Sneak Peak at Preliminary Floorplans

Ever since I went to the house, I've been fiddling with the floor plan. I spent all day Saturday looking at inspirational photographs and drawing and re-drawing the plans.

My drawings aren't very clear and they are messy because I wrote notes all over the place.  Hopefully you'll be able to understand what I'd like to do.

The first image shows the plan of the entire property.  The red and/or brown lines represent new construction or additions to the existing building.

The image below is my interpretation of ideas I have for transforming the outdoor living area.  The area closest to the bottom of the page is where the existing garage is today.  I hope to remodel that area and make that a family room with doors that open completely to the outdoors on two walls (one that faces the pool and the other that faces the new outdoor area).

The entire area would be covered with a permanent roof structure.  They will have partial walls to the west side of the property.

The first area when you step out of the family room would be the outdoor lounging room.  This area would have a fireplace, a large television set and plenty of comfy couches.  I would like to add benches throughout the two areas for storage and seating.  In the area between the living area and the dining area I would like to create a double bench 4ft wide by 7 ft long.  I would like an opening in the center and an exact duplicate bench right across.  The double bench would be big enough to accommodate a twin mattress and plenty of cushions for hanging out. 

The dining area which extends at an angle towards the northwest corner of the property would have the outdoor kitchen and a large dining table.  In addition, I would add a long storage bench along the perimeter of the space that extends out on a diagonal.  We'll move some of the existing palms into the angle just between the bench and the daybed.

The pool deck will be extended on the northeast side. The pool will be enlarged to eliminate the large amount of corners.  By enlarging both, we would ensure plenty of space in the pool and on the deck.  Just beyond the pool deck I plan to add two daybeds (with queen-size mattresses) and a water feature with a basin in between.  Sleek and contemporary-looking grasses and or papyrus plants will be incorporated in the design.

I would love to have different levels and to be able to incorporate steps and dimensions throughout the site.  However, I am leaning towards not doing it.  I want everyone to be able to get around the area comfortable and without fear of falling.  I haven't made a final decision regarding the "levels" yet, and I don't even know if it would be a possibility until I speak to the architect.  We'll see what happens...

These are some of the ideas I'm thinking about:



I like this look for the water feature and basin between the daybeds. 
The grasses would have to be behind the wall and the wall should be
attached to the basin so the water flows into it.

This was the original idea I liked from an episode of Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie.
 I have since changed my mind. 
I would like a smaller wall and basin (probable half the size of this one.  I probably won't put furniture in it,
but would like the option in case, one day we decide to do it for fun.

Not as small as this one:

I like the size of the water feature below, but I like the fountain of the one above.

These are the daybeds I'd like to add to each side of the water feature. 

I like the daybed below but instead of two small cushions I will

have one large mattress on each.

 

These are example of what we would like for the fireplace in the outdoor living area.  We like the TV directly over the fireplace.  I don't necessarily want this style of fireplace, however I like the structure.  I like that is is centered in the area and has open areas on either side, to promote a breezy, comfortable sitting area.

I like the fireplace below because it sits in the center of the "wall" like the previous fireplace. 

My favorite thing about it is the ledge that extends below it.  It can be used to place things or for sitting.  I like the look and it serves a dual purpose. I think a combination of both of these designs would be perfect for our space.  The height and width of the structure pictured in the first photograph and the ledge and contemporary finish (without brick detail) of the second fireplace.

I can't wait to sit in our outdoor living room during our very cold Florida winter (ha! ha!).  We might not have horrible winters, but the evenings do get a little chilly during those months and it would be the only time to enjoy a fire in Miami.  We could also use it to roast marshmallows, so it won't go to waste.   Its all good!

Below are examples of the benches I like.  They also serve dual purposes for sitting and storage.

 Below is the double-wide bench I would like to install between the living area and the dining area.



I even take photos of the TV screen when it is paused so I don't forget ideas I like.



I included this last image because it is similar to what I imagine the property will be like when everything is finished.  The building is close to the pool as in my casa.  I think our outdoor living area will be as large as the one in the picture. 

What are your thoughts on this project?  Would you change anything?  Would you add anything?  It's not too late...I'd love to hear any suggestions and ideas!  Let me know...


*Images from Google Images, HGTV shows, HGTV.com, traditionalhome.com



Outdoor Living Part 4

It's funny how many "outdoor living" posts I can come up with...it's the part of the house I think I'm most excited about.  There is so much space and it has great bones, it will be a pleasure to see it transform into our little piece of heaven.   Our family spends a lot of time outdoors in our current casa and we have a fourth of the amount of space we will have in the new casa.  I can just imagine, how much fun we'll have there.

We love to entertain...most family functions are held at our house.  In addition we love to have friends over for casual dinners, formal dinners, parties, you name it...

I would like to incorporate many furnishings and elements that will stand the test of time and be durable.  This is one reason why I think bench seating would be great around the perimeter of the outdoor living area and/or outdoor kitchen.

These are some ideas I've seen recently:



from Tremron Group brochure

In this photograph, I like the different heights and the decorative planters. 
 I love the torches. 
 I would prefer the ledges lower to facilitate seating...it looks like these ledges are too high to use for seating.  I'd also like to have the area covered because of the unpredictable weather in Florida. 
We get rain often and I would hate to have it hinder an event. 
 If outdoor areas are covered, it doesn't matter if it rains...

I like the height of these walls for seating.

The flooring in this photo is similar to what I'd like to have in the outdoor areas.
I'd like something that would be easy to maintain with
 clean lines and east to walk or dance on with high heels, etc.

I've posted this before and I'm posting it again because I like the look with the fireplace and the pergola.

I don't want the brick on the fireplace.  I prefer more simple lines.

I love this wall in the background with the tall grass in the forefront.  Rather than having the grass I would prefer a water feature with the water falling over a wall this size into a basin.  I would like something like this at the end of the pool to seperate the pool area from the tennis court and the rest of the yard.

This is the finish I would prefer on the fireplace.  It is simple yet makes a statement.

Although I don't like the "style"of this room, I do like the bench seating on the perimeter.  I would prefer the look without the walls extending so high up.  I would prefer a more open, airy feel.

I like the wall for seating just beyond the pool.

I wish I could incorporate a staircase like this in the yard...

I think it is very pretty, but it would be too much for our casa. 

I'm including the photo because it provides another version of the wall that could be used for seating.  This one is a little high, but you get the idea.

I get the sense that the outdoor rooms of our new casa will have this feeling.  We do have

many tropical plants and trees, I'd like to have the bench seating like the one in the picture and we want to have a fireplace and outdoor living room.

  I would like to incorporate this flooring design somewhere in the yard.
I love the pergola and the columns with vines.
This yard looks elegant yet cozy.  I love it!

**Images from Habitually Chic, HGTV.com and Google images.

Outdoor Living Part 3...continued

As I mentioned on my last post, I will be posting some beautiful photographs of outside kitchens and dining rooms.  I don't necessarily want the exact rooms pictured, but some of the features.  I will point out the elements I'd like to incorporate in the design.

I've tried to create a floor plan using several programs to no avail.  I think my threats of showing you my drawings will have to become reality.  As embarrassed as I am to show these, I don't think there's another way.  I can't figure out how to manipulate the floor plan programs. 

So here are some of the pictures I like:

I love this outdoor room for its simplicity. 

 I like the size and style of the fireplace, however,

I would prefer it in a different finish. 

This is a simple fireplace also but with a lot of character. 

I like the wall behind the fireplace or mantle set back. 

It brings more dimension to the room.

I love this!  It's nothing like what I want for the end result,

 but I just love how it looks.

I like the pergola.  This is exactly what I had in mind for part of the area. 

I want areas that are protected from the elements yet still have sunlight. 

I was considering pergolas with glass or Plexiglas for that effect.

I like the idea of this fireplace although I do not like the brick. 

The fireplace I would like to build will have a smooth surface.  I also like the flooring material.

This is also a look I've been contemplating. 

In addition to the tile with the grass in between (which I featured before). 

I like the feeling of the pool surrounded by the living areas.  The living areas are exposed and unexposed to the elements, it varies, which is what I would like to accomplish as well.

Again, I like the proximity of the outdoor living area to the pool.

This pergola is definitely my style.  It seems contemporary

 yet also traditional.  I love the vines!

The yard in my casa has many tropical trees and

flowers just like in this photograph.

                               

I like the symmetry in this design. 

This room feels cozy and warm.  I would prefer a solid flooring material

rather than a pattern on the floor.  I like the arches in the photograph, but not for me.

The style of the fireplace is nice.  I think I still prefer the more simple

 designs shown earlier in this post.  I like the beams on the ceiling.

The doors in this photograph are beautiful in my opinion.

I also chose this photograph because I like the pitch of the roof.

I like many features in this photo.  I like the color of the windows. 

I love the pergola and the vines climbing up. 

                                                        I like the daybed off in the distance.

Again, I just love the simple lines of this

fireplace.

My son saw this and asked if we could do this because "it's so nice" but then realized it wouldn't be any fun to play in a pool with all the cement everywhere.  I agree with him.  I think this is beautiful!

I would like to incorporate bench seating in the outdoor kitchen area.

I'd probably just have it made from the concrete, like in this photograph.  The only change is the seats probably wouldn't have a back, just the bottom.

I've posted this photograph before.  It's from HGTV's

 Jamie Durie's own home.  I like the bench seating in the dining

area and the pergola with a roof deck.

This another Jamie Durie room. 

 I love that about 30 people could sit here

comfortably and have a wonderful evening.

The choice of fabrics, colors and tableware are right on.

This dining area looks fabulous in my book! 

Although I have many, many, many more photographs. 

I will stop for today and leave you guessing...

Outdoor Living Part 2, Water Features

I think I am Jamie Durhie's biggest fan...this morning I woke up to watch the Outdoor Room that was recorded yesterday on my DVR.  This one was inspired by Miami.  Since we live in Miami, naturally I was intrigued.  Low and behold, one of the features of the design was the outdoor daybed.  I like this version a little better because the bed is higher off the ground.  Initially I thought I wanted it lower, but now I think its better to have it at a sitting height so its easier to get in and out of.  I haven't made the final decision, but I'm leaning towards higher, unless I put them on a platform and then they'd definitely be lower to the ground.

It's funny because I woke up with a notebook in hand trying to draw a design for the new backyard outdoor living area.  I think I want to extend the pool deck all the way to the Koi Pond right in front of the tennis courts.  I am a frustrated Architect and Interior Designer.  Those are the careers I would have chosen innately however I was convinced otherwise because Math was not my strong-suit and I am the world's worst artist.  I can't draw a picture if my life depended on it.  Although I have to explain my drawings to others, I get them and I can "see" what the end-product will look like. They are not to scale, because I have no idea how to do that and I don't want to waste time figuring it out.  I just want to put my ideas down on paper so I don't forget them.

I was thinking of including one of my drawings on this post for your enjoyment, but I have to work on them a little.  I will try to add one some time this week.  Meanwhile I'll let you enjoy the Outdoor Room Miami-inspired episode.  I love the water feature that includes the lounging/dining area.

Photo from HGTV website

Although I like the idea of this water feature with the lounge chairs and dining table in the water, I would like a slightly different look for it for the new casa.  I would do it in more "earthy" tones and not as contemporary.  I'd also like the back wall to be a little shorter and possible have gardenia or jazmin shrubs on the other side of the wall  peeking over for fragrance and a softer backdrop.

Gardnia hedge 

 Gardenia flower

 Jasmin hedge

Jasmin flower

 I searched for a photo of a wall with the creeping flowers hanging over the front, but was not able to find exactly what I wanted.  You get the idea...