BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
That kitchen island/powder room combo is a classic layout misstep. It’s surprising how often those awkward adjacencies crop up, even in newer builds. There’s just something about the way plumbing stacks get prioritized over actual privacy or flow.
On the bedroom vs. closet vs. bath size debate, I’ve noticed it really comes down to lifestyle and storage habits. Some folks are fine with a smaller bedroom if it means a walk-in closet that actually fits everything, while others can’t stand losing even a foot of sleeping space. Personally, I’d argue that a well-designed closet can make a small bedroom feel much more functional, but if you’re someone who spends a lot of time in your bedroom (reading, working, etc.), shaving off space can start to feel cramped fast.
As for bathrooms—there’s definitely a trend toward more en suites and powder rooms, but I have seen a few clients regret going all-in on quantity over quality. Maintenance is one thing people don’t always consider; more bathrooms mean more cleaning, more fixtures to repair, and higher costs long-term. One client ended up closing off a little-used guest bath and turning it into extra storage because it just wasn’t worth the hassle.
On the flip side, a single massive “spa” bathroom can be amazing, but only if it’s accessible and used regularly. Otherwise, it risks becoming wasted square footage. I think the sweet spot is usually one well-appointed primary bath and then practical, not oversized, secondary baths—unless you’re hosting guests constantly or have a big family.
It’s all about balance and thinking through how you’ll actually live in the space day-to-day. Sometimes it’s tempting to chase resale value or trends, but function wins out every time.
