HOW TO CREATE A LIVING SPACE THE WHOLE FAMILY CAN ENJOY
Bringing the family together can be challenging. Different schedules, different passions, and different priorities keep everyone apart. Creating a space that feels inviting and comfortable for every member of the household seems daunting; but having a family-friendly space is vital for spending time with loved ones. Following are a few interior design tips to help you on your way.
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOMS
Everybody knows that the kitchen is usually considered the heart of the house. Secondary to that is the living or family rooms and then finally, the dining room. Family dynamics have changed such over the years that sometimes those areas are combined into one. We recently designed a family room for a client that was attached to their kitchen. Instead of using their formal dining room for family meals, the family gathers together at a smaller, more intimate table in the family room tv area. That way their busy family of five can enjoy time together while some eat, some play, or some watch tv. It’s a dual-purpose space that everyone can enjoy. Think about the interests and schedules of your own family in order to design a room that fulfills the needs of everyone.
This multi-purpose family room we designed in Marina Del Rey, CA,, has a sectional sofa from Flexform that’s big enough for the whole family, plus two separate dining areas and even a desk in back of the sofa.
AMPLE SEATING
Does everyone have a good and comfortable seat to hang out? Or does the youngest kid always get the uncomfortable corner chair that no one else wants to sit on? Whatever you do, make sure everyone has a comfortable place to sit or you’ll never get your family in one room together. Sectional sofas are a good means to create extra seating, and movable furniture like bean bags or light weight chairs are practical options which also provide flexibility. Determine what type of seating is the most comfortable for each family member and then design your room around that.
A sectional sofa like this one from West Elm that we used in our client’s home in Brentwood, CA provides enough seating for the whole family. Add a couple of pull-up chairs when you need more seating with flexibility.
MAKE IT COZY
Add soft texture such as rugs, floor cushions, and blankets. They add a feeling of coziness and make people want to snuggle down. It is also a great way to absorb sound which can be very valuable in a family home. Also, pay close attention to the lighting of the room. Is it too harsh, too bright, too dark? Try adding different sources of lights using floor lamps and table lamps and see how it changes the atmosphere of the room.
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PROVIDE EXTRA STORAGE
Keep your living spaces clutter-free and inviting at all times by offering easy storage for everyone. Use unique rattan baskets for extra pillows and throws, and make sure there are enough tables for everyone to easily put a drink down.
PERSONALIZE YOUR SPACE
Your living areas should be unique to you and your family. Showcase art pieces that everyone enjoys, family portraits or landscape pictures of your last vacations together to bring up good memories. Use open shelving to display travel memories, plants, books or your family’s favorite games. Make the space look more unique to your family so everyone there feels at home.
CHOOSE DURABLE FURNITURE
You don’t need to compromise on your stylish interior once you have kids. You’ll just need to make smart decisions when it comes to furniture and decoration. You want to have a house where your kids and family feel they can move freely and play in. When choosing upholstery, make sure you take into consideration the lifestyle of your family. Both leather and faux leather are durable and easy to clean; or if you prefer fabric, make sure that you choose one that is stain-resistant. We often use outdoor fabrics on indoor upholstery because they are waterproof and virtually indestructible. Being conscientious about your upholstery choices will spare you from feeling stressed out when the little ones (or the big ones!) make a mess or get a bit too out of control.
By including your entire family in the redecoration and design of the family rooms, they will also feel more engaged and want to spend more time out of their bedrooms. Now that your space is well thought out, schedule some time in the shared calendar to spend high quality time together on a regular basis.
