A home is not just a roof over a head, it is a sanctuary. It is meant to provide peace, comfort, entertainment and safety. Whether the living spaces are large or small living spaces, open or enclosed, they are a statement of who we are as individuals and how we fit within our world.
The most commonly known and widely used living space is the living room. Although some homes have a living room that is formal and meant for entertaining, most homes have a living room that is meant for relaxation and sharing with family. This room is the hub of activity. It is a living space that creates entertainment and comfort, sharing and relating. It is the one space in the house that all occupants share.
Another living space within a home that is a shared space and generates considerable traffic is the kitchen. This space accommodates not just cooking, but a wide range of activity. It is the first after-school stop for kids. It is the place where dad washes his hands from working outside. It the place that mom makes her to-do list.
One less thought of shared living space is the outdoor living space. This is otherwise known as the backyard. Many homeowners take great care of their outdoor living space so that it may be enjoyed by more then just themselves. It is an attractive living space for neighbors to view and an excellent place to entertain during warm weather. It holds multiple functions of being a kitchen, living room, and dining room all in one.
The last of the most common shared living spaces is the dining room. This is an area for family gathering, entertaining, and-of course-eating. For many homeowners, meal time is more than just filling a stomach, it is the place where the day is discussed, problems are solved, and plans are made. Additionally, the dining room living space creates an feeling of welcome for guests. It is a place to entertain for holidays and special occasions.
The bedroom is considered a private living space. It is a sanctuary for its occupant that provides peace and quiet for the hustle and bustle of daily life. The bedroom living space is predominantly for sleeping, but it is also a place for private conversation, intimacy, and study.
Although the bathroom is a room that is more for the focus of function, many homeowners have designed the bath to create a spa-like living space. It is the first place one sees in the morning. It is the last place one sees at night. However, in between, it can be a place to provide self care from the stressful living that many people face.
A den or study is another living space that tends to be private. It is designed to be a place for its occupant to focus. While many people work outside the home, using a den as a place to take care of household demands such as bills and taxes; there are those whose many source of income comes directly from this room. Because personal computers have become such a necessity today, the den is becoming more and more important in the home.
The living space should not be limited to just the living room or kitchen areas. Although, it is safe to say that these rooms still remain the popular choice for shared living space. Because more homeowners are finding ways to utilize all of their property as a sanctuary, it is important to consider how areas such as the outdoors, bedrooms, and bathrooms have become living spaces in their own rite.