nikitaki i wouldnt put the master bedroom near the garage :)

ssanda I think the design is fine.in my mind, you want to be close to everything especially in emergency for time management sake. I like it simple like that.....

rickarddahlgren why would you put garage entrance in the livingroom? Why not put bathroom between master bedroom and garage? Livingroom seems boxed in, very dark. Is a built in garage really that importent it takes up like 30% of your indoor space? I would totally rethink this. Take a look at drawings at housebuilders they might give you better ideas.

Cynthia Taylor-Luce Designing and building a house involves knowledge of everything from basic principles of design (unity, harmony, emphasis, focal point, scale, proportion, line, shape, volume, texture, value, colour, balance, symmetry, illusion of space, illusion of motion) through to indepth knowledge of building materials and all the systems that service a home (HVAC, plumbing, electrical and even home automation these days). Also critically important is a solid knowledge of building codes, because if your house doesn't meet these standards, you'll not get approval from your municipality to obtain a building permit.

I recommend that you first look at building plans available for purchase, and see if there's something that meets your needs. If your budget allows, do some research and interview a couple of architects to see if you can find one who understands what you want and will design something just for you. This person will take into account any characteristics of the site that need to be accommodated and will also consider the North/South/East/West orientation of the building to make the best use of incoming light.

Preliminary thoughts, such as what you have shown us above, are useful, as are photos of interiors and exteriors of homes that you find inspiring. The more material you show your architect, the better the communication will be between you, and the better the plan that is developed.

I understand your desire to draw this yourself, and I've been through the exercise myself sometimes and find it really exciting. But I have learned that a trained architect can take my ideas and make them sooooo much better. I'm an interior decorator, and a good one (!) but I'm not an architect. It's important to know what we're capable of and when we need to go to an expert.

I wish you great success in achieving your ultimate goal of a new home that is built to your specifications.

Joseph I. Mycyk Architects, Inc. I agree with Cynthia.

Building a house is a big financial commitment.

Designing a home for you and your site should be done properly. What you layout inside affects the exterior look. Both should be done simultaneously taking advantage of site lines, natural light and ventilation, good flow from one space to another, utilities, storage, wall thickness, structure, energy code requirements, building code requirements, zoning requirements, etc., etc., etc.

Yeah, go ahead and look at online houseplans to see what options are out there, but ultimately you'll do yourself the best service by speaking with a professional. Seek an architect that you feel comfortable with and understands your goals, budget.

This is a great adventure you are undertaking. You should do it with minimal pitfalls. Good Luck!

mapeggy I agree with the others, you need professional help. The money you spend for them, (architect or design drafter) will be saved from the numerous mistakes and do-overs which are going to happen with your plan. Big things are very wrong, but even the little things.. No space allowance for wall depths of 4" to 10"? Entrance doors 2' wide? Closets where you can't reach your clothes. Dining area that can't accommodate a regular size table and chairs and still be able to get off and on chairs without banging the walls. Washer/dryer next to children's bedrooms? Open front door and wind, rain, snow, etc just blows into living room. No place for boots, coats, kids backpacks, etc. Where are the utilities located, such as furnace, hot water, electrical panel? Although I admire your desire and enthusiasm, this is too complex a job to give you much assistance in this forum. A site plan should come before the interior floor plan....

nm4bd3lj I greatly appreciate all the advice so far. You guys have some awesome insight. A few things to note.. Things will be built to code or should I say already are, I did account for heights and wall spacing as well as have had the front door recess about four feet from the rest of the house. HERES A BIG ONE.. I just finished putting up the OSB sheathing this past weekend. This obviously means I have built the walls layout and everything else. In fact, the roof is already on too. I'm only 24 and this is my first house so I'm not too worried about kids stuff and all that. Primarily this is a college town which means I'll more than likely be able to rent it out or at the very least sell it and break even (with me putting in all this sweat equity). Moslty, I'm looking for help designing the interior, color, style that type of stuff. I know that is mostly up to preference but I'd appreciate your guys' thoughts. Sorry if my initial post, or this one for that matter, was/is confusing. Keep on commenting!! Thanks guys and gals!!

Aggie Purvinska Basically you are building a house to spec as they say.

If I were to build a house to spec, I would incorporate contemporary trends that are somewhat neural to flip it quicker.

Use Prefinished Hardwood Floors, in a Medium Dark Finish,

[houzz=Ash Cappuccino]

For Bathrooms, do all Bisque Fixtures and Chrome with a Simple Contemporary Greige Tile on The Floor and Walls, and maybe a very simple glass or mosaic detail if you want to get a little fancy, but don't get to carried away. White Subway Tile with a penny tile floor with white fixtures is always an alternative and a classic.



Light Fixtures, Keep a minimalist approach to hanging fixtures, the simpler, the better, IMO.

[houzz=Ronda Drum Pendant]







Paint All Walls a Light Gray (Can't go wrong) [houzz=On the Rocks Paint]

[houzz=St. Paul Bombay Vanity in Chocolate] Simple Pre-Fab Vanity, Recessed Mirrored Medicine Cabinet, a Classic Fixture

[houzz=Makò Tile, Yucca Grigio]

[houzz=Art Strip Tiles]

[houzz=Twin Tube Vanity Light Kit]

and All Trim White

Kitchen Cabinets a simple Shaker, Darker Wood, Stainless Appliances, Stainless Hardware

[houzz=Fieldstone Cabinetry Manteca Door]

Gibli or Kashmir White Granite Countertops a very simple backsplash, greige subway tile

[houzz=Kashmir White Polished Granite Tile]

thirdstone inc. [^] Hi nm4bd3lj,

I'll be brutally honest if I may. It's an awful floor plan layout and i would have suggested starting over again - but apparently this advice is too late!

If you plan on ever building again, I highly suggest as others already have here; hire a design professional. Not everyone can afford one but at least inform yourself of what good design means; to you as a homeowner, to your neighbors, the streetscape and your community:

Here's a good place to start...

Reading: What's Wrong with this House - http://www.slowhomestudio.com/store/wwwth2.html

...or at least watch every single video (literally) that has ever been posted to the following website.

http://slowhomestudio.com/

:: thirdstone inc. [^]

mapeggy I know that design,paint and decor is something you want to quickly get to.. If you do not have a lot of experience get a building permit from the county/city. Without regular inspections for foundation, electric, plumbing, framing, insulation, etc. you may not be able to sell your house in the future. Usually if renting is desired, stricter building codes may be required. Did you know if you do not get a building permit, the county is within its right to come and take the work down, at your expense? If there is a structural default, electrical fire, etc. you may be held accountable for your renters medical and physical damages? How much of a gambler are you? Your current design is not ideal. Quite a few problems with function and flow. If you are spending the money, then make it safe, energy efficient , and compliant with all building codes.

nm4bd3lj @mapeggy. I dont understand what exactly your angle is. The house is already built and as I made clearer by the second comment, follows all recommended guidelines. Perhaps my listing of age confused you. Please dont mistake age for lack of knowledge. You are correct, I am spending the time and effort so I am designing a floor plan to fit my wants and needs, not anyone else's. If it hasn't been made clear already, this was a question strictly for interior decoration and nothing more. I appreciate your insight but please cater your comment towards the actual question. Thanks!

Sadiesammie We are in the process of building our home. We did not hire an architect. We designed it ourselves. We have a builder and he thinks we did a good job on the design. We allowed ample space for everything. You don't always have to pay a "professional" a thousand plus dollars to have the perfect house. It's your home designed to your needs and if it is exactly how you want it, then I say way to go & congrats. Building has been a huge learning experience for us. Lots of time, lots of thinking & even more research on every detail of every square inch.

What kind of decorating style do you want? We are doing rustic style in our home.

nm4bd3lj @Tiphany, Thank you for the support!!! I absolutely agree on the time and thinking aspect. I thought it was rough before I got started but working full time and putting in time for this thing puts me at about 90 hours a week. Yeesh! Lol. It is teaching me so much though as well. I like traditional style but the new flavor of contemporary greatly appeals to me. I will be adding it in where I can. I would say its more of a transitional decorating scheme. I like the simplicity of lines and edges where it can be applied and compliment more traditional styles. How did you decide on Rustic?? Do you think transitional/contemporary will work with the currently layout?? What do you suggest? Thanks for your input!

gendronan Go to "ideabooks" then "decorating" then "decorating styles" and there are really good explanations, ideas and discussions of almost every possible style! Sorry...would have posted a link but can't figure it out yet! :)

Sadiesammie We initially wanted a log cabin until we found out it would be much more money than intended. And he wanted log inside but I like color so I wanted Sheetrock inside. So we decided to design our own & still wanted the rustic, country feel to it. I love old stuff like antique furniture, cast iron & such. I have found that rustic will be easier to decorate for me.

Arlene Warda, Architecture+Interior Design I like the ideas, AggieDesigns, above. I agree with the preliminary planning, and getting aquainted with plans, and ideabooks.

I don't see mentioned a 'site' or property for the house.. If you haven't done it or are you still choosing an address? Once you actually do, the first thing to do, before finalizing the floors plan, or just getting started is your actual location of the house, footprint on the actual site, where the house is going to be.

This works also if you are only doing interiors, and looking at the house from the inside out.

Ques. to ask: How are the surroundings? what will the new kitchen, bath living room will face. If you are building a new house: how much area are you allowed to put on the site. Most addresses have a zoning site restriction, on floor plan areas. This will bring you limits on how big it is. It is important to ask.

You can find this out, after you pick an address:

Some items to ask: you might get the info. from the local zoning dept. (for a new house) is:

1. how much allowable sq. foot. (what zoning district is this address in)
2. The your survey will tell you this, from it's sq. foot. of lot.
Then you can then have an analysis done, by
a professional, or local who can tell you the site
sf, where you can put the house. Order a preliminary drawing.
and see where you can put the house.
4. this is invaluable before you purchase the property, land you are going to use.

Well, perhaps you have already done this! if you have, you are on your way!...

Thanks.

shopcocacola we luv our master by the garage and kitchen area. We basically have the same layout and have added a great room in the back...good luck!

eagledzines Since you mentioned possibly renting it out I would suggest that you limit the decorating budget because you need to count on some things having to be replaced. I wouldn't skimp on paint though. Benjamin Moore or Sherwin Williams have good coverage. Generally, walls should be primed. I've successfully used Benjamin Moore with no primer using just two coats but no can do with cheap paint. Even with primer, the cheap paints can leave a disappointing finish with two coats of paint. DON'T use flat texture paint on the walls or trim. It's hard to clean. No wallpaper. Cheap cabinets. Preformed countertops with a drop in stainless sink--no porcelain kitchen sink as it chips. No glass in cabinet doors. Don't spend a lot on passage doors, they take a lot of abuse. Try to find some on Craig's list or in the discount section of a lumber store. Same with the bathroom vanity. The exception is the front door. Get a good quality insulated door. Get kitchen and bathroom fixtures with ceramic washers. They'll cost more but you won't be replacing them as often. Big box stores can sell fixtures cheaper because they don't use ceramic washers. Don't be tempted by the price. It will be worth it in the long run. Flooring might be a tough decision. Carpet tiles can be pricey to put in but cheaper to replace when there is damage. It might cost more to use vinyl flooring but it's easier to clean than carpet--thus fewer stains. I would compare laminate flooring.Just a note on large expansive spaces of flooring--they are more expensive when there is damage because you have to replace all of it. Save leftover materials for repair. Ceiling fixtures can make a big difference when it comes to style. They are probably the least likely to suffer damage. I'd put my $ there and in good quality color design. Hire an interior designer for an hour or so and see if you can get some good ideas on exact colors to put together for this particular house before you buy anything for decorating. It will be well worth your while. She/he will take into account the lighting in the room and your tastes. Have pictures ready to show her/him before he/she gets there. Take the color chips she/he suggests with you when you purchase all other decorating items.

LB Interiors Cynthia Taylor - I couldn't have said it better!

Ironwood Builders Whew! What a post!

Cancork Floor Inc. Because this is a college town and you could rent it out, I suggest you invest in insulation between rooms. If you have better (than average) internal sound insulation than the average home, you might find that renters are less likely to rotate through your home = more painting = more repairs = more costs = more head ache.

I think your transitional design preference will do very well for resale/rental. It is the most appeal to the most amount of people.

For flooring, go as "tough" as you can go with the surface, the MOST amount of insulation below it and as water proof as you can make it....all the way through.

There are high end vinyl-on-vinyl laminates that are click-together, have incredible strength, are very tough, and are WATER PROOF!!! This is an amazing feature if your renters decide to drink too much and pass out - bottle of XXX falling out of their hand and running all over the floor. Clean-up may be 10-12 hours away! Not a lot of laminates/engineered hardwoods/hardwoods can handle something like that! These planks are quite stiff (should NOT bend like a rainbow!).

Medium-dark "everything" with light trim and a nice counter top in the kitchen (something that doesn't need sealing, doesn't stain and will be appealing in 10 years time). Everything else will fall into place.

I like the idea of a bisque bathroom. Anything that gets damaged is easily replaceable!

Just some thoughts.

Maria Billingsley of J Hettinger Interiors This may be a crazy question, but how do you get into the house?

Maria Billingsley of J Hettinger Interiors And is it really going to be one big rectangle..honestly I can't take this plan seriously sorry.

nm4bd3lj For those of you that continue with your positive comments and ideas. Thank you so much!!! Cancork and eagledzines I appreciate your help and will try to incorporate what I can. For all others whose parents did not teach them to not say anything if they had nothing good to say.... Move along, if you cant take the plan seriously then don't, don't bother commenting either. This isn't a place to bash, in your opinion, bad design. Its a place to help. Adding sorry to the end of the post doesn't make you a nice person. Thanks!!!!

Studio S Squared Architecture, Inc. Agree with all above that this floor plan leaves much to be desired for new construction, but as nm4bd3lj said, he's building this house to fit his own wants and needs. I applaud his being able to pull off such an undertaking at a mere 24 years old!

nm4bd3lj, having owned a couple of rental houses in a college town (Davis, CA), my advice to you is to not get too hung up on the finishes, as they will definitely get trashed. Cheap but durable tile in all wet areas, including the kitchen. Higher grade laminate flooring instead of wood or carpet everywhere else! Smooth drywall costs more up front but is easier to patch later v. textured. Plan on changing out appliances and plumbing fixtures every 7-10 years.

nm4bd3lj, I predict that if you continue doing these sorts of projects, over time you will see the value of a well-designed over a self-designed home, for the reasons that my fellow pros have outlined above. Nothing like learning at the school of hard knocks! Quite a few of our clients have come to us to design a major remodel or new home for them, having tried to design one for themselves earlier and seeing firsthand the shortcomings. The money you pay to a pro will typically pay for itself in increased home value, or even in the ability to bid your project out to multiple contractors if you pay for a very thorough set of plans (which will cost even more).

Best of luck with your project, again, I am very impressed. :o)

mapeggy Nm4bd3lj, sorry if you were offended by my comments, but reading over other posts, many if us interpreted your comments, both 1st and 2nd, the same way. I never thought negatively about your age, in fact, I was impressed you had accomplished so much. But my advice still stands. A roof on and OSB is not a finished house. You never mention a building inspector..is it only your interpretation of the building codes? And are you willing to take the risk to ruin your future mental and financial security, if you rent the house, it has an electrical problem, a fire starts and serious injury or death occurs? All because you thought you knew or did not want to pay the $200 for a building permit?

I have no angle. Just like many of the other professionals who respond to requests for help, we take time out of our busy schedules, time from our clients, and time from our families to help others. I'm not trying to sell you anything, but I am trying to educate you. I was attempting to give you the advantage of hind-sight. DIYer's often end up in serious trouble down the road. I have seen where the local building department comes into your home (called by a feuding neighbour, ticked off relative, worried renter, jealous friend, etc.) and the inspectors literally rip the walls down to inspect the wiring, plumbing, duct work, insulation. And guess what, even if they didn't find a problem, they are not responsible for the mess, damage or repairs to put it back together.

Maybe you were upset because you expected everyone's praise. You are excited and proud of you accomplishment. And rightly so. But you asked for help and as one poster said,"I will be brutally honest". That is what solicited advice is.. Honest... So you must be willing to accept our honesty.

I suggest if you don't want help on the "bones" of your home, then start a new posting and don't mention anything about building. Post as if the house is entirely complete including plumbing lines, drains, drywall, electrical plugs, ceiling type, height, window sizes, doorways with framing sizes, etc. tell us you have walked into a new home with carpet or tile or wood, etc floors, colour of kitchen cabinets, and room dimensions. Then you will get the decorators who will answer your posting...not the architects, designers and builders who volunteer their time to help you.

nFORMAL design I'm posting my $0.235 (adjusted for inflation). I come from a building background...engineers, contractors, superintendents (of large construction companies), and I could wire 3-way and 4-way switches by 9th grade. (My grandfather was the master electrician for the mines in WV.) I could probably have built most of a house by myself as a senior in high school. I drew floor plans when I was in 6th grade.

HOWEVER, I can honestly say that the knowledge of spatial relationships and alternative thinking that I received in architecture school (went back to study after first wanting to go to med school) and getting two degrees in it, cannot be replaced by knowing how to build a house.

One of my favorite stories is my supervisor at a large firm went into a meeting for a new hospital we were designing, and one of the people on the board was the Chief of Surgery. He brought his own "drawings" to the meeting and said, "I have AutoCAD at home, and I did a few drawings." My supervisor kept his cool, but on the inside he was flipping out. I looked at him after the meeting and said, "You should show up to a surgery of his and go, 'I checked this out on WebMD last night and also stayed at a Holiday Inn Express, so I think I can do this for you. Go get some dinner or something. I got this!'"

So, I'm for giving people advice, but I also think all of the DIY shows and HGTV programs have done the Architecture/Interiors, etc., professions a huge disservice. Not many people represent themselves in court, or do their own appendectomy. Why does everyone think they can design their own spaces? My FAVORITE show on those networks is "Renovation Realities"...enough said.

I digress...but I leave you with this. Contractors/Builders know how to build. Designers know how to design. There is a HUGE difference. My buddy worked for a contractor building houses before he went to back to school to study architecture (like me), and over one summer a client found out and asked him what he thought about her place. As someone who doesn't hold back, he ripped the design and spatial relationships inside the house. His boss got pissed, but then the client hired them to fix everything and have him design other parts...including a large patio/deck.

nFORMAL design After seeing a comment above, I too, wonder where the front door is? Do you go through that foreshortened area next to what is a closet?

Architectrunnerguy "I can use all the help you guys can offer"

I'm pretty new here when compared to most everyone else but I've noticed here in Houzz there seems to be a large number of whole design house threads whose authors couch them as input threads but in reality they are validation threads.

But if input is what you want, Ernest Hemmingway said "Easy reading is hard writing". And that's from a literary genius. No different with design. Great and even good design is hard work. And it certainly doesn't come easy!!

mapeggy Ok, let's give the young man a break. It does not take a Rocket Scientist to figure out where the two foot wide front door is. He hasn't marked the washer/dryer area, but using a little brain power it is easy to determine the location. It is on the opposite side of the house where sheets and dirty clothes are located.

I don't have a clue what the rectangle box is between the garage wall, living room wall and the front door wall, but he either got the living room size wrong, or it is a front porch with no access, or it is the garden. Only he knows. He also is the only one who knows where or if there will be windows or a second exit. Why he put the mst. Bath in a location where there cannot be a window and on an outside wall, I don't know either. I'm assuming he likes traditional decor because the layout of the kitchen was popular in the 60's when kitchens were NOT open floor plans.

Unfortunately, he has made it quite clear he does not want any help on spatial, flow or function. He may not realize, building a house to meet a specific person's desires and requirements does not mean you ignore basic principals. It means you enhance those basics to meet specific requirements. I just wonder what the curb appeal and symmetry of this house will actually be.

So, I am over and out. The best advice I can offer is get some professional architectual help before this building adventure turns into an ongoing 'money pit'.

LB Interiors For decorating, you might like the following designs and color options.
Living Room and Dining Room color inspirations.

Hrivnak Associates, Ltd. Hire professionals. You'll save money and time in the long run and get a much better result. Recently hired to fix a home designed and built by a builder. Guy really needed an architect. New owners bought the thing really cheap in part because of the terrible layout. Selling price was $300k. Sold for $175 k. Dd the original owners save money by skipping an architect? The new owners will end up with a great home. ABC; architect before contractor. They have different talents. Don't mix them up. Good luck to you.

Joseph I. Mycyk Architects, Inc. I like the ABC! Architect Before Contractor. I have to remember that one.

nm4bd3lj @nformaldesign. Interesting perspective, I don't think there is anything wrong with anyone trying anything. How else do you find out what you can and can't do right!?;) If it works out great, if it doesn't ill pay someone next time. Also, yes the door is in the center of the 10 foot section on the front next to the closet. It is recessed the depth of the closet, roughly 4 feet.

@architectrunnergy. I don't need validation from anyone. Just looking for color and decor advice. Sorry!??..

@mapeggy. Damn, you really won't let up huh? What is so appealing to you that you have to keep coming back to bash some more? Out of everyone here, you are the least help, but certainly take the rudeness medal. Or maybe you aren't being sarcastic at all and just don't realize that text doesn't carry your meaning through as well as your lovely voice can. You have made me happy by saying one thing though "I am over and out." Thanks, and please don't come back. Unless you want to be more annoying.

nFORMAL design @nm4bd3lj -- First, I find it interesting how you justify building your house yourself--without expert advice, but you seek out expert advice for stuff like color/style/etc. These are the decisions you are really more qualified to make, but they are the ones you trust professionals advice on.

I had a longer response written, but it is obvious that it would go in one ear and out the other. Smiley faces don't make up for bad building mistakes. "Trying" to build a house yourself without proper training can, at least, create an eyesore for the neighborhood and at worst, can potentially take peoples' lives. It isn't something you should do on a whim. It isn't baking a cake.

Again, I agree with with Architectrunnergy. You seem to dismiss the real "advice" here. He even quoted you with, "I can use all the help you guys can offer." But, it seems like you really don't want the help that is the most important.

In your "DIY-I-Can-Do-Everything-Myself" mentality, I suggest you go to Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, etc. They have already put together color schemes. Then, you can check out IKEA and they have room layouts already...or even Rooms-to-Go. There is no thinking involved.

I actually think it is quite comical that people on this thread post photos of really well designed spaces to give you ideas, when, since you started with very ill designed spaces, you will never have that outcome. Your living room is wedged in the middle of your home with nothing but one small wall where the front door is for natural light. Call me crazy, but I think the basement should be underground.

Aggie Purvinska I gave you color advice, but received zero feedback. I take it you no likey?

P.S. I din't put any curtains, since there were no windows.

Cynthia Taylor-Luce Aggie, what beautiful work you do. I just checked out your website...

Aggie Purvinska Thank you, Cynthia!

nFORMAL design Yes...great work Aggie.

nm4bd3lj @nformaldesign. I would never try to bake or design cake! It is far too complex! I leave that to the professional designers and people that work in shops. But hey, if I ever decided to bake a cake, got the batter all ready, mixed everything together, put it in the oven, then say.. asked a few professional cake decorators for help, all while my cake was baking in the oven, I don't think any of them would tell me to shut the oven off and tell me how the eggs weren't beaten at the right speed and how i could have cut my finger off!! Maybe, just maybe.. they might say, hmm, that style of cake could really be accented with glkajbkbjalkjgakj, or the height of that cake could be offset by gklajglkjalgkj. Who knows!!?? Maybe I'm crazy. But you know what, continue to bash me, I really don't get hurt over it. Don't think a tower of tile is going to crush me or a counter top is going to sever my leg though.. Also, it maybe be a bit unprofessional to bash your colleagues as well though. "I actually think it is quite comical that people on this thread post photos of really well designed spaces to give you ideas." You clearly are very successful now. I think I'll go back in time and ask your 6th grade self for a floor plan, then go hire your senior high-school self for $5/hr and my house would be WAY better. Best of luck to you in all adventures, I'm sure I'll get another reply. I'll be twiddling my thumbs professionally until then. I'll be damned if someone tells me I'm not qualified for that!!! Ttyl.

nm4bd3lj @aggiedesigns. To the contrary, I like quite a bit. I think that style vanity, with a different top mixed with the art strip tiles for a splash will work very well. I'm trying to actually find somehting similar to the white granite that i can put in the kitchen!! I really appreciate your advice.

@lbinteriors. Thanks!

LB Interiors You're very welcome. Just trying to stay on track for what you are looking for, color and inspiration? The rooms I posted may help in the somewhat neutral color palettes (good rental choices) to choose and keeping within your preferred design styles. Are you looking for floor plans and color choices?

If you do not rent ... the same neutral palettes are good options for your personal tastes as well. You only need to add your specific colors of choice and incorporate Your colors in the accessories, artwork, fabrics and personal furniture.

eagledzines Written on: A cocktail napkin
By: Rollin King and Herb Kelleher
The Story: Kelleher was a lawyer. King was a banker and
pilot who ran a small charter airline. In 1966, they had a drink at a
San Antonio bar. Conversation led to an idea for an airline that would
provide short intrastate flights at a low cost. They mapped out routes
and a business strategy on a cocktail napkin. Looking at the notes on
the napkin, Kelleher said, "Rollin, you're crazy, let's do it,"
and Southwest Airline was born.

capinjack Can you please upload pictures or links to picture hosting webistes of your new home? Thanks!

nm4bd3lj @aggiedesigns. There will be windows, just hadn't labeled them yet. It's ok though, I'll get the curtains figured out.

@lbinteriors. Yup, color ideas and inspiration is right up the alley! I don't need it to be breath taking or anything. This may sound weird, I dont know if it happens to everyone, but you know that refreshing weird zen feeling you get when you walk into a nice hotel/room. Thats kind of what I want, weird I know. Lol.

@eagledzines. Inspiring!!! Hadn't heard that one. Thank you for your motivation and support. Means a ton.

@capinjack. When I get some time, I can do that. Anything specific you are looking for?

orangecamera if you want that "ahhhh" feeling of walking into a nice hotel room, I recommend you actually go to nice hotels' websites and look at pictures of their rooms. Pay attention to every detail. Colors, textures, placement, lighting, flooring.....

Just remember that part of that "ahhhh" feeling comes from being in a room that someone else cleaned and made perfect for you, and that you don't have to clean later. Notice how there's usually no clutter, and nothing "personal" in the room. Even if you had the exact duplicate room in your house, unless you also have daily maid service, your room will probably never look quite the same.

capinjack Pictures of the structure, interior, anything you think shows off the features you created.

LB Interiors Going back to your design style preferences (transitional/contemporary) that I took note of, from a much earlier post and posted pics, they can be mixed effectively.

Transitional (traditional//contemporary) is the style that I believe you are wanting. It's a great blend. Personally, transitional fits me great and I don't have to go so far at the opposite ends of the spectrum to update and still incorporate all my tastes. I have an eclectic design that I love.

I am moving away from too much traditional myself. Can't afford to start all over, so it's happening by switching out some less pricier items to a more contemporary mix of the two. I will always love traditional so this has been a great direction for me to go. I love both styles.

nFORMAL design eagledzines...really don't think that is a similar analogy in the slightest. As someone who grew up for a time in Texas and went to school at UT, I flew Southwest when it was a small, regional airline. However, I would not say that this "napkin sketch" is the same. Southwest as a company was not started with ONLY that napkin sketch and both of those founders had appropriate skills in their respective fields. We do "napkin sketches" all the time, but they also get refined after that by skilled people. Turn that napkin sketch into the permitting office and see what happens.

Now...if the guy above had the napkin sketch and hired some great architects and interior designers to help create a "dream"...that would be an appropriate analogy. King and Kelleher were not building jet airliners from parts with no A&P experience (Airframe and Powerplant).

eagledzines As a child, I watched my father do his own blueprints for homes that he built. I never did any drawing for him or anyone else. I never had any formal training in blueprinting. One day, my husband came home and said he thought we had a chance to get a job building cabinets for L.L. Bean if we could provide shop drawings. I stayed up all night, looking over old prints we had hanging around and drawing by hand. By morning I had a set of prints ready to take to get copied and given to the GC with the bid. We got the job.

I DO understand what you're saying nFormal but never underestimate the power of the human spirit when motivated.

kaz2 I wish I had time to read it all but I just wanted to say congratulations on your home and doing it yourself. We are also in the process of building. It is also our own design. It may not be to everyone’s tastes but I love it! The builders commented to me yesterday that he is enjoying building it. He says it is probably the most interesting home he has build as they all seem to be fairly standard. Maybe because we are not trained into thinking a certain way. I don't know. One thing I did find when they went to build it, I thought the manhole was supposed to be in the cupboard but in reality it had to be shifted because there was a roof truss there, which I didn't spot on the plans (being new at it all I didn't spot it). RATS!!!
As we had to get the building company to draw up the final plans for the build.
It's great you got all the comments as there’s a lot to consider and if anything bugs you once it's built and you have lived it it for awhile you can always revisit all the comments and modify it a little. Like where doors are etc. Luckily things can be changed a little. Congratulations again and I'll have to come back to read all the comments with furnishing. I need to learn that too.

orangecamera This conversation brings to mind this little tidbit...from the wikipedia page about "The Cat Who Walks Through Walls" by Robert Heinlein. The cat's name is Pixel.

"In one scene Pixel does, in fact, walk through a wall, and it is explained that Pixel is too young to know that such behavior is impossible."

Sadiesammie You should really check out some of the ideabooks. I got a chance to do a lot of reading on things I was unsure of & found some really interesting & helpful things. Color matches, drapes & a few other things a nonprofessional like myself was having trouble perfecting my ideas. Don't waist your time arguing with these people who are obviously only here to be rude.

rinqreation I'm curious on how the livingroom turned out!
I've never built a house, but me and my hub gutted one (still working on it) and I know what it is to figure out best options and functional yet pretty features. We didn't study for it, we make up as we go along (with some proper technical planning of course) and doing everything by ourselves. We have dozens of torn envelopes with drawings like yours on them.
First thing I wondered when looking at your drawing was where would your livingroom windows be? It's a neat layout in my opinion, but I'm used to rooms being connected to exterior walls for daylight. Will you post pictures? I love to see other people's projects!
Weird Zen huh? Ha! Who knows what you'll blend in there. I'd start off by choosing a floor, doors and a kitchen, paint the walls offwhite and/or soft greige and see what comes up. Good luck and enjoy the ride!

nFORMAL design ringreation...the point of all the earlier banter was to point out that most professionals wouldn't make mistakes like the "window" issue. Yes, there will be windows in his layout that he didn't draw on the plan, but it is almost impossible to have that many if hardly any windows in the living room. Right now, he has a closet up there and his front entry will also be in that 10' area...which I've heard will be recessed back from the rest of the outside wall by 4'.

I made a comment about the fact that I think basements should be underground because there will be very little natural light in the living room unless there are skylights. Regardless, a living room with NO real views just seems very dismal and depressing. These are the things that you don't think about when you follow grid lines on graph paper and just try to squeeze every function into a rectangular puzzle. For instance, just because you have 120 sq ft open on the plan somewhere doesn't mean it is necessarily a good place for a 10'x12' bedroom. (That is just a general statement...not related to the plan above.)

If I were a betting man, I'd say that the closet up front will go and there will eventually be windows there.

Architectrunnerguy Again, nm4bd3lj, any photos? You too Tiphany, would love to see your house too!!

Sadiesammie I will be posting mine. I meant to do it this weekend when I was home but I had a uneventful weekend. I work traveling 5 days a week. When I get home I will post. I'm just trying to steer clear of negativity. I too designed my own plan with no architect. I do have a pretty good builder though!

Sadiesammie We don't break ground on ours until spring though.

nFORMAL design Tiphany...if you don't mind me asking, what do YOU do?

To get reinforcement...Jayme (nurse that posts on Houzz.com the MOST of anyone), do you think anyone can go on WebMD every night for a month and do your job correctly? I'm guessing she would say, "H*LL NO!" If this was some person on a website soliciting advice to perform minor surgery on someone, you all would be shaking your heads. "WTF? Why does this person think they can perform surgery on someone with no training? They are just asking for trouble...that is CRAZY."

However, when it comes to design and/or building...we wouldn't want to fight that human spirit. Why? Because, as is demonstrated so frequently on Houzz.com, everyone thinks they can be a designer/builder. Priceless.

Sadiesammie My husband & are truck drivers.

nFORMAL design So, would you trust anyone that can drive a stick shift car to just jump in your rig and haul a load across the country? I doubt it. Are there men/women out there that can drive anything with wheels after very little instruction. Certainly, but that isn't the norm. That is rare.

Interiors International, Inc. @Cynthia Taylor-Luce You again amaze me on your excellent advise. All of your information you have so freely given on this thread is insightful and concise. I hope everyone you help realize just how much of yourself and your time you are giving them. I think you should be voted one of the top 10 designers on Houzz. Sincerely, Johnathan

nFORMAL design Tiphany...I'm not trying to call you out on here or anything, but I went through your ideabook and 95% of all the things you like came from images that are from designers/architects. There is a reason for this. Good designers' spaces drawl peoples attention because they "work". The perfect example of this is the "White Room Challenge" on DesignStar--which I can't stand that show. Haha. Anyway, everyone starts with the same space, same budget and shop at the same store. They also have the same amount of time. Some of the outcomes are horrid. Some are pretty good. One or two out of a few seasons worth of white challenges are spectacular. Reason? It is HARD.

I point out one image in particular. You saved an image of a dining room from Fringe Studios. What was your comment? You liked "Everything" about that space. I agree...it is a beautiful space. That is not something you typically get with a "self-designed" space from someone with no design background. There are little bells and whistles and everything just seamlessly goes together.

Sadiesammie First of all, you shouldn't be so rude. Second, I wouldn't trust anyone in the seat of my truck. I drive an 80,000 lb truck that can be very lethal to me & lots of others on this road. So no I wouldn't allow someone who doesnt know what they are doing to carelessly kill others on the highway. Third, what a joke of you to compare him building a home to surgery, again possibly killing another human. Last but not least, you are carrying on like a child on this website boo hooing over something that doesn't effect nor does it even concern you or anyone else but the Author. Why? To prove a point ? What's your point? He's building a home with HIS hard earned money, investing his blood sweat & tears & somehow that offends you? Why do you care so much? Because he's not investing thousands of dollars on you, for YOUR ideas? He has to live with his home, not you! Give it a rest already!! All he wants is decorating ideas/opinions. This site is suppose to be positive & here you are carrying on like a jacka**! Just leave it alone already!

Cancork Floor Inc. I believe this thread has now disintigrated into personal comments; nm4b...good luck and please start a new thread. There are some ugly comments that I will no longer partake in on the same page. I congratulate you on your ambition and your project. You are a remarkable person who deserves more than what is being posted by others.

Professional is, as professional does (or says). I leave this thread because of the unhelpful comments of some of the posts. I urge others to do the same. This is not a comment on nm4b but on the level of unprofessional conduct on this thread.

I am tempted to comment to the moderator.

Sadiesammie And let me tell you something about "my ideabook". I'm on here for the same purpose you are. To see ideas. I'm building a home. I designed my floor plan myself & I'm very happy with it. You & others may not like it but I do. I am hiring contractors to do every bit of my home. So no, you won't be "calling me out"! If this guy decides he doesn't want contractors then that's his business. You shouldn't come on here being rude & disrespectful. Don't you have any manners? A few of you totally trashed his thread on your input that he didnt even want from the get go. He wants decorating ideas! Simple as that! If you don't have any positive or encouraging words for him then don't come on his post!

Sadiesammie Sorry if I offended anyone! That wasn't my intension!

nFORMAL design OH...and the point of the "White Room Challenge" story...a lot of the people that had really terrible rooms thought the rooms were amazing. I still stand by my training and experience. I know that people are OVERLY proud...heck, I am too. Most people are too proud to admit that they made a mistake. I, on the other hand, am not. Have I made design mistakes? Sure...but comparatively, they are minimal in scale. Every good designer ends a project thinking, "If I would have just done..." or "If I knew now...I could have changed..." In their minds, the project never ends.

@Tiphany, kaz2, nm4bd3lj...I definitely wish you the best, and I'm SURE you all are going to just love your places. Most people don't do something and think, "I just hate this...it is terrible." My ex-girlfriend painted every room in her small house a different bright color and most of them clashed. The girls in the interior design department at school were shaking their heads. She was DETERMINED not to take any constructive criticism.

The thing is...paint is easily changed. Structural walls are not. My biggest beef is that nm4bd3lj posted a floor plan on graph paper where every dimension is rigid to a 2' increment. Also, there is NO WAY IN HELL that any municipality would issue a building permit without a real set of drawings. If there ARE a real set of drawings. why aren't they posted? I am going by the assumption that nm4bd3lj drew his plan on that piece of paper and started building. Sorry, but that scares me. Tiphany and kaz2...it sounds like you both hired competent builders to do this for you. I have no issues with that.

Oh, and nm4bd3lj, your counter might not fall over, but your roof might cave in. There is nothing wrong with giving it the "Old College Try" (even for those who didn't go to college...it is a saying). However, if something happens that can put people in danger, then that is another thing. If his place flows like crap and is dark and gloomy...fine. Who really cares? It's HIS place. But, I'm worried that this house wasn't permitted and isn't being built to code.

Sorry folks, but THAT, I DO have a problem with that.

William Roy Designer Kitchens Head to the store and pick up a magazine of house plans. Just say'n.

eagledzines I agree with you nFORMAL. It takes years of education to be an architect or interior designer. And the work they do takes effort, knowledge of many systems and requirements, architectural and civil, and deserves respect. Architecture is a major window on civilizations past and the average person doesn't have the comprehensive knowledge to create a design and understand the components that make it great. I dare say most people can't even read a blueprint. What architects and designers do deserves respect and they deserve to be paid well for their services.

However, if someone didn't have the funds to pay them well for their services and they tried to do something that was good enough for them and was up to code I wouldn't try to stand in their way or down them or assume they couldn't learn how to lay out a space that they were happy to settle with and then hire others for work that they didn't know how to do or weren't licensed to do.

If a design is in their head; they know what they want to do and how they are going to do it, a napkin or piece of graph paper is sufficient. If they draw walls as a single line, it doesn't automatically mean they are stupid or don't know that they need studs, sheetrock, sheathing, insulation, and exterior wall treatment. It doesn't mean they think they can do the job of an architect or an interior designer. It may mean they just can't afford it and can get by with the knowledge they have. Our whole life is a process of learning. Some learn a lot in college. Some learn by doing things--and that's hard, but reality.

nFORMAL design I guess I posted the Chicago deck (these are residential decks) and World Trade Center scenarios to explain that people CAN get hurt and killed with things that aren't built or designed properly--not that the WTC wasn't built or designed properly but the architect/engineer feels personally responsible for it collapsing.

That is my issue with this post. If he had a legitimate drawing asking for help and he was going through the proper channels to get things built, I wouldn't have any issues.

@Tiphany...I wasn't calling you out in a negative way. I was just demonstrating that the ideas that you have taken from this site are from designers. That's all. They are NOT from random people drawing and building their own places. The advice that people are looking for are from the professionals.

I have given advice in plenty of other discussions, and they aren't all negative or "hire me". I already know that most of the people posing design dilemmas on here aren't going to hire one of us, but all of us professionals are still answering the questions...trying to help out the best we can. As someone wrote...we are taking time away from family, friends and clients to give free, professional advice.

Again, if I hurt someone's feelings, then I apologize. I still don't think it is all that smart or safe for others to draw out some walls on a piece of graph paper and start building. Tiphany, just like you don't think it is all that safe for a person who can drive a stick shift can to get in a rig and drive down the road.

nFORMAL design eagledzines...check out the beginning of the post. There are NO real plans and no mention of permit. There are guys that have been building for 20 years that don't even know what the current building code IS. So, that is MY issue...the layout is just a secondary thing.

Here is a very easy to understand analogy. If someone was going to deep fry a turkey and showed a picture of the fryer in his garage, but ALL he wanted to know was "which is the best marinade to inject with", wouldn't you expect the professional cooks to warn him against deep frying in a garage or after seeing the picture, asking him to make sure the turkey isn't frozen and there isn't a lot of excess water in it?

Yes, he can get defensive all he wants, but every year insurance companies have commercials about people burning their house down turkey frying. IT IS FRYING A TURKEY. Don't you think that is simpler than building a house? Again...every year...someone burns a garage or house down.

There you go. I was just trying to question someone that I thought was doing something unsafe and dangerous and also, yes, not very smart in a design sense either (very little windows in the living area). To me, those things should be fixed before you go picking out paint colors.

orangecamera I come here looking for inspiration and advice for decorating my own house. I've gotten advice from professionals and non-professionals alike. I read it all, and take what feels right for *me*. I've also given suggestions plenty of times. And every once in a while, people comment that they like my ideas.

One of the things I like best about houzz is that it's a mix of professionals and non-professionals helping each other figure "it" out. We're all here because we care about good design for one reason or another.

I'd like to see the "Us vs. Them" comments stop, please.

Hrivnak Associates, Ltd. Some lessons here:
1. ABC. Architect Before Contractor
2. If it needs a permit, it needs an architect.
3. DIY does not translate into saving money
4. A good architect is not a cost line item - he/she will save the Owner more than their fee
5. Unlicensed, untrained doctors, architects, truck drivers etc. can quickly get in over their heads and create problems that are either not capable of being reversed or too costly to remedy
6. If one seeks advice, it may be prudent to do so before starting a project. Avoid Ready, FIRE!... Aim...
7. There are a host of people on this site very passionate about their art/skill, so much so that they offer their sage advice without charge in the interest of success for another's project.
8. Thankful that HOUZZ hosts such forums, that they share our passion for excellence.
9. My profession, architecture, has done a terrible job of educating the public about what we do to not only promote HSW, but how we genuinely help clients have successful projects and that there is a world of difference between licensed professionals and wanna-bes with good intentions.
10. Next time... Ready, AIM!.... fire... and get the pros involved for each discipline. If you think its expensive to employ pros, just wait until you find out how much more it costs not to.

Sadiesammie I understand you're passionate about your work. Who wouldn't be? But this guy has already built his house & everyone is ripping him a new one for it.
I've bought book after book on floor plans, I've spent countless hours researching the ins & outs of building. Ive even drawn my own lines on graph paper & made the house that I want. There's nothing wrong with that. Do I know that each wall is more than just a piece of sheet rock? Of course I do. Would I attempt to get out there with my hammer & nails & start building? No because I know I'm not capable. But that doesn't mean the next "random joe" isnt capable. It may not be up to par for a pro but random joe is the only one who has to deal with it. For instance, I want to paint my livingroom walls burnt orange. I've got chocolate furniture. I think it will look great, while you may hate it. All I'm saying is don't be rude when us NON professionals do our best with what we have. Everybody's situation is different.

nFORMAL design Lastly...I'm out on this discussion. I'm sure you are all glad for that. I started out trying to point out that building something yourself without permits and bad design can be unsafe and can have serious negative effects. However, everyone wants to get defensive and not see the forest for the trees. Every non-pro on here thinks I'm trying to scare the guy into hiring me. I'm not an idiot. I KNOW he's not going to hire me, but as a professional, I'm not going to sit by and watch someone do something that I think is foolhardy without saying something. It IS, as we know, an advice forum.

If the roof caves or it has a gas leak or someone gets electrocuted, you'll never heard about that. He's not going to post later on and say, "You all warned me." Those aren't things the non-pros think about. You think, "Why can't the guy just get some color advice?" Why? Some of us professionals see a disaster in the making. Maybe it WON'T be, and I hope it won't. If it isn't, the worst that was done is that we pointed it out. If it is and something bad does happen, at the very least, we tried to bring the issues to light.

Again, I have no pipe dreams that someone on one of these discussions is going to hire me. They are here to get FREE advice. (BTW, if you see a "pro" on here that is "sponsored", that person is paying big bucks to advertise on this site...it isn't a "free" site."

nFORMAL design Sorry...last two comments.

@Tiphany, again, you think I'm harping on COLOR choices, and I AM NOT. (Plus, Burnt Orange ALWAYS looks great...I'm a Longhorn! Haha). I am more worried about untrained building practices and the accidents that can come from that.

@Hrivnak Associates, Ltd. KUDOS. You said that so eloquently. Ready FIRE Aim. That is what I was trying to say earlier, but then spent a lot longer trying to defend my position.

Again, I was just trying to help the guy with his AIM first before he fired. Then, people got all mad at me, and I defended my stance. Paint your place any way you want. I have no problem. As I have mentioned before, one of my favorite shows is "Renovation Realities". The REALITY is that there are professionals making sure that the people they are filming don't do something stupid. However, there are people on attempting to remove a structural wall, almost cutting through a gas line, and leaving live wiring exposed in walls.

For gosh sakes, watch Holmes on Homes. I dislike his aesthetic, but I totally respect the man and the show for making sure things get done right...and safely. If the people on here have a problem with that, I'm sorry...but I will never back down from that point of view.

groveraxle The closest I've been to an architect is having been married to one. (OK, maybe closer was being his detailer when he was on charrette in school.) I find it laughable that someone has started building a house before even finalizing a design. No working drawings. He doesn't even have exact dimensions--"about 15' or so feet wide by 34' deep."

I question whether he really has built this thing. I can't imagine someone in the neighborhood hasn't questioned this. I think this guy is putting you all on, and I suspect it isn't the first time. (I'm beginning to suspect there are some trolls on these discussions. I found two different houzzers using the exact same wording today.)

Just my take. Carry on.

orangecamera @Tiphany, I have orange walls, and a chocolate brown sofa. And I like it! Still a work in progress, but here's a link to a thread about it if you're interested. http://www.houzz.com/discussions/335311

Sadiesammie @nformal I do completely understand. Code, safety, the whole 9 yards. But the house is already built. I'm sure he's not willing to tear it down. I kinda felt bad for him since everyone was so negative. Also the fact that I've drawn up my own plans. Which btw I will post my little sketch & kinda hope to see everyones opinion without someone telling me to crumble it up, throw it in the trash & start over.

I do agree with you the burnt orange looks great. Hook em horns!

Sadiesammie @orangecamera nice color you have there. I'm looking for a little darker than that. I couldn't figure out what color ceiling to go with it. I don't want white or anything that looks white anywhere in my house lol. But the ceiling color I want the same throughout the house so it must match the teal I want in the bedroom. I'm still a ways off from decorating though. We break ground in spring! Lol

orangecamera Orange and teal are nice together. Maybe a lighter (but not too light) shade of burnt orange for all your ceilings?

LB Interiors I'm sorry everyone, Did I miss something somewhere on this post? The way I understand nm4bd3lj, the home is already built and finished. Why all the posts about re-designing the build? I believe we were asked how to decorate the spaces. I read the the post from nm4bd3lj. It is the 7th one from the top.

Maybe I'm wrong, but seems a bit confusing with so many suggesting a different build. Pleae correct me if I'm mistaken. Thanks

Solana Beach Cherry Hills Remodel] Living Room Sofa Arrangement - L shape Menlo Park New Home with Basement

Sadiesammie


I love this!

nFORMAL design Tiphany...he didn't say he had it built. He said he had OSB on the outside and a roof on it. As someone else mentioned...that isn't built. Plus, you, Tiphany, designed something and are having a contractor make it work. That is different.

He also said that he might rent this out to college students (meaning it is in a college town). Watch a Holmes on Homes episode and see what has been done by inexperienced "builders". How would you feel if there is a serious electrical short in his place and a house fire happens while students are in it?

If the house was already built, he would have put up pictures of rooms that needed color/furniture. As someone else stated, if he didn't want people to point out things he was doing wrong design and construction-wise, he should have posted in a thread where he posted empty rooms, etc. He has exterior walls, OSB sheathing and a roof. Will he put the a vapor barrier on and in the right place? Maybe he will JUST have a mold issue, which now you can sue for.

Again...was trying to help out and give constructive criticism. In architecture school, you put your designs up there and the wolves come out. It is HARSH compared to this forum. I've seen grown ups leave the room crying, and all they wanted was a "good job". They wanted a good job, but the professors/critics didn't think it was so good. We learned that whatever is on the drawing can be torn apart. I wasn't trying to be that harsh with the guy...but I really don't like it when codes/safety and building practices have cut corners. Sorry.

Regardless, I'm not giving "advice" on this thread any longer, and I haven't for quite awhile...I've been defending my earlier advice and the advice of other professionals.

Sadiesammie Yeah! I'm trying not to get too excited so soon. I have not even picked out the hardwood floors, cabinets or countertop colors yet! That's where I'm having issues. I'm totally stumped on what to do with that. I know I want dark countertops, flooring & cabinets but is all that too dark?!? Hardwood will be in all rooms except for bedrooms & bathrooms

nFORMAL design My mistake LB...I thought by everyone elses' post that he only had the roof, exterior walls and OSB on. Seems like he does have interior walls finished, too...but no "finishes".

LB Interiors That's ok, nFORMAL. That's the way I was understanding the initial question.

nFORMAL design Tiphany...not my personal style with that Media Rome and Bar you posted, but it is very well done.

Sadiesammie Nformal, I just mean the color. I love both of those colors

nFORMAL design Regardless, I can't give finish advice without knowing N/S/E/W...how much natural light is in the space? I think dark floors are awesome...not in something with no windows.

LB...most of the designs you posted have a ton of natural light in them. That is why I started getting on the defensive with nm4bd3lj. How can someone give educated advice on that plan without asking a ton of questions regarding other stuff. Someone mentioned not being able to have a window in the master bath. Those things are important in order to give advice on finishes.

However, once someone starts asking those types of questions, the can of works and Pandora's box get opened.

nFORMAL design @Tiphany...on my screen, it looks more Terra Cotta...not burnt orange. Plus, even as a Texas Alum, and I love burnt orange, I would only use it as an accent color in my particular space. Think UT road whites...all white with burnt orange Longhorn on the side. Haha.

nFORMAL design Oops...can of "worms" not works...and Pandora's Box.

Sadiesammie It will be facing west, it will have a window in front of the sink. Don't really have the dimensions with me but window is as wide as the kitchen sink (give or take a few inches). Kitchen also is connected to the breakfast nook that will either have my want of French doors or his want of sliding glass door! Which also faces west.

Sadiesammie I'm on my phone & Im not familiar with specifics. Our office will have a few longhorn items. Lol just not white walls! Lol

Sadiesammie Specific color names** lol

Sadiesammie So I guess terra cotta it is lol

nFORMAL design Tiphany...as far as N/S/E/W, etc., goes...I was talking about the original post author. I wouldn't begin to give advice without all that info.

Sadiesammie Oh :|

bridgetraveler Started reading the posts...some good ideas.. the rest of you need to get over yourselves. "over and out".. seriously now. one-on-ones need to go somewhere else... boring. and "volunteering"...no one asked you to "volunteer". Hope nm4bd3lj took the ideas and ignored the boors. Good luck on your project.

bridgetraveler nFORMAL.. please, do as you said.. go away.

James Buckley nm:
I realize you are asking for interior design/decor suggestions but if you have not finished the interior wall partitions yet, I have a floor plan suggestion that might work a bit better without changing it up too drastically. First, It would be nice to have a mudroom/laundry to enter into instead of directly into the living room. Also, having the closet along this wall for the master will buffer some of the garage noise. I modified the bedrooms layout a bit and the kitchen also. Food for thought for what it's worth. Good Luck.

LB Interiors Thanks typhany.

Sadiesammie You're welcome.... But thanks for what? Sorry if I missed something. Half asleep lol

LB Interiors Tiphany ... for a like on this post somewhere.

rinqreation I was asking those questions to nm4bd3lj, too bad someone else thought his answer was just as important or beyond that. If I were nm4bd3lj, I'd be leaving this post and start a new.

Stephanie Allen Aggiedesigns wins in my book. I am an interior designer and that comment was smart and love the FF&E. Like you said it is not a forever home and don't waste energy or certainly money on too much upgrade. Keep it like you plan a nice and clean space to rent later. Good investment plan. And, for awesome contemporary quality furnishings look up BoHo Furniture Gallery in Las Vegas. This is an awesome furniture gallery with package deals! I love that store and send all my clients there :)

Architectrunnerguy I kinda agree with Groveraxle. There's a chance this guy's not started the thing.

Normally there's the permit/constructions docs posted if the project is a ways down the road, not single lines hand drawn on graph paper.

He's been asked to post photos and replied "When I get some time, I can do that. Anything specific you are looking for?" Normally in a home building project there's numerous photos already loaded into a file on the computer so the "get some time" just involves browsing and and exactly two clicks. Maybe five seconds literally.

I'm really hoping I'm wrong because who of us likes to be taken for a fool?

anonyms I am doing same thing but I hired an architect to work WITH. I am not an architect but I have an M.F.A. and thus understand that architects are problem solvers who understand aesthetics. I might know what I want but what I want is limited to what I - not being an architect - think is possible or think is or is not essential. I may know running water runs through pipes but I may not know pipes need to go or not go in certain areas, etc.

nm4bd3lj @allthehelpfulpeople. Thanks for ur help and supoport. I appreciate your time and thoughts. Please don't waste time commenting on this thread as it has been ruined. I will hope to contact you all individually. Thanks again!

@everyoneelse. Get a life. Seriously what's it to you? If I haven't had time to make two clicks or if I only put the most available drawing I had that's not two pages big does it matter? Also you asked for pictures if you can't work with such a simple drawing why would I want to post several pictures of studs and construction and hope that u understand those too. Assumptions are being made about windows and lighting and all this other stuff. Questions would've been sufficient instead of bashing. I'm sure if this conversation was in real life it wouldn't have continued much passed all your initial stupid remarks. Professionals my a** Go give up ur precious time and whatever else to argue with a "kid". It clearly means a lot to you. You think when I'm at an eye appointment and the doctor asks me for advice I don't pay him for the visit or if I'm in the store and a client asks for help, I say I'm going to charge you for talking to me. NOOO!! Get over yourselves.

Emily Hurley Hey Everyone,

I'm Emily, the Community Manager at Houzz. Looks like this discussion got a bit off track. Let's try to remember that Houzz is meant to be a positive place for inspiration and help for both professionals AND non-professionals. If you come across a post that you are not comfortable with, your best bet is to skip it and move on to another one instead of commenting. We are all here for our shared passion of design. Let's try to focus on that and realize that though we all may have differing opinions and varied skill sets, there is room for everyone to participate.

Hiring professionals vs. DIY is a great topic, but let's make sure we chat about it on a thread meant for that topic rather than making that the focus of someone's design dilemma.

Thanks!

Sadiesammie This is Tiphany. I changed my name on here. A few of you wanted to see my layout. I posted it.