San Francisco Bay Area - Need help defining a large space--separating Living Room from enclosed Lanai

by abp513

Need help defining a large space--separating Living Room from enclosed Lanai

We're getting ready to close on a condo in Florida that will undergo a gut renovation. It has a large living space which opens to an enclosed step-down lanai. Currently there are sliding doors to separate the space which we don't like, but we also don't want to be stuck with one big open space without definition. We would like the main living space to be setup like a traditional living room and the lanai area to be a quiet reading room. Our thoughts are to open the entrance to the lanai as wide as possible after the sliders are removed and place 2 narrow glass panels on either side to offer definition without closing the space off entirely. In my mind, I envision 2 "transom" style windows on the vertical to frame the entrance to the lanai. Does anyone have any thoughts about this? I can't seem to find pictures to represent my idea, but I have attached photos of the space as it currently appears. Many thanks!

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decoenthusiaste I like the view into the lanai from the living with the entrance left open. I think I'd prefer defining the entrance, not with glass panels right and left, but with a freestanding decorative beveled "transom" all the way across the top of it. You could repeat the pattern of it with a custom door and shutters in the lanai.

8 months ago · Like

Jamieson Would this type of arrangement work?

Bear Lake Residence

8 months ago · Like

abp513 Thank you both for your input! I do think that a traditional transom may work here, but I keep feeling like I want to "frame" the entrance. As if to say, "expect something different" beyond the living room--but we definitely don't want doors. Currently, the Lanai is not "under air" which we will change. We will also smooth out the walls and put the same flooring throughout--most likely stone. I recognize that the step-down automatically differentiates the space. but I really like something like this, too:

Casa Joya

8 months ago · Like ·

houssaon I was mostly concerned with the A/C, which you have addressed. I like what you came up with.

8 months ago · Like

Deborah Butler, Brickwood Builders I like what you came up with. Also given how traditional the space is, I like the idea of the transom across the top. Add two sqare columns about 2' in from each side and then you can hang an old door sidelight between the column and the door facing. You can get old door sidelights at architectual salvage places or sometimes from antique stores.

Enjoy your new condo.

8 months ago · Like