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Maximizing Spaces

Posted on Aug 21, 2012
Open Living Spaces

Perhaps you are someone who enjoys the elegance and architectural beauty of traditional timber framing, but building a 4,000 square foot home is simply not feasible for you. How do you decrease your timber frame floor plan square footage without sacrificing crucial spaces in your home design? Here are three tips to help you maximize spaces within a smaller footprint.

Open Areas

One of the signature features of a timber frame home design is the openness of the floor plan. Tall ceilings and minimal wall space in the main living areas make any size floor plan feel open and large. With this style, rooms like your great room, kitchen, living room, and dining room all flow into one another, creating open areas instead of closed-off rooms. Browse timber frame great rooms here. See kitchen and dining areas here.

If you prefer a bit more distinction, consider adding dimension to your layout by including nooks for sitting and dining areas. Turning unused areas in your floor plan into closet or storage space is also an excellent way to keep the high traffic areas of your home devoid of clutter.

 Multi-Functional Rooms

Rooms that serve multiple functions also maximize space. Perhaps another bedroom for guests or family is important, but so is having an office; with different design features, both functions are possible. For example, hideaway beds or built-in desk or storage features can create both an office and guest room. Many Riverbend clients take a garage or open loft space from a design they love, and convert those spaces into media rooms, bars, libraries, game rooms, and more.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Outdoor Space

Depending on the location and climate of your timber frame home, utilizing the outdoors for additional space is a perfect way with which to achieve maximum liveable square footage. Include covered patios and porches for an open place to sit or dine. Sun rooms also make a floor plan appear more spacious because of their openness and abundance of windows. See our Outdoor Living Spaces for more ideas.

No matter what size you plan to build your home, by working with your home’s designer, you can create a design that accommodates the necessities of your lifestyle. Ready to get started? Choose your location.


Need More Information?

Whether you’re looking for more information or would simply like to learn more about us and our services, don’t hesitate to contact us. Please follow the link below to access our online form or call us at 888.486.2363 in the US or 888.999.4744 in Canada. We look forward to hearing from you.

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