Thread: May/June 2012 Lite Entry: Broadway Tower

Every space serves a function. While you have clearly defined the function of the small tower spaces (bedroom, armory, stairs) the larger central space seems undefined … or at least under-utilized.

Might I suggest role-playing a simple scenario: Two guests arrive for a visit during a light rain.

1. The doorman/guard (who dwells in the ground floor bedroom) will want to invite the guests out of the rain (so he doesn’t need to stand in the rain) to speak with them … so you need some open floor space immediately inside the door.

2. The ‘guests’ will need to wait in this reception area while the ‘master of the castle’ is summoned … they will need someplace to wait, so a small end table and two chairs would be nice.

3. The owner might want visitors to be both entertained and reminded of his affluence while they wait … so a focal point to the room might be in order. Located either directly opposite the front door (so you immediately see it upon entering) or near the center of the room (as a focal point to the space). An ornate fireplace mantle, or a statue, or a fountain could serve this purpose nicely.

4. The owner arrives and has business to discuss with these gentlemen, so they will be staying a while, but not being close friends, they are not invited upstairs to the main living area … so they will need a ‘coat closet’ (which could be an armoire-like cabinet), probably located near the door, but outside of the ‘greeting’ area of item 1.

5. Since such a gathering might typically contain the owner and one or two guests … a third chair that can be moved to join the seating group of item 2 would be useful.

Given the above, might I suggest:
moving the suits of armor to flank the doors (7 suits all together)
a fireplace in one of the ‘corners’ to heat the room
two chairs facing the fireplace
two more chairs and a small table in the other corner
a coat cabinet along the wall near the armory
[and if space permits, a small fountain in the center of the room]