STRUCTURAL CONCERNS FOR BEDROOM(Part2)

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STRUCTURAL CONCERNS FOR BEDROOM(Part2)


Written by smith
Monday, 22 December 2008

STRUCTURAL CONCERNS (Part2)

DRESSING AREA?
If you'd like a traditional dressing table, now's the time to sketch it on your plan. Where will you store cosmetics, jewelry, and accessories? What mirrors and lighting (see pages 92-95) will you need?
A walk-in closet can neatly combine clothes storage with a dressing area. About 3 feet of clear space between rows of hanging garments allows ample room to dress. You should allow a minimum depth of about VA feet for each row of hangers; 2 feet is preferable.
If space permits, this area can serve as a bridge between bedroom and bath. Good ventilation, especially for a closet adjacent to a shower or tub, can be crucial.

SITTING AREA?
Just moving a comfortable chair into the bedroom turns the room into a sitting area as well as a sleeping space. Built-in seating economizes on space; traditional options include banquettes or window seats.
A sitting room that's right off the bedroom rather than right in it has the advantage of letting you close a door between the two areas, reserving the bed chamber itself for sleeping. On the other hand, the main purpose of the sitting area might be to allow interaction through the whole room.

OFFICE OR WORK SPACE?
Your work area can be a room next to the bedroom, a space shared with the sleeping quarters, or even a structure connected to the bed.
A study or studio next to the bedroom, separated by a door, has two virtues—association with a bedroom's privacy, plus all the advantages of a separate room. Sliding doors or bifolds allow you to unite the spaces when you choose.
An extra closet—an already built-in alcove—is a natural spot to convert to a tiny bedroom office
Using it won't rob the bedroom of floor space, though it may create a shortage of clothes storage. Some people like to work on, or even in, the bed. If you're one of them, make it convenient by installing work surfaces, communications such as a telephone and intercom, and good lighting.

NOISE & PRIVACY
Be sure to acknowledge your needs for both privacy and quiet in the bedroom. Privacy can be ensured by window treatments (see pages 88-89) or, if the room fronts a street or outdoor living area, by bringing in light through glass block, skylights, or high clerestory windows. To baffle household noise, you might consider soundproofing the walls and /or ceiling (see page 82). To soften the impact of sound within the room, choose thick carpeting, fabric wall coverings, or an acoustic ceiling.

HEATING & VENTILATION
Check to see if the new bedroom will be adequately served by your present heating system. If not, you'll need to reroute duct?work to the area or add an auxiliary room heater. An auxiliary heater may offer the advantage of energy efficiency. With a separate control, even a timer, you can heat the room only when you need to. In warm climates, be sure the placement of windows allows for cross-ventilation. An openable skylight can help dispel hot air; a ceiling fan pro?motes air movement.

BARRIER-FREE BASICS
If you are remodeling to accommodate a disabled or elderly person, be aware of this person's special needs. Minimum heights, clearances, and room dimensions may be re?quired. The door should swing out to allow easy movement in and out of the room. You may also want to install grab bars, use levers in place of knobs, and choose furniture and accessories specifically designed for the disabled.
A barrier-free bedroom needn't look like a hospital room. An architect or designer in your area may specialize in this field; it's worthwhile to check out the latest options.

ADDING AMENITIES
Now is also the time to work any JL. f amenities into the mix; you'll find plenty of inspiring options throughout this book. Are you considering a coffee bar in the dressing area? Dreaming of a wall system for a bedroom media center? A private fitness center? A library? An under-counter refrigerator?
Bedside phones have become standard in many homes. To keep in touch, you may want to build in an intercom to other rooms or a control panel for your security system (see pages 94-95). Many homeowners are adding bedside switches for all main interior and exterior lights.
What about other master-suite additions, such as a fireplace, whirlpool tub, or auxiliary vanity and sink? Sketch the possibilities onto fresh copies of your base map.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 25 February 2009 )

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