LIVING AREAS

Living area Part of the house that friends and guest see. It is usually a place of show, recreation and entertainment. It roughly consumes one-third (1/3) of the house. Living areas contain living rooms, dinning rooms, foyers, and recreation rooms.

Living Room Typically the living room is the center of activity. The size of the living room depends on the lifestyle of the home owner.

Size Location Come in all shapes and sizes. Average size is between 250 – 400 square feet Size and design are dependent upon: furniture, use, number of people, function, proportional to the house. Should be located outside the main traffic patterns of the house. Not used as a main hallway. Slightly raise or lower to room to set it apart. Main entry should not open into the living room If there is an external view, the room should be positioned to see it. It should also be located close to the dining room for entertainment purposes. Living Room

Windows and Doors Decor Energy conservation and comfort should be taken into consideration. Cooler climate house should have windows to the south. Warmer climate areas should have windows to the north. Living rooms should be colorful, exciting, and inviting. Colors should complement the natural material of the house. Décor should also follow the design of the house. Living Room

Dining Rooms Provides a location for eating. Dining rooms are designed with an open or closed plan. Room size is dependent upon the number of people who will be using it and furniture selection. Location is mostly adjacent to kitchens and living rooms.

Plan Size Closed Plan  The room is a cubical style that offers overflow into other rooms. Open Plan  The dining room and living room are not closed of from each other.  Parting walls may be used to break up the rooms. Average sizes range from 120 – 250 square feet. However bigger dinning rooms are becoming more popular. Size and design are dependent upon : layout, outdoor viewing. 2-3 feet should be allowed from center to center of chars around the table. 2-3 feet should also be aloud for serving. Dining Rooms

Décor Location Color schemes should match the living room. Controlled lighting should be used. Should promote a bright, warm, and cheerful atmosphere. For efficient use it should be adjacent to living rooms and kitchens. Dinning Rooms

Entry room / Foyers 3 types of entry ways, main, service, and special purpose. Foyer’s functions as a place to greet guests and remove outer wear. A foyer must have a closet or clothing storage device.

Types Main Entry  Designed to impress.  Centrally located to provide easy access to multiple parts of the house  Protected from weather.  Average door size in 3’-0’’. Service Entry  Usually connected to the kitchen.  Mud rooms may be placed between the kitchen and entry. Special purpose entry  Provide access to patios, decks, and courts.  Sliding doors are commonly used. Entryway

Design Décor Flooring must be easy to clean. Tile, linoleum, and ceramic are common. Must have a clothing storage devices. Closets are common. Desirable size is 2.5ft x 4 ft Match the color scheme of adjacent room. The foyer is an extension of the main entry. Parting walls may be used as diveders Foyer

Size Size depends on:  Size of House  Cost of house  Location  Preference Average sizes are between 6ft x 6ft to 8ft x 10 ft. Foyer

Recreation room A place to play or conduct hobbies. Rec. rooms are located by living rooms, kitchens, dinning rooms, and garages. These large areas separate noises from other living areas. Also double as special purpose rooms.

Size Décor Size depends on  Intended use  Number of people using it Common size is 12’ – 20’ Must contain storage Easy to clean floors Materials colors should be easy to clean Recreation room

Patios, Porches, Courts, and Gazebos Used for “outdoor Living” Used to extend living facilities Enlarge the functions of a house

Patios Porches Near house but not structurally connected. Ground level Location is dependent upon use. Sizes range from 10 x 14 to 20 x 30 Structurally connected to house. Raised above ground level and are covered. Porches with out a roof are called decks. Patios, Porches, Courts, and Gazebos

Courts Gazebo Enclosed by wall or roof. Used for dining and entertaining. Roofed structure that is similar to a porch but detached from the house. Has opened sides Patios, Porches, Courts, and Gazebos

Service areas

Designed to supplement living and sleeping areas. Areas include kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, utility, and storage.

Kitchens Used for food preparation. May also contain dinning laundry and storage. 6 Styles of kitchens  Straight Line  L shaped  Corridor  Island  U-Shaped  Peninsula

Kitchens Straight Line  Style used in small houses and apartments.  Space is limited L-shaped  Located along two adjacent walls.  Provides efficient space.

Kitchens Corridor  Located on two walls opposite of each other  Ideal for long narrow rooms U-Shaped  Most popular  Efficient workspace  Natural shape provides a traffic barrier

Kitchens Peninsula  Efficient workspace  Can easily be connected to the dining area.  The peninsula can serve multiple purposes Island  Kitchen with an island in the middle  Island can serve multiple purposes.  Work space is reduced.

Kitchens Peninsula  Efficient workspace  Can easily be connected to the dining area.  The peninsula can serve multiple purposes Island  Kitchen with an island in the middle  Island can serve multiple purposes.  Work space is reduced.

Laundry Rooms Provides and area for washing, drying, and mending clothes. Must be ventilated and lighted Washing machines are always on the right side of the dryer.

Garages Place to store vehicles Can be attached to the house Single car garage  11 x 19 – 16 x 25 Double Car garage  20 x 20 – 25 x 25