East elevation

Given that the front side of the house is below street level, the lake side is where we get curb, um, shore appeal.

As we swung the cleaver to cut off cool but costly features, we worried: would the end result look butchered? The initial look-and-feel was dwell Magazine worthy. Would the redesign be better suited for dull Monthly (Just imagine the headlines: “Debate resolved: square footage trumps taste and style every time,” “10 reasons why moving to a McMansion is worth the potential foreclosure,” “From trailer trash to gated community goddess: one woman’s story,” “Al Gore is a bore,” “Taupe is the ‘new’ beige”)?

Well, since we approved the drawing, we certainly hope not. Here’s what our architect, Anthony, came up with for us (click image above to enlarge):

1. Four-season porch (click image and see #6 for a side view), which will open up to expand the dining area of the great room.

2. Living area of the great room (click image to see #10 for the floor plans).

3. Deck, which sits two steps below the great room and one step below the master bedroom to enhance the lake view.

4. Master bedroom.

5. Privacy screening (click image and see #9 for a side view).

6. Exterior steps uniting the front and back of the property.

7. Hot tub room (click image for floor plan, see #9).

8. “Hanging out” steps that make the transition from hot tub room to yard.

9. Covered exit to the back yard.

10. Guest bedroom.

So, what do you think: dwell or dull? Other feedback or advice? Feel free to comment (just click the link below; you can post anonymously).