All of this could mean that you’re rethinking your current setup in favor of designing a family room. Whether you are looking for great family room ideas or family room planning ideas with clever ways to enhance the room you already have, and with it, family time indoors, this is where I always start with interior design.
The way we live now means that families tend to congregate in a large open plan kitchen, living and dining room for a good part of the time, and having that focal space is vital.
How to design a family room
The family room should ultimately be cozy and comfortable but practicality is also important. In The Sims Helditch (Opens in a new tab)We like to think carefully about the architecture of the room first and then take into account the details of the soft furnishings and décor.
1. Mix your materials
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Surface textures are vital to creating different ambiances in a large room. I recommend keeping the mood and palette of a variety space in order to ensure interest and a flexible space.
For example, painted wood wall panels, a change of flooring from wood to stone, or a change in the pattern of laying stone or wood.
Inspirational family room painting ideas can help with this, too.
2. Think about lighting – it’s important
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The concept of the family room is that it is a space for everyone to enjoy, regardless of past activity or time.
Lighting is always at the top of my list to create a different atmosphere. The family room is where I would recommend lighting controls if there are many circuits. The 5 amp circuit can be useful as it allows the room lighting to be dimmed or adjusted simultaneously.
3. Storage is a necessity
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Don’t forget to stock up on your family room furniture ideas.
A successful family space should have the means to store toys, games, and other items that can cause chaos.
We like to build benches with a fitted bench around the kitchen table. Below this is the perfect place to have baskets that can be used to store many things including children’s toys or even garden pillows.
You can use the storage to hide family room TVs as well, which can quickly turn a hectic home cinema into a stylish living room.
4. Consider the purpose of the furniture
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If your family space requires a workspace, think about ways you can incorporate that without taking up the entire space. It is worth considering how to cleverly hide a desk with hidden doors. You may want to talk to a carpenter about creating a storage system in a corner or alcove.
You can choose a beautifully designed wardrobe or as part of a wardrobe.
5. Consider how to divide more space
(Image credit: Sims Hilditch | Maple Photography UK)
If you need to divide more space, try Crittall (Opens in a new tab) Monitor. Just having two side panels with a hole in the middle is a good way to create areas with different ambiance.
Sound is just as important and the vast majority of our projects choose Sonos (Opens in a new tab) As the most practical, affordable and easy solution to music. To make the room less formal, rough paneling or reclaimed wall cladding will give a more rustic look.
How do you build a good family room?
For the family room to be successful, it must include the following:
- suitable seats for both adults and children to spend time together; You can take a look at living room ideas for inspiration here.
- Spill-proof fabrics and wipeable surfaceseven if your kids are older (think house parties you didn’t agree to while you were away…).
- Fantastic storage: Always overestimate what you’ll need and make sure it’s organized so young children can safely reach what they need and can’t reach what they shouldn’t.
- Flexibility: whether for workspace or sofa bed for overnight guests.