Chapter 7 Indoor Living Areas Living areas Where

Chapter 7 Indoor Living Areas Living areas Where entertainment, relaxation, dining, recreation is to be done. Normally located on the first floor adjacent to the foyer

Divided into smaller areas that serve specific purposes. Living Room Dining Room Family Room Recreation Room Open Plan Not Always separated by a partition

Some separation but not total separation of rooms – Ex: An atrium (indoor garden) Closed Plan Complete separation of rooms by partitions Combined Plans Use of both open and closed plans Ex: May have a closed, formal living room and an open plan living area which functions as the great room

Living Room Center living area in most homes Function – Needs to be designed in relation to its functions and activities – Should be planned as an intergral part of the home for family and guests Location – Should have direct access to the dining room and entry

Orientation – Take full advantage of the position of the sun and the most attractive view – Primarily used in the afternoon and evening so should be located to receive the afternoon sun. Decor – Pattern of decoration – Depends on the styles and tastes of residents – Walls • Placement of windows, doors, fireplaces, etc is critical • Should be consistent with the many materials available Windows – Two main purposes • Light • View

Fireplaces – Primary Uses • Heat • Decoration • Partition Floors – Reinforced and blend in with the color scheme and texture – Use of wood, floor carpets, etc. are appropriate for living room use Ceilings – Most conventional ceilings are covered with plaster (also called gypsum) • Laminated Beams • Hardwood • Masonry

Lighting General Illuminating entire room with ceiling fixtures or wall lights Local Used for specific areas Table lamps, floor lamps, etc. Decorative Used to improve the appearance of a room or create a mood

Size and shape Furniture size should be established before the living room size is established Templates Used with a floor plan to plan the placement of furniture before room sizes are determined

Dining Room Function and location Provides family and guests to eat in formal or informal situations Separate dining area should seat 6 -12 people Should be adjacent to the kitchen Serving wall – An opening in the wall for passing food through from the kitchen

Decor Should blend with the remainder of the house Controlled lighting to provide appropriate atmosphere – Controlled by a rheostat (also called a dimmer switch)

Size and Shape Determined by the size of the family and amount of furniture Minimum if 2’ should be allowed between a chair and wall or other furniture when the chair is pulled out Recommended distance between center of chairs is 2’-3”

Family Room Function and location Provides facilities for family centered activities Should be designed to be flexible to families needs Usually located adjacent to the kitchen

Recreation Room Also called a game room Not a special purpose room Usually located in the basement