Peacock Motif Inspiration

Here are some images, some photos of peacocks and others graphic images of peacocks.  Just to give some reference on designing the peacock window.

Plan B Modifications

Although there are things that we like about Plan A, the total budget for the project (including house maintenance and the future kitchen) is getting so high that we've decided that Plan B is the right option for our family.  For Plan B, I'd like to make the following changes.  On the main floor, create just one full bathroom rather than a 3/4 and 1/2 bath (as noted in previous post.)  Widen the two story addition by a foot (so, 15 feet rather than 14) giving a bit more space to move around in the guest bedroom.  Consider a "bump out" window seat on the rear as an alternate.  Because I'd like to use the hallway leading to the guest bedroom to hang coats, put a door to the bedroom so that it could be closed off from the hall.  Reduce the size of the screened porch from 4 bays to 3 bays wide.  Upstairs:  put doors on the closets so that the room could be used as a work out room (without having to look at clothes hanging up (maybe this is already the case, but I couldn't tell from the drawing.)  Eliminate the window from the shower (the skylight should be enough lighting.)  Put a door or a long window from the closet to the roof deck.  As with the main floor, include a two foot bump out on the west side.

Things to Discuss

At our next meeting, we need to discuss some options for the house, including materials for siding and roof.  In terms of siding materials, I'd be interested in knowing what the architect/builders would recommend.  I've been interested in concrete fiber board.  We'd like something durable and relatively low maintenance.  As for the roof, I've been interested in a steel roof.  I'm willing to consider other options, with durability, low maintenance and energy efficiency as important features.  Neither Mike nor I are fond of the look or other features of a wood roofing materials.  We'd like to hear more about other alternatives that we might not have considered.

Modification to Plan A

Could we shorten or lower the windows in the exercise room so that we don't have to put dormers on the south and the north sides of the roof?  We'd just prefer how that would look from the side view of the house.

Modification to Plan B

Yesterday, in our meeting with the architect, we decided on a "Plan A" (Super Nice) and "Plan B" (Budget Friendlier.) As I went to sleep last night, I decided there was a modification to make to Plan B.  Rather than a separate half bath and 3/4 bath, I'd rather have a single bathroom with a tub.  The sketch below shows a possible layout for that bathroom.  You enter and see the vanity in front of you (I'm now on the lookout for an vintage dresser that might serve as the vanity for this room.)  To your right is a shallow, built-in bookcase (the wall of the tub enclosure would just have to be wider to accomodate that.)  Giving just a little bit of privacy to the toilet is a half wall, which is also a bookcase (with the shelves on the side away from the toilet.)  The space in front of the window is empty.  I thought I could get a pretty little vintage chair, as a place to sit and get dressed, and put it there.  Toiletries could be on the shelves on the half-wall.  Does that make sense?  In any case, I wanted to update the plans so that we could get a more accurate price.  As always, you can click on the photo to enlarge the image.

Bathroom Faucet

I would like a high, arched faucet for the master bathroom.  Preferably with "cross" style handles, set apart from the faucet, with a vintage look.  I haven't been able to find the combination of a high arched faucet with the set-apart cross style handles (well, not in a vintage look--I have found it in super-modern sleek designs.) 

This one is okay (the faucet is good) but I'd still prefer cross style handles:
http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=103187-31356-L200-CH&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3005701&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

I like the finish on this (shiny not brushed) and the vintage style. Would prefer cross style handles, but it is not a deal breaker.

Here is another one at found at Lowe's for just $116.  American Standard Heritage Polished Chrome 2-Handle WaterSense Bathroom Faucet Item #: 191528 Model #:7830.000.002.  Just FYI:  I refuse to spend more than $200 on a bathroom faucet. 

The Library

Just off the foyer, we are adding a small library.  The hope is that we can create a space that will function in different ways.  First function will be as a storage place for books, toys and games to help reduce our main floor clutter.  Related to that, it could be a children's play area when adults are talking in the living room (other side of foyer).  In addition, as with any library, it will function as a quiet reading area.  One other function, that I'm considering, is if this will be "the tree room."  I love Christmas:  the decorations, the tree, the food, the festivities.  One of my laments about our current house is that it doesn't have space to share the beauty of the Christmas tree with passersby.  In the new house, we could put the tree in the living room.  But, the library has a "bump out" (a three sided windowed space) that could be ideal for the tree.  The only hang-up is that there will, normally, be a window seat there, blocking prime Christmas tree space.  I was wondering if the window seat might be moveable.  It could move as a unit, or maybe it could be constructed like three, 2 foot wide ottomans that could be moved away from the window (might be also useful during a party).  Something to consider!

 This was a library image that I liked.  

Upstairs Addition Floorplan

This is a drawing of one possible configuration of the upstairs addition.  Click on it to enlarge.  In the bathroom, we still have the tub in the bay window, but have tucked the shower (all glass) in a corner.  The toilet enclosure moves to the north wall, and the sinks to the west.  On the south side is a French door with one fixed side, leading to the roof deck.  Yes, we're back to having a roof deck.  We decided we liked the aesthetics of it a flat roof with decorative railing.  We figure that we'll can use it carefully (with socks, no shoes). 

In the master closet, we have added a washer/dryer with a small storage area adjoining it (north side of the closet space.)  In addition to the price of the washer/dryer, we'd be curious as to how much this would add in price.

For the workout room, we wanted another French door (with one fixed side) leading out to the roof deck.  In the picture, I've added a closet to the room.  Mike is worried this will take up too much space.  Apparently, he plans to buy a large piece of exercise equipment.  So, maybe no closet.  It would be nice to have some storage in the room, but not absolutely necessary.

Dimensions of our Current Master Bath

I measured our current master bath to give myself some perspective on what our needs/expectations will be for the new bathroom.  Our current master bath is totally adequate for us.  We don't need any more space that we currently have. 

Total dimesions of bathroom = 11'2" x 15'

Toilet enclosure = 3' x 5'
Linen closet = 32" x 24"
Shower = 30" x 45"
Vanity with two sinks = 6' x 22"
Tub area (with tile surround) = 6' long (forgot to measure depth)

Peacock Motif

Somehow, I'm imagining our architect reading the title "Peacock Motif" and cringing a bit.  But, here is the explanation.  One of the few stories that we know about our house is that it was known as the "Peacock House" in the neighborhood.  We were told that a peacock from the Sunset Zoo would frequently walk down the street and pay visit to a peacock (peahen?) who lived in our yard. 

In addition to being connected to the history of our home, peacocks play a role in our family history.  When we were married, in 1999, we chose the Sunset Zoo as the location of our wedding ceremony.  This is because we had our first date there.  During our wedding rehearsal, a white peacock followed me up the isle as we practiced.  The next day, a peacock stood nearby and called out a few times.  As such, peacocks have always had a special place in our memories.

Anyway, I was riding down the road in Dublin, looking out the bus window, when I began to notice that a few houses had transoms that looked a bit like peacock tailfeathers.  It hit me, "peacock motif!"  Wouldn't it be cool if, in subtle ways (I realize that peacocks are normally the opposite of subtle), we were able to work a peacock motif into the house.  A few examples:

 A peacock pattern in the transom window of this door.  As a bonus, the door is a lovely color for an interior room.

 Door with a peacock styled transom window.  Includes a cover for the doorway that doesn't attach to the ground.  This may be a good possibility for us to add a cover to our front door, given that we have an issue with the setback.

 Two examples of "peacock like" patterns that could be used in the front patio area.

I just love this poster.  I may buy a reproduction to frame for the house.