You know what you want in your new kitchen, bath or bedroom — but will it fit in your space? This blog will help you answer that question with key measurements, which takes the guesswork out of room planning and designing your home. In this blog we detail the standard sizes of furnishings, appliances and room features and the square footage in which they need to be placed. And provide suggestions regarding ideal room layouts and dimensions for different architectural styles.

The kitchen. A well-designed kitchen makes meal preparation and dining more pleasurable. Randel offers measurements and advice for storage areas, prep and cleanup spots, and cooking and baking centers.

Tip: To get your kitchen cooking, store pots, pans and baking sheets around the burners and oven. You can put your toaster and coffeemaker here as well to keep prep areas free. Seasonings, breadboards and potholders should go in nearby drawers and cupboards. Allow 21 to 36 inches (53 to 92 centimeters) of counter space on either side of your cooktop, and locate a wall oven next to an open countertop so you have a place where you can set down hot food.

The bathroom. Whether you install a single, double, pedestal, floating or braced sink will depend as much on your available space as on your needs and desires. And that’s just one element of the bathroom. This story examines your options for sinks, toilets, tubs, showers and towel bars.

Tip: Want to extend your countertop over the toilet tank, as seen here? Counter heights vary from 32 to 36 inches (81 to 91 centimeters), so you’ll need to consider whether your toilet will fit comfortably underneath. You also must be able to lift the lid without obstruction.

The living room. Is your living room large enough for a sectional, or would you be better off with a smaller sofa or love seat and chairs? Randel provides measurements for these seating options, as well as for other furnishings and accessories, to help you decide.

Tip: Just as important as the furniture is a living room’s flow. Circulation paths that enable people to move to seating areas and exits need 30 to 36 inches (77 to 91 centimeters) of clear width. Coffee tables can be as close as 12 inches (30 centimeters) from the edge of the seating. Other furnishings might need at least 24 inches (61 centimeters) between pieces.

Bedroom. The design of a bedroom starts with the bed. Randel lists the standard sizes, along with the dimensions of benches, nightstands, dressers, chests, chairs and more.

Tip: If you want a sitting area in your bedroom, like the one seen here, you need space for tables, chairs and love seats, as well as the circulation area to make it work. Allow an area of at least 8 by 8 feet — 10 by 10 feet is better — in addition to room for the bed, dressers and chests.

To see more tips for other areas of the home, check out this blog. Otherwise, give us a call if you need help with your remodel!