Kitchen and Living Room Design Basics

Kitchen Renovation Visualization

• A 2D top-view floor plan is the best visualization tool for understanding kitchen layout before construction.

Floor Plan Elements

• Parallel diagonal lines represent concrete walls.
• An "X" in a square on a floor plan likely represents a window.
• A 1:100 scale means 1 unit on the plan equals 100 units in reality.
• Understanding floor plan symbols accurately communicates design ideas.
• Proper window placement is crucial for airflow.

Living Room Design

• Light-colored walls and furniture make a small living room feel more spacious.
• Maintain at least 30cm (12 inches) between a coffee table and sofa.
• Modern and minimalist living rooms use neutral colors, clean lines, and minimal decor.
• Furniture proportion is key to a balanced living room layout.
• Room dimensions, traffic flow, and intended use are initial considerations for a functional layout.
• Multi-functional furniture (sofa beds, ottomans) optimizes small living rooms.
• A secondary grouping of furniture is ideal for romantic setups.
• Furniture dimension standards create comfortable, functional, and accessible living areas.
• An open-concept living and dining area enhances interaction and light.
• Living room is a space for socializing, entertainment, and relaxation.
• Ergonomic couch design prioritizes comfort and posture support (seat height and depth).
• Use the SketchUp "Scale" tool, holding Shift for proportional scaling.
• Aim for a seating height between 16-18 inches for ergonomic couches.
• Import seamless fabric textures in SketchUp using the "Paint Bucket" tool for realistic couch design.
• Use the Tape Measure tool in SketchUp before creating a drawer to ensure proper alignment.

Sun Path Diagram

• The sun always rises east and sets west.

Bedroom Design

• A unified bedroom design style shares commonalities in material, shape, and color scheme.
• Nightstands hold lamps beside beds.
• Closets are a major bedroom furniture type.
• Eclectic style combines different design periods.
• Contemporary style reflects current periods.
• Matrimonial beds are best for large master bedrooms.
• A futon offers comfortable, foldable Japanese bedding.
• Seating height for a bar stool is 760mm.
• Dining chair height is 400-450mm.
• Rectangular or square floor plans maximize construction efficiency and minimize labor.
• Bubble diagrams are freehand diagrams for space planning by architects and interior designers.

Bedroom Focus

• Proper ventilation, comfortable beds, and minimal noise improve sleep quality.

Bathroom Design

• Universal design standards ensure bathroom accessibility for all users.
• A "man cave" living room features entertainment, sports memorabilia, and a minibar.
• A "great living room" accommodates relaxation and entertainment with large open areas.
• Corner sinks, wall-mounted toilets, and sliding doors maximize a small bathroom.
• A three-zone bathroom layout accommodates multiple users effectively.
• Sustainable bathroom design uses energy-efficient lighting, water-efficient fixtures, and eco-friendly materials.
• Separating shower, bathtub, and toilet prevents water hazards in an open bathroom layout.
• Ventilation fans and high, frosted windows allow adequate ventilation and privacy.
• Separate sink, toilet, and shower areas support multiple bathroom users.
• Ergonomic designs ensure user comfort in bathroom layout.

Bedroom Types for Various Needs

• Twin bedrooms foster bonding and are space-saving for young children.
• Bunk bedrooms best accommodate multiple children in limited space.
• Master bedrooms have attached bathrooms and walk-in closets.
• Smart toilets offer features like bidets, heating, and automatic flush for modern convenience.
• Jack and Jill bathrooms must ensure equal access and privacy for both rooms.