Architecture - Kitchen Research
Architecture - Kitchen Research
Architecture - Kitchen Research
Submitted by:
Go, Carson T.
Submitted to:
Ar. Marsha Presas
Principles & Different Types of Living and Dining Configurations
In designing a space for living and dining within a residence, there can be differing
components and inclusions that are not common in other homeowners’ living and dining spaces
because each person has their personalities, lifestyles, and preferences; nevertheless, the design
process for living and dining spaces all have similar considerations and principles that one should
always remember as stated by Constantine Interiors Inc (n.d.) and Sina Architects (2017):
1. Lighting
The semi-private spaces must have a good source of natural light in order to make the
space more open and inviting, especially when inviting visitors over during the day; At the end of
the day, having a warm mood lighting will set a cozy ambiance, good for informal social
gatherings. A dimmer is also another option that is good for living and dining spaces in order to
control the lighting ambiance the room requires for a particular gathering.
In this configuration, there are several focal points that have to be addressed within
one space, since it is an open plan. This is perfect for easy access to the different areas for
leisure, dining, and cooking. The large space also offers more space for guest accommodation
since the three areas are incorporated into one large space. To add to the openness of this layout
are windows that allow for natural light to enter. Ultimately, this plan distinguishes the different
areas by placing each of them at a distance from each other which serves as a transition between
these spaces.
When designing an oversized living and dining space, it is easier for the designer to
define each space as separate zones to accommodate large groups of people. In this large space,
different forms of furniture may also be played with and used in the design of the space such as
large couch pieces and even different art pieces (sculptures and paintings). The usual direction in
designing oversized and high ceiling living areas is to play with natural light, fenestrations, and
hanging light fixtures in order to give the space more character.
A split-level open living and dining space is another way to distinguish different areas
found within the same open space. The difference between depths in walls and ceiling is a subtle
way of distinguishing these spaces, but for smaller spaces, a clear distinction between these
spaces can be achieved by different floor levels connected through steps or an inclination. Accent
walls also help capture the focal point of the combined space as shown in the example above.
Furniture, Accessories, and Sizing
Conversation, seating, access to entertainment (tv or instruments), and dining are important in
the design of living and dining spaces. In order to achieve these particular functions within the space,
the furniture to be placed must be functional and coherent with one another.
For the living space area of the open plan, furniture good for different clusters of seating for
different conversation groups have to be thought of in order to achieve a holistic accommodation
within the space (Admin, 2009).
In the same way, the dining room also requires a number of pieces and furniture to make the
space more accommodating despite the open space; though the number of required furniture are lesser
than that of the kitchen and living spaces, the dining area still influences the impact of the space as a
whole (Treffinger, 2016).
Furniture & Accessories: Dimensions may vary from given standard
1. Dining Table
a. Rectangular (2.40 m for 6 people up to 3.50 m for maximum 12 people)
b. Circular (1.00 m radius for 4 people up to 1.80m radius for 10 people)
2. Long Table/ Buffet Table (Advisable to accommodate social gatherings in open plans)
3. Chairs (0.60 m x 0.60 m seat)
4. Cabinetry and Shelves ( For books, decorative china, ceramics and other silverware)
5. Multiple levels of lighting fixtures
a. Pendant Lights
b. Chandeliers
c. Sconces (1.30 m from finished floor line)
China Cabinets: Seeing a collection of china and tea sets on cabinets will bring more
character in the dining room. Glass, metal screens, or chicken wire
may be used in these types of cabinetries.
Larder-Style Cupboard: For more spacious dining areas, larder-style cupboards could be used
for storage, and a place for keeping condiments, tissues, and even
wine coolers or microwaves for deeper bespoke cabinets.
Hostess Cart / Food Trolley: Another storage idea for transferring dishes and other materials from
the kitchen to the dining room, also known as a Butcher Cart
Bench with Storage: Multipurpose storage piece fit for small pieces such as small boxes
Buffet Table Cabinets: Below the long buffet tables, cabinets and drawers may be added to
place utensils, placemats, linens, and other materials
Serving Table / Credenza: Similar to buffet cabinet tables, but with a more casual look fit to
display glassware
Shelves: Storage for accent pieces
Curio Cabinets: Glass display case to present figurines and collections
Built-in Counters & Shelves: A sleek modern cabinetry technique often with indirect lighting used
to outline the shelves
Wine Cabinet/Cooler Storage for wine and sparkling water for occasions
Design Standards for Living Room Furniture and Fixture
In designing the living room of the residence, there is much freedom for the designer to place
different types of furniture into the space, much more when the living space is open in plan. The
dimensions of furniture also vary in size, depending on the preference of the home owners, as long as
these furniture fit into the minimum design standard.
Moreover, these considerations must be acceptable to building code requirements in the
National Building Code of the Philippines and other design standards as well, some of which are
stated in the Time Saver Standards for Interior Design and Space Planning and in other design
standard references (Admin, 2009; Palermo, 2019).