Interior Architectural Design Resources
February 4, 2026
Interior & Architectural Design – Online Reference Resources
Planning a renovation or building project? This curated collection maps free, high-quality online resources to essential interior design topics: room dimensions, clearances, kitchen planning, bathroom layouts, exteriors, and building services. The focus is on European and metric standards, with a dedicated section for German resources.
- Interior & Architectural Design – Online Reference Resources
Layout Rules & Dimensions
Reference Books (Industry Standards)
- Neufert – Bauentwurfslehre / Architects’ Data – The definitive German reference for architectural planning. Contains comprehensive metric data on room sizes, clearances, and human dimensions. Based on DIN standards. 44th German edition (2024) available.
- Metric Handbook (Pamela Buxton) – PDF | UK equivalent to Neufert. Covers all building types with metric planning data.
Online Resources (European/Metric)
- First in Architecture – Metric Data Design Guide – PDF | Website Excellent UK resource with comprehensive metric data. Contents:
- 01: Average Standing Dimensions
- 02: Average Sitting Dimensions
- 03: Average Wheelchair User Dimensions
- 04: Circulation and Space
- 05: Approach, Entrance and Horizontal Circulation
- 06: Wheelchair Accessible Dwelling Circulation
- 08: Standard Furniture Sizes
- 09: Kitchen Standard Sizes
- 10: Kitchen Standards for Wheelchair Users
- 11: Accessible Bathrooms and WC’s
- Plan7Architect – Room Size Guide – https://plan7architect.com/room-size-guide-how-big-should-rooms-be-ai2/ European room size recommendations in m².
- Style Within – Standard Dimensions (UK) – https://www.stylewithin.co.uk/2017/07/20/standard-dimensions-interior-design/ Interior design dimensions in metric.
- MDPI – Housing Spaces in Nine European Countries – https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/8/4278 Academic comparison of dimensional requirements across Europe.
German Building Regulations
- Wohnflächenverordnung (WoFlV) – German living space calculation standard. Key rules: rooms under 1m height = 0%, 1–2m = 50%, balconies = 25–50%.
- DIN 277 – Alternative calculation method counting all areas at 100%.
- Landesbauordnungen – State building codes define minimum room sizes (varies by Bundesland).
Online Resources (German)
- BauNetz Wissen – https://www.baunetzwissen.de Comprehensive German building encyclopedia. Key sections:
- Abmessungen von Sanitärobjekten
- Abstände von Sanitärobjekten
- Planung von Bädern im Wohnungsbau
- nullbarriere.de – https://nullbarriere.de Barrier-free building portal with detailed DIN 18040 information:
- DIN 18040-2 Wohnungen
- Wohnflächen und Wohnungsgrößen
- din18040.de – https://www.din18040.de Complete reference for DIN 18040 barrier-free building standards.
- Planungsatlas Hochbau – https://www.planungsatlas-hochbau.de Free planning atlas from the German cement industry. Over 950 construction details with CAD downloads (registration required, but free).
- Kuechen-Atlas – https://www.kuechen-atlas.de German kitchen planning resource with ergonomics:
- Arbeitshöhe in der Küche
- sanier.de – Küchenmaße – https://www.sanier.de/kueche/die-wichtigsten-masse-und-abstaende-in-der-kueche Important kitchen dimensions and clearances in German.
- Fertighauswelt – Raumgrößen – https://www.fertighauswelt.de/magazin/ratgeber/ideale-raumgroessen Room size guidelines for residential planning.
- Fertighaus.de – Grundriss-Richtwerte – https://www.fertighaus.de/ratgeber/hausbau/grundriss-planen-richtwerte-fuer-raumgroessen/ Room size recommendations for floor plan design.
Quick Reference: Room Sizes (Metric)
| Room Type | Small | Medium | Large |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living Room | 20–25 m² | 30–40 m² | 40+ m² |
| Master Bedroom | 12–14 m² | 15–18 m² | 20+ m² |
| Children’s Room | 10–12 m² | 15–18 m² | 20+ m² |
| Kitchen | 8–10 m² | 12–15 m² | 18+ m² |
| Dining Room | 12–15 m² | 20–25 m² | 30+ m² |
| Entrance/Hall | 5–6 m² | 8–10 m² | 12+ m² |
Clearance Guides
Resources
- First in Architecture – Human Dimensions – https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/metric-data-01-average-dimensions-of-person-standing/ Anthropometric data in metric (mm) for space planning.
- First in Architecture – Person Sitting – https://www.firstinarchitecture.co.uk/metric-data-02-average-dimensions-of-person-sitting/ Seated dimensions for furniture planning.
- Dimensions.com – https://www.dimensions.com Comprehensive database with metric and imperial measurements.
Quick Reference: Clearances (Metric)
| Location | Ideal | Minimum |
|---|---|---|
| Walkways between furniture | 90 cm | 75 cm |
| Passageways (room to room) | 120 cm | 90 cm |
| Coffee table to sofa | 45 cm | 40 cm |
| Behind dining chairs | 90 cm | 70 cm |
| Around bed (each side) | 90 cm | 60 cm |
| Kitchen work aisle (1 cook) | 105 cm | 90 cm |
| Kitchen work aisle (2 cooks) | 120 cm | 105 cm |
| In front of wardrobe | 90 cm | 75 cm |
| Radiator to furniture | 10 cm | — |
Sun Path & Climate (Exteriors)
- SunCalc – https://suncalc.org Interactive sun-path diagrams for any location.
- Climate Consultant (UCLA) – https://climateconsultant.com Climate-responsive design strategies.
- Energy.gov – Passive Solar Design – https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/passive-solar-home-design Practical sun, shading, and orientation guidance.
Wind & Ventilation
- CDC / WHO – Natural Ventilation – https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-2019-nCoV-Natural_ventilation-2020.1
- ArchDaily – Cross Ventilation Guide – https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects?text=natural+ventilation
- Engineering Toolbox (Wind & Buildings) – https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/wind-buildings-d_191.html
Exterior Design & Elevations
- ArchDaily – https://www.archdaily.com Real architectural case studies.
- Dezeen – https://www.dezeen.com
- Building Science Corporation – https://buildingscience.com Climate, envelope, and construction best practices.
Bedrooms
Beds, Furniture & Layout
- Ergonomics of Sleep (NIH) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Neufert Architects’ Data (summaries) – https://www.archtoolbox.com
- Room Layout Guides (IKEA Planning) – https://www.ikea.com/plan
- Ben Norkin Architecture – Bedroom Size Requirements – https://bennorkinarchitecture.com/whats-in-a-bedroom/ Building code requirements for bedrooms.
Circulation & Clearances
- Architectural Graphic Standards (online excerpts) – https://www.archtoolbox.com
- ADA Bedroom Clearances – https://www.ada.gov/resources/2010-standards/
Toilets / Bathrooms
Components & Layout
- National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) – https://nkba.org Industry standard bathroom planning rules.
- Dimensions.com – Bathrooms – https://www.dimensions.com
Accessibility
- ADA Bathroom Guidelines – https://www.ada.gov/resources/2010-standards/
Services & Ventilation
- ASHRAE Ventilation Standards (overview) – https://www.ashrae.org
- Energy.gov – Bathroom Ventilation – https://www.energy.gov
Quick Reference: Bathroom Clearances (Metric)
| Element | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Shower cubicle | 80×80 cm | 90×90 cm |
| Toilet (center to wall) | 38 cm | 45 cm |
| Toilet (front clearance) | 55 cm | 75 cm |
| Basin clearance (front) | 55 cm | 70 cm |
| Bath (standard UK/EU) | 170×70 cm | 180×80 cm |
Kitchens
The Kitchen Work Triangle
The work triangle connects the three main work areas: sink, refrigerator, and stove/hob.
- Maytag – Kitchen Triangle Rule – https://www.maytag.com/blog/kitchen/kitchen-work-triangle.html Clear explanation of the triangle concept.
- CRD Design Build – Kitchen Layout 101 – https://www.crddesignbuild.com/blog/kitchen-layout-101-the-work-triangle-and-zones/ Work triangle and modern zone concepts.
- Naked Kitchens – Work Triangle Expert Guide – https://www.nakedkitchens.com/us/blog/kitchen-work-triangle-an-expert-guide Detailed planning guide.
- CliqStudios – Work Triangle Floor Plan – https://www.cliqstudios.com/work-triangle-floor-plan/ Visual examples and traffic patterns.
- Starcraft Custom Builders – 31 Kitchen Design Rules – http://starcraftcustombuilders.com/kitchen.design.rules.htm Comprehensive illustrated design rules.
Work Triangle Rules
| Rule | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Each triangle side | 120–270 cm |
| Total of all sides | 400–800 cm |
| Max obstacle intrusion | 30 cm |
| No major traffic through triangle | — |
Landing Areas (Counter Space Near Appliances)
| Appliance | One Side | Other Side |
|---|---|---|
| Sink | 60 cm | 45 cm |
| Refrigerator | 40 cm (handle side) | — |
| Stove/Hob | 40 cm | 30 cm |
- Dura Supreme – Kitchen Appliance Landing Areas – https://www.durasupreme.com/blog/kitchen-appliance-landing-areas-design-101/ Detailed landing area planning guide.
- CRD Design Build – Kitchen Dimensions & Code – https://www.crddesignbuild.com/blog/kitchen-dimensions-code-requirements-nkba-guidelines/ NKBA guidelines and building codes.
Cabinet Modules & Storage
- Highland Cabinetry – Standard Cabinet Dimensions – https://highlandcabinetry.com/blog/standard-kitchen-cabinet-sizes-and-dimensions/ US standard sizes explained.
- Kitchen Search – Standard Cabinet Sizes 2025 – https://kitchensearch.com/standard-cabinet-sizes/ Comprehensive sizing guide.
- Cabinet Corp – Cabinet Guide – https://www.cabinetcorp.com/2021/06/21/kitchen-cabinet-guide-for-standard-sizes-and-dimensions/ Dimensions for base, wall, and tall cabinets.
- Arcadium 3D – EU, UK, US Cabinet Sizes – https://arcadium3d.com/articles/standard-kitchen-cabinet-sizes-eu-uk-us Regional variations in cabinet standards.
Quick Reference: Cabinet Dimensions (European Standard)
| Cabinet Type | Height | Depth | Width Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base (without worktop) | 72 cm | 60 cm | 30–120 cm |
| Base (with worktop) | 85–92 cm | 60 cm | 30–120 cm |
| Wall | 30–100 cm | 30–37 cm | 30–90 cm |
| Tall/Pantry | 200–220 cm | 60 cm | 45–80 cm |
| Worktop to wall cabinet | — | — | 50–60 cm |
Lighting & Electrical
- Lighting Research Center – https://www.lrc.rpi.edu
- NEC Electrical Guidelines (consumer summaries) – https://www.nfpa.org
Living Spaces & Study
Furniture & Circulation
- Human Dimension & Interior Space (online summaries) – https://www.archtoolbox.com
- Furniture Clearance Diagrams – https://www.dimensions.com
- Laurel Home – 50 Living Room Decorating Rules – https://laurelberninteriors.com/50-living-room-decorating-rules-you-need-to-know/ Practical layout and styling rules.
- Ideal Home – Living Room Layout Rules – https://www.idealhome.co.uk/living-room/living-room-decor/living-room-layout-rules Professional layout tricks.
Visual Design
- Interaction Design Foundation – Visual Perception – https://www.interaction-design.org
- Color Theory (Adobe) – https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/design/color.html
- Decorilla – Interior Design Rules – https://www.decorilla.com/online-decorating/interior-design-rules/ Golden ratio, rule of thirds, and proportion.
Interior Design Principles
- Interior Design Basics (Open University) – https://www.open.edu
- Gestalt Principles (Smashing Magazine) – https://www.smashingmagazine.com
Services (Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC)
- Electrical Safety Foundation – https://www.esfi.org
- Plumbing Code Overviews – https://www.iccsafe.org
- HVAC Basics (Energy.gov) – https://www.energy.gov
Planning & Zoning
- Space Planning Basics – https://www.archdaily.com/search/projects?text=space+planning
- Residential Zoning Concepts – https://www.planetizen.com
- Privacy & Layout Design – https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk
Planning Checklists
Project Management Resources
- Matterport – Home Renovation Checklist – https://matterport.com/blog/home-renovation-checklist Comprehensive pre-renovation planning guide.
- Tom’s Planner – Renovation Project Plan Template – https://www.tomsplanner.com/templates/home-renovation-project-plan/ Free Gantt chart template for renovation projects.
- Budget Dumpster – Home Remodeling Guide – https://www.budgetdumpster.com/blog/ultimate-home-remodeling-project-plan Step-by-step remodeling plan.
- Sweeten – Renovation Checklist – https://sweeten.com/renovation-101/reno-101/a-renovation-checklist/ From planning to completion.
- Better Builders – Project Management for Renovation – https://www.betterbuilders.com/blog/project-management-for-house-renovation-essential-strategies-for-success Professional project management strategies.
- Patrick A. Finn – Master Planning Guide – https://www.patrickafinn.com/blog/the-ultimate-house-renovation-checklist-a-master-plan-for-a-seamless-home-remodeling-experience Holistic renovation planning approach.
- Craft.do – Home Renovation Template – https://www.craft.do/templates/home-renovation Interactive project template.
Renovation Planning Phases
-
Pre-Planning (6–12 months before)
-
Define objectives and must-haves
- Research local zoning and permits
-
Set preliminary budget
-
Design Phase
-
Create detailed plans
- Finalize material selections
-
Get contractor quotes
-
Execution
-
Manage timeline and milestones
- Track budget and change orders
-
Quality checkpoints
-
Completion
- Final inspections
- Punch list items
- Documentation