Guidelines for Living Space How to Design the Living Areas

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

Living Space

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

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

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

Size and Arrangement  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

Size and Arrangement oIf there is an adjacent patio, porch, deck or balcony the size will be affected oCan make a room look larger, more open and extend the use

Size and Arrangement oThe main furniture grouping in a living room is call the primary conversation area oWill usually be in a circular shape oPrimary conv. Area should be a t least an 8-10 ft circle

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

Dining Rooms

Living Space Dining 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

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 rooms 1) closed 2) open

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

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

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

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

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

Family rooms

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

Family rooms  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

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

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

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

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

Outdoor

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

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

Patios & Decks Quiet patio – located near the quiet side of the home usually around the bedrooms used for relaxing, reading, sleeping, etc.

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

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

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

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