Choosing and Designing a Home (Junior Cert Home Economics): Revision Notes

Room Planning

Factors to Consider When Room Planning

1. Function:

• What is the purpose of the room?
• Example: A living room should be relaxing; a kitchen should be hygienic and functional.

2. Money available:

• Set a budget and consider ways to save, like repurposing furniture or visiting second-hand shops.

3. Size and shape of the room:

• Maximise the space and consider its layout.

4. Existing fixtures and fittings:

• Plan around doors, windows, and radiators, as these can't be easily moved.

5. Heating and lighting:

• Use heating and lighting to create comfort, visibility, and a good mood.

6. Storage:

• Plan plenty of storage space for organisation (e.g., toys in kids' rooms).

7. Traffic flow:

• Place furniture to allow easy movement around the room.

8. Aspect:

• Consider the direction of the room—south-facing rooms get more sunlight.

9. Likes and dislikes:

• Personalise the room to reflect the preferences of those using it.

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Floor Plans

• A floor plan is a scaled sketch of a room.
• Include fixtures (doors, windows) and draw furniture to scale.
• Experiment with layouts by moving pieces around to find the best arrangement.

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Kitchen Design

A well-designed kitchen is:

1. Hygienic and easy to clean.
2. Efficient:

• Consider the work triangle (sink, fridge, and cooker should be easily accessible).

3. Spacious:

• Include enough storage for utensils, appliances, and groceries.

4. Bright and ventilated:

• Proper lighting and airflow ensure safety and comfort.