Guidelines for Living Space

1. Guidelines for Living Space How to Design the Living Areas

2. OBJECTIVES • Discuss the location of living rooms and dining rooms • Evaluate floor plans for living space • Design living and dining space • List the appropriate square footage of living and dining rooms

3. Living Space

4. Living Space • The living area serves 2 groups:family members and guest • They are places for conversation, recreation,dining, entertaining, enjoying hobbies and relaxing

5. Location – Living room • Usually is the main focal point of the front or back of the house • The view you have out the front or back may determine where in the house it is located • Noise level in the surrounding outside area may determine its location

6. Location • Its best to have an entry way or foyer so one does not enter straight into the living area • If there is a separate dining room, it should be adjacent to the living room • A formal living room should be away from interior noises as well (kitchen) • It should be away from the bedrooms so the activities of the living area does not disturb bedrooms

7. Size andArrangement • Will be determined: • By the number of people who use it • How it will be used • The furniture and the size of the other rooms • The living room is one of the largest rooms in the house

8. Size andArrangement • If there is an adjacent patio, porch, deck or balcony the size will be affected • Can make a room look larger, more open and extend the use

9. Size andArrangement • The main furniture grouping in a living room is call the primary conversation area • Will usually be in a circular shape • Primary conv. Area should be a t least an 8-10 ft circle

10. Size and Arrangement • The room should be at least 10 to 14 ft to accommodate the conv. circle • If the room is larger than 14 ft, you can have a secondary furniture grouping • This usually is small for reading etc., small group conversation

11. Dining Rooms

12. Living SpaceDining Room • Houses can have 1 or 2 dining rooms • An informal dining area in the kitchen (or kitchen nook), or combined with living room • Formal stand alone room

13. Dining Rooms • To have a separate formal dining area will depend on the family lifestyle • The primary purpose is to eat, can be used for other purposes • There are 2 basic types of dining rooms1) closed2) open

14. Dining Rooms • Closed – is a separate room from the living room and kitchen • Open – is an extension of the living room or kitchen

15. Location • The dining room should be next to the kitchen and near the living room(look at floor plan 3-10 page 46)

16. Size and Arrangement • The minimum size needed for a dining area for 4 people is 80 sq ft • A room of a 120 sq ft can seat 4 and have room for a buffet

17. Size and Arrangement • A room of 180 sq ft can seat 4-8 and have a buffet and hutch(page 47 – 3-11) • Approximately 3 ft of table length for each seated person

18. Size and Arrangement • At least 32 in of space is needed between the table edge and the wall(page 47 – 3-12) • About 36-44 in. is needed to walk around seated persons to serve food

19. Familyrooms

20. Family Rooms • Having a family room and living room allows for active and passive activities • When have both rooms, living room is passive and family room is active • Family rooms are more informal in their decor

21. Familyrooms • Other names: great, media, play, recreation, etc. • If there is no living room, the family room becomes the center focus of the house • Located near the kitchen • Want a relaxed open atmosphere

22. Location • There is not set rule for placement • Many people turn basements or attics into family rooms • Basements are large and control noise level

23. Location • May want it next to the kitchen, then everyone can participate • May want it located next to outdoor activity areas, such as pool or patio • (look at page 48 & 49 – 3-13 &3-14)

24. Size & Arrangement • Size will depend on the number of family members and activities • A space of 12’x16’ is the minimum • Need to consider storage areas – this is a must for certain types of activities

25. Size & Arrangement • Furniture should be durable, comfortable and serviceable • Floor surfaces are important to consider for the type of activity

26. Outdoor

27. Patios & Decks • Constructed at grade level • Materials should be durable, withstand outdoor climate • Be categorized into 3 areas: Play, Living, and Quiet

28. Patios & Decks • Play patio – located near the family room – active play • Living Patio – located near the living room – usually the largest of the 3 types – if used for eating needs to be near the kitchen

29. Patios & Decks • Quiet patio – located near the quiet side of the homeusually around the bedroomsused for relaxing, reading, sleeping, etc.

30. Porches • Similar in use as to patios and decks • They differ from patios in that they are raised above ground and are covered

31. Porches • Often located in front of main entrance • Provides shelter and protects the entrance from the elements • Shape and size should fit the dwelling

32. Courts • Taken from early Spanish designs • Resemble patios; but they are partially or completely enclosed by a wall • Used for relaxing, outside dining, etc. • Usually found where climates are very mild

33. Veranda • Located one story above ground level • Is usually covered • Usually will have a porch under it