ajudication

After latest meeting with architect we've come to terms with not attempting to relocate the chimney (duh!). Now we've got two basic approaches to locating stairs from 2nd to 3rd floors and need your help. Spent most of today drawing with the results below. We're eager for input at this point cuz both plans have their appeal. If Toby and I have to continue discussing this between ourselves we'll NEVER make progress.

• landing approx 4' x 5' and features long window that spans 2nd & 3rd floors
• railing overlooks stairs on 3rd floor passage to bathroom
• location of closet, toilet and sink are up for debate
• bedroom and bathroom closets are unlabeled.

---

• the longer stairs coming up from 2nd floor will most likely contain shelves or some such finishing details
• bathroom fixtures pretty well nailed down.

Comments

[charlie]

you know - it'd be nice to have the bedroom open, as per first drawing.

but the closet space in the second is appealing. So maybe the real question is - how much do you like/need closets

[Domenic]

I like the first option with perhaps one small change to the 3rd floor layout. Move the closet from left wall to but against the bathroom wall. This way walking into the room your line sight is unobstructed making it much more fung shui.

You didn't want a door from bedroom to bathroom?

The second isn't appealing since I would always go for as much uninterupted space as possible. The location of the stairs cuts into the bedroom and may limit future layout flexibility.

[Brennan and Brian]

We vote for #1 as well for one MAJOR reason. In the second layout you have a narrow bedroom and a narrow living room. I wouldn't want to give up the space in those two really important rooms. I agree with Charlie that I would want the door into the bathroom from the bedroom. You could put in a slider that wouldn't take up any room at all...

[kasia and steve]

we like #1: bigger living room and master bedroom, both rooms on the second floor can become bedrooms and don't have to walk through the 3rd floor bedroom to get to the bathroom
#1 just feels better

[douglas]

i vote for #1. i like the way the stairs are "self-contained" (keeps them out of the way) and seem more functional. and, your sight and traffic lines are more open even if the space is slightly more closed. bet you could work on that, too. since you can, i'd tweak with a bathroom - just not sure how yet. still looking.

[kiki]

It's kinda hard to tell how wide the stairs will be in either version, but in general, I agree that 1 is better - the stairs are functional and out of the way, though it does seem like you give up some closet space. But you guys are out of the closet anyway, so why do you need them?

[anita_cocktail]

I think the living room might be akward with the continuous stair option - esp. as it will interfere with the window.
so despite my drunken conviction on saturday, i might lean toward the wrapping stair...

[ivy]

I like #1 also -- much cleaner.