Finding quality time together as a family can be difficult in modern society. There are so many different demands on our attention, including work, school, technology, and our social lives, that even the time we do get to spend together is often rushed or taken up by much-needed rest. Of course, as children get older and more independent, finding the time becomes even more unlikely.
So, how do we improve the time we get to spend with our families? We cannot keep them under lock and key, but we can create a space they want to spend time in. A family room where you can watch movies, play games, relax, and reconnect can become the heart of the household and a place to create memories. Checkout the best Hammocks online service provider is reasonable prices.
Whether you are moving to a new home or redesigning a room in your existing home, here are eight design tips to help you create the perfect family room.
- Make movement easy
First and foremost, the best family rooms are multifunctional. They are not dominated by one large piece of immovable furniture such as a sofa or dining table. Instead, the room should provide a clear path for people to move in several different directions without meeting an obstacle. Furniture should be arranged in a way that allows plenty of space and does not block entryways.
- Buy modular and multifunctional furniture
A great way to maintain a multifunctional and flexible space is to buy furniture which can be moved and adapted easily. For example, rather than having a fixed sofa or table, choose a modular one, which can be broken down into sections, and/or nested stools or coffee tables. In addition, try to provide alternative seating options that will suit different activities, such as a large Comfy Sack, perfect for reclining on for both adults and children. A good range of pillows and blankets are ideal for getting snuggly together and can also be laid out on the floor for kids.
- Choose durable fabrics
Every parent is well-aware of the mess, spills, and possible rips and stains that can happen any time when you have children in the house. For this reason, it is sensible to choose soft furnishings that are durable and preferably darker in color to make damage less likely and less noticeable. You can sometimes hire a professional to treat soft furnishings with a stain-resistant chemical, which will provide further protection, or you can choose a stain-resistant fabric.
- Use easy-clean wall paint or wallpaper
Sticking with the theme of keeping your family room as low-maintenance as possible, choose a paint that is wipe-clean and resistant to scuffs and scrapes. Whether you are concerned about small children placing their own artwork on the wall or older children throwing toys or spilling food and drink, making the right choices at the design stage could save you a lot of time and money down the road. A satin or eggshell finish often works well, and if you are hanging wallpaper, check its strength and whether it will withstand cleaning.
- Keep mementos to a minimum
It is your family room, so you obviously want to display your treasured memories, interests, and all the things that make your family unique. The tricky part is knowing which photos, ornaments, and artwork to display, as a room can quickly become overwhelmed. Cluttered walls can make a room feel smaller and more cramped, which might make the room an unpleasant place to be. To avoid this, choose around 10-12 favorite photos and your children’s artwork pieces in frames. Another great tip is to display photos and other pieces in one area of the room rather than having them spread out everywhere.
- Maximize storage
It is only natural that your family room attracts personal items like toys, books, clothes, etc., but if you do not keep on top of the clutter, you will find the room difficult to use. To prevent this, clear clutter as regularly as you can and maximize your storage options.
A combination of closed and open storage is best as you can achieve a tidy and ordered room without making it look too bland or sterile. Technology such as TVs, audio equipment, and computer consoles tend to come with messy wiring and so are best stored in cabinets that can be closed when not in use. Small toys and games should be tidied away in a toy box or drawer. To encourage your children to take responsibility, try giving each of them their own storage box where so they can tidy their own possessions.
- Balance light and dark
The best family rooms are those that create a balance between fun and order and style and comfort, but that is not an easy task. A good place to start is with color and fabrics, as you want to use both light and dark with splashes of bold and bright colors. If you choose a sofa that is darkly colored, you might want to opt for lighter floors and walls. Artwork, cushions, blankets, and accessories that express your personalities are a great way to inject color. Use a combination of heavy and light furniture as well as feature chairs or stools to add different heights.
You might also want to include several lighting options or include a dimmer switch. In addition to an overhead light, you can include standalone lamps and even fairy lights so you can switch between fresh and bright or cozier lighting.
- Keep floors simple and low-maintenance
On one hand, you may be tempted to choose rugs or a carpet with a deep pile for the sake of coziness and comfort; this may not be the best choice for a busy room such as the family room. There will be a lot of activity, footfall, and potential mess, which makes dust and dirt highly likely. Cleaning rugs and carpets with high pile are difficult to keep clean, whereas low pile or even hard floors are easier to clean. You can add washable rugs to a hard floor to make it more comfortable, add texture and yet more color.
