A Quick Guide to Home Floor Plans

Most homes come with a preset floor plan, but how you arrange everything else is entirely up to you. Unfortunately, this is where a lot of homeowners fail. It\'s hard to fit in what you have to a predefined space, and still keep things nice and functional. That\'s why your floor plan should be one of your first concerns when designing a new home. Once everything\'s in place, it\'s easier to make other decisions such as color and fabrics.

The main factor affecting your floor plan is the room\'s purpose. The living room, for example, tends to be a general area for gathering and entertainment. To accommodate this, you need an "open" floor plan where people can move around freely but not keep bumping into the furniture (or each other). The sofa is usually best left against the wall or corner, and the TV, if you have one, should be on the opposite wall. This leaves the center open for a coffee table, or a rug where people can sit and gather.

For the kitchen, you need a good balance of function and form. There are four basic layouts for kitchens: one with a single counter, two opposite counters, an L-shaped counter, and a U-shaped counter. This is usually determined by the room architecture, but your cooking style also plays a part. You may have room for a fancy L-shaped kitchen with a spacious counter, but it\'s only worth it if you do a lot of kitchen work. If you make mostly microwave meals, the space may be better used for something else, like a bar.

Bedrooms are mostly a personal choice, but generally you want a more relaxing, intimate atmosphere. Since the bed is the room\'s focal point, it should be placed somewhere comfortable-you may like waking up close to the window, or flush against a secluded corner. Make a list of things you need to make room for, such as nightstands, closets, dressers, or bookcases. The general rule is that there should be a clear line from the bed to the door, and the rest of the furniture should be at least a few feet from the bed.