A well-designed family room can truly be the heart of the household. But too often the family room ends up feeling like either a formal parlor – stiff and uninviting – or a free-for-all kids’ playroom. Strike a balance by picking up some of these ideas for attractive, functional family rooms that look good and work hard for the families who live there.
Create family-room fusion.
Balance family-friendly with sophistication by including plenty of colour and chic patterns in your family room. Bright hues appeal to kids and adults alike, and a mix of patterns will give the space a designer vibe. Consider including outdoor fabrics, which are durable, or slipcovers, which are washable.
Design it to be separate, yet together.
Open living spaces can promote family togetherness: Mom and Dad can work in the kitchen while kids hang out in the living area or do homework at the dining table. Keep these distinct areas unified by using the same colours throughout, while using furniture placement to divide the activity zones.
Look for family-friendly storage.
Keep children’s items within easy reach. Use chests that can double as coffee tables for storing toys. Designate lower shelves for kids’ books and baskets for toys.
Choose wash-and-wear fabrics.
With washable slipcovers, your chairs and sofas will always look as good as new, no matter what spill or accident comes their way. Simply wash and replace, and no one will know that your 4-year-old spilled grape juice all over the cream-coloured couch.
Employ a stool (or two!).
Add stools for a chic way to keep extra seating on hand without visually weighing down a room. Plus, a set of matching stools can easily turn into an ottoman for someone on the couch, or be moved around the room to suit the sitter’s needs.
Embrace translucent silhouettes.
Use transparent furnishings and accessories to provide functionality without visual weight. Look for lamps with glass bases, which will virtually disappear, allowing the eye to focus on other aspects of the room instead. Plexiglass tables and consoles can offer the same hardworking see-through style.
Look to walkways and pathways.
Pay attention to walking areas and traffic flow when placing furniture in your family room. Give kids plenty of space to play, and make it simple to get from room to room.
