Family rooms can often be mistaken for living rooms. And when it comes down to it, family room vs living room is quite drastic. Traditionally, living rooms are typically more formal, located in the front of the home, and used to entertain and show off family heirlooms. On the other hand, a traditional family room is located in the back of the house and is used as a more casual space.
Not all homes are equipped with both living and family rooms, which is fine! Modern family rooms are multifunctional and can be used for any occasion from a fancy cocktail party to family game night. Read on to learn more about 10 tips to build an all-accessible family room.
Storage
A multifunctional space is great until you have to find a spot for all the different items. From cocktail party decor to TV remotes, to kids’ toys, board games, and your books it can be difficult to keep it tidy. Ensure that you have enough storage space for everything. Running up and down from the basement or attic to retrieve items for particular events defeats the purpose of having this great multifunctional space. Think about ottomans or coffee tables with storage for blankets, TV remotes, and games. Bookshelves or TV stands can also provide ample space for extra items. If you want to add family room built-ins to your space, connect with a Pro here.
Lighting
One night you could be hosting a cocktail party, the next a movie night, and the next family game night. All three occasions could hypothetically use the same lighting, however, you can install mood lighting or dimmer switches to help match the occasion.
Technology
Family rooms are great for relaxing and watching TV or listening to music. To keep it less cluttered, you can use the TV for both. This way, you won’t have to worry about where to store your sound system which would take up extra space. If you’re worried about the TV overcrowding the space or cramping the style, consider installing a picture frame TV, which, when not in use, practically hides in plain sight. Alternatively, you could install a door or cabinet to hide your TV when not in use.
Furniture
You do not need to sacrifice nice furniture worrying about it getting stained or ruined during playtime or by pets. There are plenty of options out there that can provide you with aesthetic pieces that are easy to clean, repair, or replace parts if needed. Ensure you are looking for something that fits the space well. For example, depending on your family room layout, if you have a smaller space, don’t be afraid to go too big. Using smaller pieces can hurt the aesthetic. Make sure you are looking for kid-friendly furniture. This can include soft or round edges. Lastly, make sure the furniture is comfortable. If you’re going to be using the room to hang out and watch TV or movies, the last thing you want is to be sitting on a firm couch with no longer!
Pet Area
If you’re trying to keep your pets off the couch, you can incorporate a pet lounge area. Depending on what you’re working with, this can be as simple as adding a bed for them either by the fireplace or at the foot of the couch. This is also helpful if the whole family is over, the pet won’t be taking up a seat on the sofa.
Kids Area
You can set up a designated kids’ play area within the space to minimize cleaning. This doesn’t have to be anything formal, but picking a corner and including all the toys, books, and games there can help keep stuff organized. This is also great because you can keep an eye on them at the same time. To make it fun, you can add an accent wall or a fun rug.
Open Concept
Opting for an open-concept design can expand your family room to the entire floor. By using an open concept, you can have visibility from any room into the designated family room. This means you can keep an eye on your kids while they are playing from the kitchen. It also allows you to have more space for entertaining. Rather than being restricted to one area, everyone can interact within the free space.
These are just a few of the ways to help build an all-accessible family room. If any of these ideas stand out to you, head to HomeStars.com to get connected with a local, verified Pro.
