Residential Interior Design A Guide to Planning Spaces

Through a practical, human-first approach to the design of interior spaces, Residential Interior Design is the leading reference for the design of interior environments. Step-by-step, authors Maureen Mitton and Courtney Nystuen review all aspects of inteior architecture as it relates to ergonomics and daily use to guide interior design students and early-career professionals through the fundamental skills required to design a beautiful, functional, and livable space. Hundreds of drawings and photographs illustrate key concepts. Room-by-room, this reference offers the latest in building codes and sustainability standards, all-new material related to smart building technology, and updated accessibility standards. 

Maureen Mitton is Professor Emeritus, and former Director of the School of Art and Design at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She is on the review board of the Journal of Interior Design and is a Certified Interior Designer.

Courtney Nystuen is an architect and educator who has taught architectural design at the University of Wisconsin-Stout for over thirty years. He is a member emeritus of the AIA.

Acknowledgments ix

Chapter 1 Introduction 1

What This Book Is About 1

An Overview: Quality and Quantity 1

Human Behavior, Culture, and Housing 2

Defining Housing-Related Terms 6

An Overview of Chapter Topics 6

Introduction to Accessibility Notes 7

Accessibility, Universal Design, Visitability,and Usability 7

Federal Accessibility Regulations Governing Housing 8

Introduction to Sustainability Notes 9

Defining and Understanding Sustainability 9

Green Building Codes, Rating Systems, an Certification Programs 10

Life-cycle assessment 11

Global Warming, Climate Change, Carbon, and the Built Environment 13

Ergonomics and Required Clearances 14

Organizational Flow 14

Related Codes and Constraints 14

More About the International Residential Code 16

Section R303 of the IRC covers light, ventilation, and heating 16

Section R304 of the IRC covers minimum room areas 16

Section R305 of the IRC covers ceiling height 16

Fire sprinklers and alarms are covered as follows 17

Electrical and Mechanical 17

Lighting 19

Types of Lighting 20

More Lighting Basics and Lighting Terminology 20

Smart Homes and the Internet of Things 25

References 26

Chapter 2 Basic Design Graphics and Sample Project 30

An Introduction to Orthographic Projections 30

Introductory Sample Project Design Drawings 33

Diagrams 33

Preliminary Orthographic Projection Drawings 33

Site Plans 34

Floor Plans 35

Exterior Elevations 39

Interior Elevations 39

Schedules 40

Additional Graphic Symbols 41

Final Sample Project Drawings 42

Dimensions 49

Sections 54

Reflected Ceiling Plans 54

Electrical and Lighting Plans/Power and Lighting Plans 55

References 55

Chapter 3 Entrances and Circulation Spaces 56

Introduction 56

Foyer and Entry Areas 56

Vertical Movement 58

Ergonomics and Required Clearances 61

More About Stairs 61

Organizational Flow 65

Related Codes and Constraints 69

Electrical and Mechanical 74

Lighting 74

References 78

Chapter 4 Social and Leisure Spaces 79

Introduction 79

Ergonomics and Required Clearances 83

Organizational Flow 87

Related Codes and Constraints 92

Electrical and Mechanical 93

Lighting 93

References 95

Chapter 5 Kitchens 97

Introduction 97

Getting Started 97

Organizational Flow 101

Fixtures and Appliances 104

Sinks 105

Faucets 110

Garbage Disposers 113

Dishwashers 113

Ranges 114

Cooktops 117

Wall Ovens 117

Microwave Ovens 118

Refrigerators 119

Ergonomics and Required Clearances 121

Work Counters and Cabinets 121

Dining Spaces for Interaction 123

Sinks 124

Dishwashers 126

Ranges and Cooktops 126

Ventilation 127

Ovens and Microwaves 128

Refrigerators 129

Kitchen Storage and Cabinetry 131

More on Cabinets and Built-In Storage 135

The Pantry 141

The Super Pantry and Butler’s Pantry 141

Related Codes and Constraints 142

Selected IRC Kitchen-Related

Code Items 143

Electrical and Mechanical 143

Lighting 145

Prototype Kitchen Illustrations 149

References 159

Chapter 6 Bedrooms 161

Introduction 161

Ergonomics and Required Clearances 162

Organizational Flow 166

Related Codes and Constraints 169

Electrical and Mechanical 172

Lighting 174

References 180

Chapter 7 Bathrooms 181

Introduction 181

Fixtures 182

Toilets 182

Urinals 183

Bidets 184

Sinks 186

Faucets 188

Bathtubs 190

Showers 191

Showerheads and Fixtures 195

Smart Fixtures 198

Shut off Valves 198

Storage and Cabinetry 198

Sink Area 198

Toilet, Tub, Shower, and Linen Storage 201

Ergonomics and Required Clearances 201

Organizational Flow 209

Related Codes and Constraints 216

Electrical and Mechanical 216

Lighting 217

References 219

Chapter 8 Utility and Workspaces 220

Introduction: Types of Utility and Workspaces 220

Garages and Equipment Rooms 220

Laundry Spaces 220

Mudrooms 221

Hobby Spaces 222

Home Offices/Workspaces 222

Working and Learning from Home 224

Electronic Devices and Equipment 225

Managing Household Paperwork and Activities 225

Home Gyms and Exercise Equipment 225

The Flex Room 226

Laundry Appliances and Sinks 226

Clothes Washers and Dryers 226

Utility Sinks 228

Storage and Cabinetry 228

Garage Area Storage 228

Laundry Area Storage 228

Mudroom Area Storage 229

Bookshelves and Bookcases 229

 Ergonomics and Required Clearances 229

Organizational Flow 230

Related Codes and Constraints 230

Electrical and Mechanical 232

Electric Vehicles 234

Lighting 238

References 239

Chapter 9 Basic Light Frame Residential Construction 240

Introduction 240

Standard Residential Building Platform Types 240

Basic Wood Frame Construction 240

Plumbing 240

Doors and Windows 240

Doors 240

Windows 245

Roof Types and Styles 248

Fireplaces and Stoves 250

References 255

Chapter 10 Notes on Remodeling 256

Introduction 256

Additions and Alterations 257

The Remodeling Process 259

The Assessment Phase 260

The Design Phase 261

Selection and Construction 262

Budgeting and Return on Investment 262

Organizational Flow, Ergonomics, and Required Clearances 264

Zoning and Building Codes 264

References 265

APPENDIX A ANSI, UFAS, and Fair Housing Bathrooms and Kitchens 267

APPENDIX B Sample Project Scenario/Problem Statement 271

APPENDIX C Common Construction Abbreviations 273

APPENDIX D Seated Wheelchair Dimensions 275

APPENDIX E Residential Elevator Information 277

APPENDIX F Common Stock Cabinet Configurations and Sizes 279

APPENDIX G Outdoor, Secondary, and Compact Kitchens 281

Index 285