It's been two weeks since we started the framing and we're about 90% finished. I've come to realize how we perceive the size of a room on more of a relative as opposed to absolute scale. As a clear open space, the 12' high ceilings in the Hay Loft felt spacious but not overly high. However, once we erected the hallway walls it made the ceiling feel way higher and almost cavernous because of the 3'6" wide hallway. I figured that we need to build on this stretching effect by putting in some bedroom doors that exaggerated the height, so we made the doors as tall as we possibly could at 7'6". I also decided to lift an idea that I've seen in old office buildings, particularly the old Mills Block (former home of Motion Picture and Sound) where the interior doors all have operable windows directly above the doors. Think New York City private detective's office and you'll know what I mean. So now we've got bedroom/bath entrances that will be 30" wide by about 11' tall. Fir will be the wood of choice for the doors and most of the finishing. It matches the exposed fir ceiling joists and is a bit of a throwback to when the building was built in 1935.
Unfortunately the height of the doors, while proportionately fitting into the Hay Loft better, will have a negative effect on people, essentially making them look shorter when standing in front of the doors. Sorry Lover....
