Don’t we tend to call all soft floor coverings, other than carpet, an area rug? I generally did! However, the terminology is a little more exacting. The following tips are given us from Rugs Direct (www.rugsdirect.com):
A traditional area rug defines – just that, an area within a room. These can be just a few feet in width & length up to approximately 10’ x 12’. When the rugs measure 12’ x 18’ and larger, they are considered room-sized rugs or certainly covering a wide expanse. Many go almost wall-to-wall, but with many advantages not available from standard carpeting.
Art rugs are artistic woven pieces usually smaller than functional area rugs, and can be used in conjunction with any other type of floor covering. Typical size might be 4’ x 6’ to 7’ x 9’.
Scatter rugs or throw rugs are as smallas 2’x3’; these add accent or color to a small area, or protect a part of the floor that receives really hard wear. Depending upon the material, if it is to be placed outdoors or in a bathroom, it is referred to as a bathmat or a doormat.
Now, we all can be more specific to our needs! Remember, your home needs to fit you like a favorite shoe. When thinking about your interior and exterior spaces, ask yourself, “Does the Shoe……FIT?” And give us a call if you need some help. –Sharon
I have a question that I have been unable to have answered from design websites. I’m trying to come up with an alternate kitchen layout. Currently my kitchen is a U-shape but no true area for dining. My thought is to turn my kitchen into an L-shape and allow space to accommodate an island with an overhang countertop to serve as an informal sitting area for dining.
Now for the question: How much space should be allowed between cabinets/appliances and island? And between island and walls?
DeeDee–I like your idea, and think it will be very workable. The spacing needed is about 44″ between cabninets & appliances and the island. There will be many times you need to open those cabinet & appliance doors, and if you can’t get around them it becomes annoying. So 42″ to 44″ has become the norm; I like 44″ for my clients, and for later home saleability.
Where the wall is behind the island, I would give it just as much space, 44″, so people can comfortably get around. The bar stools or chairs will extend close to a foot into the space, leaving about 32″ for someone to walk around behind them. Although you may not have anyone in a wheel chair in your home, this spacing will also allow a person in a wheel chair to get through–this will become a future selling point in Colorado where many of the people are aging professionals. As for your purposes, realize that even a person living alone usually has friends in. Kitchens become very active places, but the kitchen that doesn’t allow people to move around easily becomes a frustrating space.
That said, if you need to scrimp a couple inches, do so on the wall side rather than the appliance/cabinet side. The extension of the island counter top on the bar section should be 9″ – 12″. Again, I like 12″ for knees not to cramp, and not to scuff the underwall. Have a rounded edge on the island countertop edges for personal comfort.
Good luck on your renovation, DeeDee! Send us a photo of it when it is finished. –Sharon Breay