It finally became my turn to check out Sarah Susanka's book "Home by Design" from our local library. This was suggested by the builder with whom we are most interested in working. I can see why he recommended it. In many ways, her approach mirrors some of the discussions Mike and I have had. One of our issues is balancing flow and more formal, private space. Susanka addresses this in her book, suggesting the making use of small spaces for alcoves (including window seats and nooks under stairways, which I love), flexible structure (e.g. moving walls and sliding doors) and framing spaces in interesting ways. I couldn't find the images from the book online, so I took a few photos of my favorite entries.
These pictures are of an entryway that is defined as a separate space by wide, framed doorways with framed glass around the top. In essence, there isn't a lot there, structurally, separating this entryway from the rest of the house, but the frame around the doorways defines the space and gives it a sense of being a "room" without really being one. Also, I love the white trim and the look of the stairway.
Here's an interesting alcove idea--defining the space with hanging, stained glass panels. Not sure if it's the best idea for a home designed to house two little boys.
This one is one I've always liked: using pass-throughs in kitchens. I prefer to have the kitchen closed off a bit, especially around the top of the room (to keep "cooking air" from dirtying the rest of the house.) A pass-through is a nice way to keep it open but closed.
This isn't an idea that I can recall seeing before. An opening between two rooms is double framed and a built-in bookcase is placed in the space in between. I love the idea of sneaking a little extra, built-in storage into a room, plus the beauty of this double frame.
More built-ins! I think using a hallway as a library is a fantastic use of space, and gives a real feeling of being substantial and useful.
These pictures are of an entryway that is defined as a separate space by wide, framed doorways with framed glass around the top. In essence, there isn't a lot there, structurally, separating this entryway from the rest of the house, but the frame around the doorways defines the space and gives it a sense of being a "room" without really being one. Also, I love the white trim and the look of the stairway.
Here's an interesting alcove idea--defining the space with hanging, stained glass panels. Not sure if it's the best idea for a home designed to house two little boys.
This one is one I've always liked: using pass-throughs in kitchens. I prefer to have the kitchen closed off a bit, especially around the top of the room (to keep "cooking air" from dirtying the rest of the house.) A pass-through is a nice way to keep it open but closed.
This isn't an idea that I can recall seeing before. An opening between two rooms is double framed and a built-in bookcase is placed in the space in between. I love the idea of sneaking a little extra, built-in storage into a room, plus the beauty of this double frame.
More built-ins! I think using a hallway as a library is a fantastic use of space, and gives a real feeling of being substantial and useful. 
