subject: User-friendly Tips To Redesign The Family Room [print this page] An ideal family room is one that draws the members of your clan together for casual family gatherings and is personalized by the unique character of your family members. If you want to redesign and redefine your family room, consider these user-friendly ideas that will bring your inner decorator to life.
Family Heritage: With the internet boom in full swing, it is easier than ever to research your family heritage and create a family tree. Many sites have wall decor that you provide a place to add names and/or pictures of your ancestors into the pre-designed branches; or if you are artistically inclined, you can create one on your own with a mural or sketch transferred on to the wall.
Shared Family Interests: This is the room where the family comes for rest, relaxation and amusement. Most families have a shared interest or favorite pastime that can be used as starting point for design. For example, if the entire family backs a particular sports team, the room decor could feature sports memorabilia that centers around the team, or the walls could be painted in favorite team colors to set the tone. Any family pastime or hobby could be given prominence in the design of the room.
The ideal Get Away: You may build the theme of your family room around a special family get away that was particularly special. If you all love the beach, you might choose beach-like colors with accent pieces and pictures that reflect beach scenes, as well as family photos of a beach-side vacation. Or you may choose a tourist destination as the entire style of the room, and highlight a trip to Italy, for instance, with a Tuscan theme.
Durable Furnishings: Because the family room is such a high traffic area, choose furniture with durable framing and fabrics that can withstand the long-term abuse of daily life. Leather and microsuede are two such types of materials that will lend themselves to heavy use. Do not forget to have small tables that are portable so snacks can be enjoyed without ending up on the floor.
Focus on Storage: Because this room has so many functions, you do not want to plan ahead so that it does not become a chaotic catch all for books, magazines, remote controls, DVDs, game pieces, etc. Use wall shelving units and place plastic containers, or baskets to hide small items, and use larger bins to store toys, blankets, and other items you need at hand without letting them become an eyesore.
Entertaining Colors: Have a family meeting to discuss color options available and remember to have your chosen colors reflect the mood you want to create. If you want a more relaxing room, go with the more neutral pastels on the color wheel; if you want a fun and flirty vibe, let you colors be bold and bright. In order to let all family members have ownership in the room design, let each one pick out something in the room even if it is just a pillow or small accent.
Divide Areas of Activity: In order for the room to be able to fulfill many functions at the same time, break up the room to satisfy different needs. For example, you may need a computer desk in one area, a reading nook for the avid reader in the family, and a play station near the TV for the gamer.
