private and public use of the living room - Bilkent University

Other than modern and minimal styles, classical, demy- classical, neo- classical,
rustic, country, traditional, and eclectic styles were mentioned for 19 houses.
Dwellers living in these houses have no architectural background and only 4 of them
are assisted by an interior architect. Although various names are given to living
room styles, they seem to be composed of different styles (see Appendix C for
photographs of all living rooms). The given style of the living room is not necessarily
a well defined style; the interior design of the living rooms was either shaped by
intentions related to functions of interior design or they were full of objects of
memories and objects that reflected the status of the dweller. For example, in the
living room which can be seen in Figure 3.30, the objects that carry meanings for
the dwellers are displayed in the living room. On the other hand, in Figure 3.31 the
objects of status shaped the living room interior design. The owner of that living
room stated that
I put all of the valuable objects in my living room for showing them to the
guests. All of my accessories are exclusive and high priced.
(55 years old, female)
The intention of the dweller is to display her status; the concept of the living room
is not shaped by intentions related to functions or considering a specific style in that
case. The TV in that living room was never used and stays there as an object. This
type of intention is supported by the point of view of Riggins (1994) who states that,
the living room is the place where most obvious and deliberate artifacts are used
for creating an impression.
75