Yes, I would also initially hold back on things like already concretely drawn ideas – just don't curb the planner's creativity before they even get started. If you see that they think along similar lines (or realize they're stuck and can't interpret the wish list without pictures), then you can sprinkle in what you've already put together.
Yesterday was the architect meeting, and it was really hectic... going through the protocol, determining the height level of the house, and then there were only a few minutes left for the floor plan... I initially held back my ideas, but he didn't have any for the wardrobe either, at least not quickly, and he didn't seem like he wanted to think some up calmly. It seemed as if the floor plan was only supposed to be minimally improved in the contract, but larger redesigns were not possible at all in that time, let alone ideas from the architect...
Well, anyway, the wardrobe niche should now be centered between the guest bathroom and the utility room – with a width of about 90-100 cm and a depth of 60 cm. The guest bathroom will be a bit wider (about 150 cm instead of 120 cm), the shower no longer spans the entire width. The guest room (and bedroom upstairs) is now 3.8 m wide. I have attached a sketch.
The architect has further initially included the recess for the chimney/fireplace, but I am still considering whether that makes sense...
Pros:
- more space in the hallway and guest room
- chimney/fireplace does not protrude as far into the living room. This is my main reason for it.
- niches in hallway/guest room can look good if utilized well (recessed cabinets, etc.)
Cons:
- ugly corners in the guest room and hallway (can certainly also be used well, but requires a lot of work)
- only 4.2 m depth in the living room next to the fireplace, possibly too little due to the long hallway?
- no "flush extension" of the chimney with shelves, sideboards, etc. possible (see picture, just imagine the chimney wider), which can also look very nice. Otherwise, the furniture would probably have to be moved away a bit.
What I could imagine:
- keep the recess, but extend the entire wall toward the hallway --> possibly then 4.3 m or more feasible in the living room
- remove the recess and extend the entire wall toward the living room --> possibly more space in the hallway and still 4.35 or 4.4 m depth in the living room --> but only as far as the chimney fits next to the ridge purlin; there is not much room left.
The architect hasn't really accomplished much, what do you think (also regarding my other questions)?
