Adding Height & Getting Boxed In

Well I've spent a good portion of my time researching how to measure and build stairs.  Wow.  Makes me realize there's way too much math in architecture and design. 

And I'm still not entirely sold on stairs vs a ladder so I'm keeping my options open.  This is what I'd like to do if I do stairs.

My drawing isn't the best but I want cubby holes at the bottom for baskets and cabinets above them.

I decided that while I'm working on the layout I might as well go ahead and add my three inches of height to the walls.  So I did that and did another dry fit.  So far so good I think.

That gives me a loft with a six foot ceiling.  Not super tall but better than three feet and not being able to stand up at all.

I also tried out some flooring...not sure about it.  I'm thinking I might want to do some wider planks, maybe use tongue depressor sticks with some stain. 

Here's a few pictures of one possible layout.

I noticed that I keep automatically moving the bathroom to the back corner near the smaller window.  I think because when Fran put the kit together for the pictures that was where she put the bathroom.  In a way it makes sense there.

But if you close it in, you either need removable walls or you just don't see the bathroom.  Neither of which I'm thrilled with.  And that smaller window is really perfect for fitting a kitchen counter under.  So having the kitchen in that back corner would really be a good fit.

Plus, while I was contemplating cutting the back side wall and hinging part of it.  Along this line here:

yeah I drew it crooked. Can't draw a straight line to save my life.

It leads to more problems with hinges, making sure the outer finishes work properly... It just feels like a headache and I'm not sure I want to deal with it or not yet. 

So I'm considering another location for the bathroom.  Like here:

If I extend the loft all the way to the back wall, put the bathroom there, we see it and have access to it.  And it's not so wide that I can't see the kitchen behind it.  Plus if I do removable walls, they're a lot easier to access than under the flat roof.

And this space just looks right to me for a kitchen.  Good expanse of wall, small window in the corner, so you've got space for uppers and lowers.  Sink under the window maybe?

And possibly a little banquet under the larger front window near the door, with a work desk near the second large window next to the small one.  Or make that second window smaller to match and extend the counters all the way around  with a little island?

More stuff to think about and fuss with.  With the bathroom walls there getting camera shots could be difficult unless I take a page from Keli's book and make the picture window removable.

It does leave me with the issue of getting light to the bathroom.  I thought about doing glass brick for an interior wall, but I'm not sure how that would blend with the whole craftsman look I really want.  More research needed.

Still thinking about that one.  But here's a look at the front door.  I think I like it.

I'm thinking the picture window needs some wood detailing, to give it more of a craftsman feel.  I'm also really disliking that flat roof.  The homeowner in me just screams that its water damage waiting to happen.  The only flat roofs I've seen on are apartment buildings and have tar on them.

So not sure what to do there.  More thinking.

What are all of you up to this weekend?