Designing Living Areas: Tips for Planning a Functional and Inviting Space - Chapter 6

1. Chapter 6 Room Planning, and living area

2. Living Area • The living area is the part of the house that most friends and guest see. • This is the area that usually becomes the showplace. • Comprises 1/3 of the house.

3. It is the place for family get-togethers , and dining. • It is the area for recreation, entertaining and just relaxing.

4. The living area is composed of a number of rooms. • Living Room • Dining Room • Foyer • Family Room • Sunrooms • Home Office • Recreation Room

5. Living Rooms • Can be the center of activity. • Living rooms are of all sizes and shapes. • A small living room would only have about 150 square feet. • Average size would be around 250 square ft. • A large size may exceed 400 sq ft depending on the home.

6. The most important questions to ask regarding size and design of a living room are: • What type of furniture • How often will the room be used • How many people will use the room • How many function will the room be used for. • Is the room proportion to the rest of the home

7. The location of the living room should not be such that a natural traffic pattern will be established through it to other parts of the house. • Locate the room so other members of the family will not feel a need to use it as a hall to get to other areas of the house.

8. Slightly raising or lowering the living room helps set it apart from other rooms. • If handicapped people are involved and wheel chair access is needed the room should stay on grade.

9. If the building site contains a pleasing view then consideration should be given in designing the living room to take advantage of the view. • Consider orientation of the living room for maximum comfort and energy conservation. • The north side is usually shaded and cool.

10. The use of large windows or sliding doors further encourage a feeling of spaciousness. • A properly designed living room can be a functional part of the house • Modern living rooms should be exciting, colorful and inviting.

11. Dining Rooms • Main purpose of the dining room is to provide a place to eat. • Many homes provide a formal dining room and an eating area in the kitchen. • A small dining room would be 120 sq ft. and would provide space for a table and 4 chairs.

12. Medium dining room would provide space for 6 to 8 people with a buffet and china closet. (12’ x 15’) • A large dining room would range in size from 14’ x 18’ or larger. • In most cases a dining rooms size is determined by the need of the family

13. Typical dining room furniture includes the table and chairs, buffet, china closet, and possible serving area. • Usually 2’-0” is ok behind the back of a chair and to the wall with someone sitting in the chair for clearance.

14. Location of the dining room is important. It should be adjacent to the kitchen. • When you have an open dining room the room seems a lot bigger.

15. Entryway • Every house has at least one entryway but not all have a foyer. • There are three basic types of entryways: • Main entry • Service entry • Special purpose entry

16. Foyer • The foyer is that part of the house that you enter into and branch to other parts of the house. • A foyer will have a coat closet close. • The size of the foyer depends on the house.

17. The size of the foyer will depend on several factors. • Size of the house • Cost of the house • Location • Personal preference Hall ways that are in homes are no narrower that 3’-0”. FHA recommends a 3’-6” hallway

18. Well styled doors are a key element in the design of the entry. • Entry door are 3’ wide and vary in height. • Standard height is six feet eight inches • The service entrance from the garage is 2’-8” wide and 6’-8” tall. • Back doors are 2’-8” minimums and 6’-8” tall.