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it.”
You seriously have no idea what you’re talking about. No. Idea.
Wow, I have so many words I want to write in reply to LilyRose but they aren’t suitable for the general public. Instead I will say with my best Texas accent ‘bless your heart’. And if you’re not enjoying the content here, noone is holding a gun to your head to read it – feel free to move along – and this isn’t an airport, you don’t need to announce your departure.
Kristi – sounds like a great new plan. My heart sank for you with the floor problems – I went through a massive water leak/mold issue in my house in 2018 and at times it seemed overwhelming so I could definitely sympathize with you. It’s amazing that you’ve turned that lemon into fabulous lemonade! Your fearlessness adapting to change is inspiring !
There are a lot of bloggers out there who make good money blogging. Kristi is one of them. But unlike many bloggers, she works her tail off doing the work that she then blogs about. The money she makes is very hard earned money. Not only does she do the work, she then composes a blog and even responds to all the comments.
You naysayers need to quit acting like she’s sitting around just being lazy and taking a bunch of charity.
Don’t I know you from GOMI? 😅😅😅
“Get Off My Internets.
Also known as GOMIBLOG, GOMI is a website and message board that critiques online personalities, especially bloggers. The site is known for its sharp and often cruel criticism, and is considered one of the most active “hate blogs”. Blogger Alice Wright founded GOMI in 2008 as a way to comment on media personalities, but now the site takes on anyone who is internet famous.”
I have been reading this blog religiously since the condo days, and I have never once gotten the impression that Kristi was complaining about taking care of Matt or asking for pity. I’ve often been struck by her gracious spirit, especially now that I am a stay at home mother of two young children, elbows deep in caretaking tasks every single day. You’re projecting here. And I can’t believe you don’t realize that a blog like this is a source of income. It’s also literally called “Addicted2Decorating.” Like, as in, never done, lol. And income from new blog posts about decorating = more funding for the decorating, in a gleeful endless cycle.
If you had read the blog, you would know that it is a source of income, there are posts explaining it. And having a disabled person in the household doesn’t mean that the other family members don’t work. My partner is disabled and I am his caregiver, do all the work in the house, take care of the dog, but I also work full time from home. My problem is I love DIY-ing but just don’t have enough time for everything I’d like to do, so have to let other people do some of the projects.
When initial plans work out it’s God’s direction, if not it’s God’s protection.
So exciting!!
Love the new plan! Not that you need our approval of your home of course. But glad you’re so excited about it. Can’t wait to see it all unfold.
Sometimes when things don’t work out, you find that they did in reality work out! This new plan is amazing and seems perfect for you and Matt!
Sounds like a plan. Maybe take your laptop in for repair. I’d be getting bids next week.
Keyboards are usually very easy to replace. You may even be able to buy the part and install it yourself.
You said that you tried other configurations, I am wondering if you considerd putting your kitchen where your now laundry room is on the back wall and using your old bathroom as your laundry room which already had plumbing to it? I am just sad to see your beautiful pantry go away.
I am so happy that you have a plan that makes you happy. It is so exciting!
That bathroom, just like the sunroom, isn’t salvageable. And it no longer has plumbing or electricity running to it.
Don’t lose the current floor plan in your transferring. That would be a disaster!
Absolutely fabulous! Love it!
Not at all house related but if you really want to put off getting a new computer then try a wireless keyboard! They come with a tiny usb that you plug in and then you can type away. I use one for my work laptop because I don’t like the tiny keyboard it has.
Love all of this, especially the process.
One little question- are you still planning to add a window to the guest bathroom?
Yes! I completely forgot to add it to the final plan. But yes. In fact, I’m pretty sure I already have a window that will fit, so when I do that bathroom update (as soon as I get through with the studio bathroom), I’m going to reinstall a window in there! It’ll be weird for now since it’ll look into the sunroom, but I’ll put some privacy film on it for now. But at least I can go ahead and get some sunlight in that room!
I’m so excited for you and Matt! I love the new floor plan!
I think your new plan is great! I also agree with Matt that you add your new workshop to the plans.
What a great design. I can’t wait to see it finished. I think you are brilliant at fixing anything and solving a mass of problems way quicker than most of us. Can I ask what program you use for the floor plans??? I love how yours look compared to a lot of others out there and I would love to be able to use that as we finish up the farmhouse. Thanks. Keep on trucking and don’t let anyone get you down or even get in your way. Sending powerful prayers, yours and Matt’s way. Keep the faith.
Cheers!
Kristi – I absolutely LOVE this new layout, but I have a question…I know you HATE that thing in the storage closet in the studio…I think it’s an AC unit. Is there any way that could be moved into the laundry room, even behind a “fake wall” behind the washer/dryer that is assessable somehow and vented into the studio half bath since you plan on redoing that room? Your vent thing in the studio could stay, no one would know it’s not needed and it would really open up storage in the studio closet. Just an idea…no clue if it would work, lol
1 more thing…that lilyrose is a WASTE of time…comment on your HAPPY SUPPORTIVE followers and let the trash take itself OUT!
Teresa — I wish I could upvote your comment 1000 times!! LOL
Is there a structural reason to keep the wall between the music room and the future dining room? If not, you might think about removing that and playing around with some different configurations that would give you more usable space while keeping the necessary open wheelchair routes.
It looks perfect. I like the nod to future use, without being a slave to it. I can just imagine looking out those kitchen windows to the deck–I might not even mind doing dishes with that view. Congrats on getting to a solution. I’m excited to watch it come to fruition.
Kristi: I really like your new floor plan and your thought process makes a lot of sense! It looks like you have put a lot of consideration into it and that your heart is feeling it more. Saving a $100K+ and still having your needs met is awesome.
Just a thought – The deck area behind the kitchen looks like it would make a great screened-in porch that connects to both the deck off of the Master Bath and the ramp or entrance to the carport. That way, if in the future you ever decided to tweak or make further changes and add some square footage, it would already have a roof structure and possibly flooring support. For example, if you wanted to expand your kitchen area, etc. in the future, but even if that is not a possibility, you could just use the “outdoor space” without the scorching sun that Texas summers can bring.
I really like this idea of creating a screened porch space. I don’t remember which direction the deck will face (N, S, E, or W) but having that covered space with screening to keep out bugs, sit in the fresh air on rainy days or the ability to put up a ceiling fan to make the Texas summer heat bearable is a wonderful idea!
I wanted to screen in our deck but cannot because of the gas fireplace vent on the wall where the deck is – building codes. 🙁
I can think of one more bonus with the new kitchen location, easy deck access for entertaining.
I was going to suggest walling over the hallway door for your new primary closet for future buyers.
Heavily research your cabinet options with lower cabinet pullouts and upper cabinet pull-downs for you both as you age. I think there are also kick-plate pullouts for step stools and storage. I will also suggest re-adding a dishwasher to the new kitchen so the plumbing will be there for resale.
I think you have solved the house quirks to meet your needs now,
Be warned moving an electrical means it will meet the latest building codes. Flipping ours from inside our closet to the outside wall was pricey, but a pittance compared to moving across the house to the garage.
On my end, the issue with my typing for the past two weeks is the brain and fingers. How I wish I could blame it on the keyboard!
Waving at Matt!
I am shook! But in a good way, lol. One of the things that has constantly amazed me over the years is your willingness to completely redo areas/projects that are already “done”. I LOVE that you aren’t afraid to rethink/rework pretty much anything because you know when it just doesn’t feel right. That is so inspiring to me.
On a smaller scale, I keep staring at my living walls, knowing that I painted them the wrong color, and haven’t done a thing to fix it yet. If you can redo over 1/2 of your house, I can repaint my dang walls, lol. Thanks for sharing your thought process and for all the inspiration.
Please tell me you will be incorporating some of the gorgeous purple cabinets and the tiles from the pantry in your new laundry. They are so gorgeous. Also, will your freezer be in the new laundry?
I’m not quite sure about the freezer yet. I may have everything I need in my kitchen this go round.
I actually noticed some errors, or repeats and I thought it was just excitement. And, I was getting excited for you. Looks like all this has really been a stressful, yet VERY productive week, and the plans seem so perfect for your family and life together. I’m loving some of what you came up with, and I think it is wonderful that you got the time and chance to think hard again before any work got started. It seems you will be so comfortable in that home. I’m still with you about the who cares what the next owner wants…you aren’t moving anyway, and they can rethink all they want after they buy it.
Onward and upward towards a wonderful exciting project.
I am beyond excited for the additional windows and natural light to come in your house! I think it truly improves the quality of life even for people who are not as solar powered as myself 😉 Didn’t think light mattered much to you, but hearing you are excited for more windows makes me even happier for ya!
I have a kitchen with no windows and borrowed light from each end. It’s the worst especially in summertime! As soon as I can get hubby mentally set to help out, we are deleting a half bath (in favor of walking a few more steps to the other first floor bathroom), and basically sliding the kitchen 7 feet down to the south wall corner where it should have been in the first place, with two windows and a French door!!
PS perhaps your keyboard can be replaced or repaired. My last laptop got a replacement at low cost. This laptop I’m on now doesn’t have a clearly separate keyboard part though, so YMMV.
Do you NEVER have overnight guests? I can’t imagine having only one bedroom in a home as large as yours.
We haven’t had a guest since the last time Matt’s dad came, and that was years ago. When I went to the retreat a couple of months ago, and my mom stayed with Matt, she slept on the sofa in the living room. With the back cushions removed, that sofa is the size of a twin bed, and it’s one continuous cushion.
You are amazing, truly amazing.
I felt saddened when you said that you cancelled the new addition but totally understand the reasoning. I do love your new plan but was a little heartbroken that you are giving up you beautiful pantry and what you said made sense of the location, although I’m hoping that you keep it as is and make room for the washer and dryer with the exception of the new door opening as it is truly a one of a kind beautiful room. Everything you do is tops!
PS, Never give up your music room!
I only have one word to say about all this GENIUS! You have made a very workable plan and it’s pure genius! Can’t wait to do this walk with you! It’s awesome!.
NOPE, that is just a crazy floor plan. The TV room is never going to be used now that it isn’t connected the the kitchen. Nice that the kitchen and dining room are connected.
In less Matt or you are very involved in music then the music room is a waste of space. I agree you always needed a bigger closet but having exercise equipment in it wouldn’t make anyone want to exercise.
You have already done so much and made everything so beautiful I think you need to stick to your original plan. You will not be happy with this.
What do I know? That a big walk-in closet is best, that music rooms soon become a useless space. That a guest room is always needed even when you don’t have kids or a large family.
It seems to me that you don’t really use that studio. You may work in there but it has never been finished and if it was, other than you blog what would you use it for? I really want to know.
I’ve been following you for a few years because I also have a full wood working shop in my garage. I have build lots of cabinets for my kitchen, some storage pieces, made my walk in closet a dream with custom made shelving and bars. Unlike the metal one that just fell down and is now bent so it can’t be used again. Planning on doing another custom closet.
I follow you for your great ideas and this one is just wacky.
Why in the world does a TV room need to be directly connected to the kitchen? Matt sits in his recliner all the time to watch TV (I sit with him during lunch time, and then he sits by himself the rest of the time), And when he’s watching TV alone, I’m off doing other things. I’m not spending my days in the kitchen, hovering over him like a helicopter caregiver. He doesn’t need me in the kitchen. He doesn’t need me right by him all the time. And Matt doesn’t use the kitchen. It’s not like he’s getting up from his recliner and going into the kitchen and making a snack or getting a drink. He CAN’T do those things. So if he needs those things, I do them for him. I have no idea why you think the TV room will never be used if it isn’t jammed right up next to a kitchen. That makes literally no sense to me.
The music room IS NOT A WASTE OF SPACE!!!! (Yes, I’m yelling, because I can explain this a thousand times, and still people won’t hear me, and that’s incredibly frustrating to me.) Did you actually read the post? I explained in excruciating detail how valuable the music room is to us in our everyday lives.
Matt uses his Theracycle every single day, and he does it no matter where it’s located. I could put it in the carport, and he’d still use it every day. That room will be a “closet”, but it’s the size of a bedroom. Because it is a bedroom! It has a big window, plenty of sunlight, a TV, etc. So what’s the problem, exactly?
And as far as my studio goes…”other than you blog what would you use it for?” I mean…what? That’s like asking, “Other than your job, what do you use your office for?” I don’t even know how to respond to that.
I think your thoughts on this area bit wacky, to be quite honest.
I’ll stick to the original plan just as soon as I receive your check for $200,000. 🙂
Way to go Kristi….Keep on replying to the idiots this way. I like your reply to this one.
Kristi I totally agree with your stance on the music room. First of all ummm so it’s YOUR home and since y’all live there and everything and we don’t and y’all pay the bills and we don’t…yeah so ANYWAY. As you’ve stated, practically maneuvering daily with Matt it’s not only convenient but essential and it’s obviously the best plan. And yes it’s a gorgeous focal point entering your home. Aside from that with it being in the center of your home and accessible from many spaces it’s wise to keep it open. To me it doesn’t read as simply a music room…it also can function as a library and a parlor (during gatherings, guests can easily break off in small groups in the various sitting areas in your home to mingle and chat while still being together) But also God has gifted you with your many abilities including your music. You may not be in a season of life that affords you time right now to devote to your music and you are growing discovering new loves like your jewelry making. But music is one of your God-given artistic expressions of worship back to Him. Just like your building, decorating, crafting, caregiving, teaching, etc. When you do these things they are offerings back to the Lord. Don’t ever let what makes you Kristi fade away. You will have a season to play again. On a less deep note…haters gonna hate 😄 brush off the hateration my sister and keep on keepin’ on. 🙏🏻 Much love from NC
Oh and just to be clear Kristi I wasn’t saying you shouldn’t call your music room well “the music room” because frankly whatever you call any room in your home is your and Matt’s business since again Y’ALL live there 😄 Just agreeing with you that it seems to function in many ways for your family. And honestly really trying to encourage you because truthfully people are being way too 🤨 about all this. And I have a lot I would like to say about some of the comments people have made but like someone else mentioned “Bless your heart” will suffice. When “the enemy” shows up, I choose to focus on the Lord. I see His sovereign hand in all this. In my opinion, a seriously damaged floor doesn’t just show up right before you begin an addition that got slowed down because the architect went missing. Those are God moments. Every time I have ignored that and pushed on with my plan or another human’s plan, I have regretted it. You made it clear that you and your husband prayed about all of this and allowed the Lord to guide your steps. I’m proud of you for seeking Him. So you’re going to switch a few rooms around and paint some things. So what? Again it’s your home, your journey and your lives. You’re mature enough to say hey this isn’t working so let’s do this instead. That’s being a good steward. So you’re building a small addition. Again so what? If that works for you and Matt in this season of life and you can afford it, that’s what matters. The placement of rooms and the name of rooms and the function of rooms is your business. Do not be discouraged and don’t allow nonsense to steal away your joy over this blessing of Him working in your lives. Praying 🙏🏻
Given the constant frustration at people suggesting you turn the music room into a dining room, and the fact that you’ll forever need new readers to keep the blog viable, perhaps the music room should be renamed to something that makes clear its actual function and importance in your life?
Something like “Matt’s transfer room”? Only that’s a terrible name and I’m sure there is a better one out there.
I predict you’ll hit the same issue endlessly with your new closet/gym and would likewise suggest you preempt those issues by just naming it “Matt’s therapy/excersise room” from the get go to make it crystal clear that its layout, funtion and utility, while atypical, is perfect for you both.
I think you’re on the right track with scrapping the addition and seeking it in this direction instead. Always thought that addition was too damn big and contrived.
But I’m not sure about that kitchen shape/location (though I do agree a kitchen addition is what you need). I think you need to keep playing with the floor plan a bit more, but are really close.
Regardless, you should make a screened in porch between the music room and the kitchen, but I’d make the kitchen a bit more square instead of galley, and put a peninsula between it and the dining room.
Also, when it comes to going to a ‘1 bedroom but can be converted to a 2 bedroom house’ and resale and all that blah blah goes… is there a way to convert the halfbath/entry in your studio into a full bath? because if so that space would make an awesome master suite for ‘hypothetical next people’. Which, sure, puts you with a weirdly aweseome on-suite on a small guest bedroom, but whatever on that ya know. Gotta use the house the way it functions for YOU right now. They can always convert that bath back to a bedroom, use the hall bath for those 3 kid rooms, and put the master in the studio IF there is a way to convert it to a full bath and ‘full traditional resale value’ is the thing of concern at some point in time.
Congratulations, nice job on the new design. I have one thought. Are there any pieces of equipment that Matt uses only when leaving the house? If so, could those items be stored in the storage closet behind your studio, instead of in the new closet/exercise area?
I’ll have to think about that, but right off hand, I can’t think of any equipment that he uses only when he leaves the house.
Not to get ahead of things, (love this plan by the way!) but planting the seed that after all this is done, your next project should be a little guest house on the back part of your property for hosted DIY workshops. And would give you a place for friends and family to stay. I’m so excited for all these projects!
Yes! I’ve been thinking about that! And the city of Waco just recently passed an ordinance allowing homeowners to build tiny homes on their property (backyards) for long term rentals. So I’ve been thinking about that. If Matt ever needed a full-time caregiver, we could build a tiny home on our large piece of property where that person could stay. We have options and plenty of land!
That would be awesome! My daughters’ in-laws have a similar issue now. The husband has dementia, has been tossed out of most facilities due to his violent/hostile behavior caused by his illness. The only choices for him now are unfavorable places, or home with full time caregivers. (He has entered hospice care) so they are making the home safe for him and the caregivers, and his wife is going to move in to my daughters’ basement bedroom suite. She will have a nice “apartment” there, with a full bath, kitchenette and living area with a walkout entrance. So she won’t even have to disrupt the family upstairs except to do laundry. She stayed with them previously, as right after he was diagnosed, they had a house fire from a battery pack exploding in the garage, so she lived with the kids for about 9 months until the house was rebuilt. You never know what life can throw your way! Just two years ago, the were travelling all over the southwest in their new motor home. He started showing odd behavior then, and barely made it home safely! (She couldn’t drive the thing, so her sons drove to Texas to meet them, and got them home.)
This is so logical and well-thought out! One question – since the new laundry room is in the same footprint/location as the current pantry, wouldn’t the most of the cabinets and tiles still be available in the new laundry room without removing them?
That’s actually very possible! I’ll know more once I get the plan for that room finalized. But there’s a chance that most of it can stay as is.
I was thinking about this too! Seems like it could be adapted with minimal changes. And no matter what, it’s all going to be beautiful.
Kristi,
I am excited for your change in plans! I have some ideas for the new plan, though. What if you removed your exercise equipment from your closet and put the laundry in there? It would make doing laundry a breeze! And then you could keep the pantry. A walk-in pantry is such a luxury I would keep it if you can! The exercise equipment could go in a screened porch, in your workshop, or you could put Matt’s bike in your tv room where he could watch TV while he rides.
I love your new floor plan! It’s going to be such a light filled home now and I feel a sense of peace for you! How exciting to getting your workshop done much sooner than anticipated. I had done something similar with a kitchen remodel. My plan was big and beautiful but something kept holding me back. I ended up with a simpler plan that turned out great and it actually got finished instead of just dreaming about it. I can’t wait for what’s to come! Full steam ahead!
As someone mentioned in an earlier post, if time and budget allow, you might want to consider a ceiling track system. My Jim and I have used both and found the ceiling track to be very helpful and easier for both of us. I also wanted to applaud you on your flexibility in making changes to plans especially when circumstances change. Bravo!
Fabulous. This is so much better than original extension plan. Not only will it be cheaper but you get a brand new kitchen! Exciting times.
I love voice to text until it makes me realize I speak in run-ons! 😉 Good luck getting the computer fixed/replaced. I’m so glad the set back has you so excited now. What a good reminder for me, sometimes the setbacks help you pivot in a much better way.
It is perfect! Absolutely love the three big windows in the kitchen! You are going to love it. And it’s going to be so fun for us to watch it unfold.
What app. Do you use?
I used Smart Draw to create the initial floor plan: https://www.smartdraw.com/floor-plan/floor-plan-designer.htm
But I only used that during the seven-day free trial. So now, any time I want to make changes, I use my photo editing software to do a lot of copying and pasting to move walls and things around. The editing software I use is called PaintShop Pro, and I get it on Amazon.
thanks for sharing this again, I know you’ve posted it before, but I’m not good at remembering where I’ve seen something. Saved it this time.
I’m so excited for your new plan and looking forward to seeing it come together. You have so much energy and creativity, I love how you see everything as an opportunity, not a setback. You are such an inspiration to so many people.
Just block those cranks. They will never get you. Clearly they are reading what they want to see, not comprehending what you are actually saying. Nobody has time for that kind of negativity, Happy remodeling!
This plan is perfect for the hosting you do! I love it! It’s also very cool to watch someone work with mostly the space they already have. Well done!
Kristi, Watching your brain figure out solutions to problems is so fascinating to virtually witness! A couple of thoughts: What if Matt eventually needs a hospital bed? Would your new bedroom accommodate a bed for you and a bed for him? Just a thought. Also, will your tv room accommodate the recliner he loves with a view to the tv? Otherwise, your plan is practical, economical and nearly perfect!
The room is big enough to accommodate two twin beds. It’ll be tight, but it’ll work.
And I did make sure his recliner would fit in the TV room.
Kristi,
You can add a Bluetooth keyboard to your laptop. If you have the correct ports you could also use that type of keyboard. Go to Best Buy or another dealer and check with them before buying a new computer. I agree that getting a new computer is dreadful.
Now back to your post, I love your new floorplan ideas. It’s going to be great.
Kristi,
I love your new plan and I know you worked hard planning it. I think you are genius to take the disappointing bad, and make it come out to be so good and exciting.
I loved your old ‘add on’ plan too. Because you are so pro at drawing up plans straight out of your head and putting them into a schematic form is an amazing talent.
I am rooting for you and looking forward to reading your blogs on how everything you have newly planned out and seeing how it all comes out. God is blessing you and Matt. Keep up your spunky replies to the jealous disgruntled people who write such stupid remarks.
What a rollercoaster ride these last weeks have been for you! But your creative juices went to work and came up with the best smoothie of all. This new plan makes perfect sense. I just took a mental tour as I ‘walked’ through the rooms. And, of course, in anticipation of the choices coming up, I imagine Pinterest is yielding some great ideas as you mull on the fun parts of the project like colors, furniture choices, and so much more.
I’ll miss the striped gym (can you fit that neon sign in somewhere?) but just imagining the kitchen windows and the view you will gain is making me happy. A workshop soon will be so special. For now, the studio is close to being finished.
I won’t belabor the shocking and unwarranted message you received from a very thoughtless person. I was flabbergasted. You owe no explanation to anyone concerning what you do or how you do it. You know that, of course. You handled it beautifully. Be at peace and may we be spared from seeing her name here ever again.
So smart of you to REALLY think on what you needed, and slim down the design. I was kinda worried the other plan was, while super nice, it was also grand for the neighborhood. My only thought with the new plan is the window placement in the kitchen. Will that not look towards the weird house next door? Do you want to look in that direction, or would it be a nicer view to the back yard? You would need to work the door to a different spot, or move the sink area to look towards the carport. I would rather look anywhere but towards my neighbors’ house while I do dishes! That’s all I have!
The new plan is brilliant. I love the function of a long galley kitchen. Have you considered expanding the footprint of your future workshop to include a guest suite? It could be connected to your new kitchen via a hallway that doubles as a pantry and carport entryway. I can just envision a carport entry door and pantry cabinets on one side and a wall of windows on the opposite side showcasing your backyard landscaping and patio. Plus it would give you an air conditioned path to your workshop (yep I also live in TX) …and privacy for guests/caregivers.
It’s going to be beautiful no matter what you decide! Can’t wait to see your next masterpiece.
This is pure genius! I see the fingerprints of the Master Builder Himself in this floor plan… 😉 Congratulation!!!
LilyRose and Lori Rosenberg – You are clueless as to what Kristi does every day. Good grief, she works very hard at what she does and she’s great at it. She is extremely supportive of Mat and makes him a priority. If you actually read her posts, you’d know this. You both need to crawl back under your rock and keep your opinions to yourselves.
Both the nasty posters in this comment thread were very obviously the same person posting under different names, using the same misspellings, faulty grammatical structure, and diction. Clearly somebody stumbled onto your blog and decided to cut loose with the invective based on faulty assumptions. Trolls like that are pure attention seekers.
I have wondered ever since you posted about it, Kristy: the reconfiguration of the electrical box for the generator while lowering it only a couple of feet still seems a high estimate, and with the other changes you’re making, perhaps not the best solution anymore. Others raised the issue of the poor location (available to passersby) of that box. Now that you’ve rethought the addition entirely and are making other changes, perhaps that project needs to be rethought and re-estimated; some electrical contractor must be able to come up with a plan for relocating that box into or behind the garage at a reasonable price.
Hey Kristi, just a quick comment to say you can just buy an external keyboard and be done – depending on what devices you have, you could perhaps even use it for your phone whenever you need it. It’s a very useful thing to have!
(PS – I love the new plan)!
I’m happy that you are excited about the new plans. I have to say that I’m still bothered by that lack of bedrooms, but you need to do you. Good luck!
The new plan sounds absolutely fabulous I do hope you can get your beautiful kitchen cabinets to fit in and if your tile break while removing them what about using some of your beautiful tiles in a mosaic surface say like on a small table , beautiful handmade table with a mosaic top that can sit on your new deck, so looking forward to these new plans being created and really looking forward to seeing you build your new workshop, it`s all very exciting,,
You might want to consider a wider opening between the living and dining rooms. If you have a large sit-down dinner (or even a potluck that needs lots of serving space), you can shift living room furniture around a bit and extend the table (or an add-on table) into that space.