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.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
You’re hitting on so many things I wish more people considered before diving into a reno or new build. That kitchen island/powder room adjacency—ugh, it’s wild how often that happens. It’s like plumbing convenience wins out over everything else, and then you’re left with awkward moments when someone’s using the powder room right off the kitchen during a dinner party. Not ideal.
I really appreciate your point about closet vs. bedroom size. It’s such a personal thing, isn’t it? I’ve worked with people who’d rather have a “sleeping nook” if it means they get a closet that actually fits their stuff, while others want space to spread out in the bedroom and don’t mind a smaller wardrobe. There’s no universal answer, but I do think you’re spot on that function trumps square footage every time. Sometimes I’ll ask clients: where do you actually spend your time? If you love curling up in bed with a book or working from your bedroom, shaving off those extra feet can feel like a real loss.
The bathroom debate is always interesting too. More bathrooms sound great on paper, but the upkeep is real. I’ve seen people get excited about having three or four baths, only to realize later that they’re cleaning sinks and toilets they barely use. One family I worked with ended up turning their extra bath into a laundry room because it just made more sense for them.
I do think there’s something to be said for resisting trends and thinking about what genuinely works for your day-to-day life. It’s easy to get caught up in resale value or what’s “in” right now, but at the end of the day, you’re the one living there. Sometimes that means making choices that wouldn’t make sense for someone else—and that’s totally fine.
It sounds like you’ve really thought through these trade-offs, which is half the battle. There’s no perfect layout, but being honest about how you live (and what you’re willing to maintain) makes all the difference.
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
I’ve always wondered why people obsess over open floor plans but then stick a powder room right next to the kitchen. It’s one of those things you never notice until you live with it, and then it drives you nuts. I’d rather walk a few extra steps for privacy than have that awkwardness during family dinners.
On closets, I get the appeal of a big walk-in, but honestly, I’d trade some closet space for a bigger bedroom any day. Maybe it’s just me, but I hate feeling cramped where I sleep. That said, I know folks who basically live out of their closets and couldn’t care less about bedroom size.
The bathroom thing is real—more isn’t always better. We had three in our last place and only used two. The third just collected dust (and cleaning supplies). Curious if anyone’s actually regretted *not* adding an extra bath or if it’s usually the other way around?
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
I keep asking myself if anyone actually uses all those extra bathrooms, or if it’s just a “resale value” thing people talk themselves into. Feels like wasted space (and money) to me. Wouldn’t that budget be better for, I dunno, better windows or insulation? Closets too—do you really need a walk-in if you’re not a fashion influencer?
BUILDING BASE STRUCTURES—WHAT IF YOU HAD TO START OVER?
- Been through this a few times now, and honestly, I see both sides.
- Extra bathrooms: I’ve built houses with three and four baths, and in most cases, the only time all of them get used is during holidays or if someone’s sick. The rest of the year? Dust collectors.
- Resale value is real, but it’s not everything. I’ve seen buyers walk away from homes with too many “wasted” rooms because they’d rather have a bigger kitchen or more natural light.
- Spent a chunk of my own budget once on a fancy ensuite for the guest room—regret it every time I see the water bill.
- Windows and insulation? 100% agree that money is better spent there. You feel that every single day, not just when you have company over.
- Closets are funny... I’ve had clients insist on walk-ins even when they barely own more than jeans and t-shirts. I get it for some people, but for most? Regular reach-in works fine, and you can use the extra square footage for something you’ll actually notice—like a reading nook or bigger laundry.
If I had to start over, I’d focus way more on what gets used daily—good light, solid insulation, smart storage (not just big closets), and bathrooms where they make sense. The “just in case” spaces almost always end up as clutter zones or dust traps.