Here is my attempt at a design / construction blog…..I will be posting every few weeks. I will be discussing design / construction patterns taken from a book called “The Pattern Language” published in 1977. It has hundreds of “patterns” it describes, I agree with many patterns and have found they do make the design of a home or a space work or feel right. I will then attempt to make the pattern practical and then suggest ways you can improve your home or space. Here we go……
The Pattern - Corner Doors
The doors or openings into a room or space play an important role in the overall function and feel of the space. If the doors are placed in a way to interrupt the flow of the room then it will never be a comfortable place to hang out.
Here are some scenarios…..
- Single door into a room. If the room is square and of average size then the door must be placed in a corner. If the door was placed in the middle of a wall it divides the space in the room and destroys the flow of movement, dividing the room into two destroying the center. The exception….. If the room is long and narrow, a door can be placed in the center, dividing the room into two usable, functional spaces. This works well if the room serves two purposes or functions. I have designed rooms that serve as a game room / media room or an office / reading room.
- Two or more doors into a room. The individual doors should still be placed in the corners for the reasons listed above. But now we must consider the relation between the doors. They should remain along the same wall, creating a line of movement along the edge of the room or space. This allows the room to be used and not be disturbed by others passing through the room or entering the space.
- Large central openings into a space. This is an exception; an example of this would be a formal dining room or great room. These rooms often have large openings in the center where privacy is not a concern. The spaces are “public” and often the openings are designed to “show off” the room and create an open feel.
So maybe you can think of a room in your home that is not comfortable, or you never use because the flow or feel is just off. Consider your doors into the space, ask the following questions…
- Can the door be moved to the corner to create an improved layout?
- Can a door be added into the room to increase use of the room and flow between spaces?
If you need any advice or help with this let me know, I do design / layout work by the hour. Also if you need construction services, Zetterberg Custom Homes & Remodeling can help with all your construction needs. Visit our websites links below.
Limitations inspire creativity.
