Making the most of your family space
The family room has always been a place to gather, whether it’s to watch a film together or as a place for the kids to spread out and enjoy themselves. But as winter settles in and we spend more time indoors, creating a space that everyone can enjoy together can be a challenge, even for those of us who relish this type of decorating test.
The what
The “what” of a multi-purpose space like this is one of the most important questions. What will your family be doing in this space? Depending on the hobbies and habits of your family members, you may be considering how to include activities as diverse as video games, crafting, free play with toys, watching TV and films, reading, and even family game night. Rather than leaving everything in one open space, why not plan your approach and think creatively, not only about the use of the space, but about features such as storage, lighting, décor, and furniture? With multiple people and uses in a single area, reducing the amount of clutter and chaos could be a sanity-saver during the cold months.
Create zones
If your space will be hosting different family members and all their different activities, creating zones in the space for the various activities simply
makes sense.
For the little ones, create a free play zone that can engage their creative side. A small table and chairs with crafting and art supplies doesn’t need to take up a lot of room, but you can also use creative solutions to save on floor space. Try a wall mounted table that folds down when not in use, or painting a portion of a lower wall with chalkboard paint rather than using floor-model easels and chalkboards.
Book storage can be done with wall racks, and toys can be kept in bins and cubbies. And colourful foam floor tiles double nicely as a yoga mat for mom or dad in those times when you just need to savasana for a bit to keep your sanity.
Good lighting is key in this zone, as little hands need proper illumination to get down to the work of play. Make sure that overhead lighting in this area has bulbs that mimic daylight. If people using other areas of the room want the lighting tuned down, check out your local box stores of fun kids’ floor and table lamps. These can be placed around the space to ensure sufficient light. Go for a design that is sturdy enough to withstand being knocked over from time to time. Oversize foam building blocks can double as seating as well as materials for creating playhouses, forts, or climbing sets.
To determine your decorating needs for the family room, think about what family members will be doing in this space.
Media and gaming
The TV zone is also the gaming zone in a multipurpose room. This means comfort is going to be key for bodies who are either binge watching the latest series or spending hours building a utopian island filled with friends and animals. The family room is one space where big can really be better. A large, modular sofa or sectional is often the best solution for seating around the TV area. Add a large coffee table and end tables that give ample room for bowls of popcorn or trays of treats, and don’t forget that the furniture you are choosing should be function over form. Keep the delicate pieces and the sentimental items for other rooms in the house, and expect the furniture in the family room to be able to take a bit of rough housing. If you really want to push the boat out, a large sofa bed means everyone can snuggle in on movie night.
For your viewing pleasure, if you have ever considered investing in a larger TV or more elaborate media system, now might be the time. With a plethora of streaming services offering unlimited choices in entertainment, creating a home media space in the family room just makes sense. Using the room wisely usually means a wall mounted TV, but continue the trend for space-conscious, clutter-free design by running power cords and cables down through the walls, and placing gaming systems and other accessories on floating shelving or in streamlined cabinets. If you are always searching for a remote, mount a holder on the wall and remember to keep it there when not in use.
For those who endorse the “go big or go home” approach to things, using a digital projector and wall screen create a true home theater experience. You can DIY this with a length of white wall, or even hang a white sheet up over a painted wall.
When it’s finally time for movie night, make sure your windows are kitted out with black-out shades or panels that will darken the room even for daytime viewing. But why stop there? Create a magical movie experience with string lights or reimagine the indoor drive-in with glow in the dark stars on the ceiling.
Bigstock/New Africa
The pleasures of reading
Let’s not forget the bookworms in the family. A quiet reading zone can be an escape for both adults and kids. Reading can be a challenge in an environment where things may be noisy or chaotic, so do your best to provide an opportunity for a bit of peace.
For kids, this could mean setting up a reading tent that gives them a sense of their own space. Small children’s floor lamps and book lights can provide illumination, cozy cushions give them comfort, and noise cancelling headphones can give them the opportunity to retreat into whatever material they are reading. The same can go for older kids or even parents who might want to use a more traditional set up with a comfy chair and floor lamp, but still employ headphones to allow for peace and quiet.
Snack attacks
If you are going to equip your family room to appeal to everyone in your household, and to allow them to spend more time there, you’re going to need snacks. Frankly, there’s nothing worse than getting settled on the sofa for a movie marathon, only to hear “Could I please have some juice?” And then someone wants chips. Or ice cream.
Instead of grumbling and heading off to the kitchen, why not be ready for this eventuality? A simple way to do this is to keep a small cooler or cooler bag handy and stock up before the
big event...
...Or even daily. I’m not here to judge your snacking habits.
But if you have the space, why not consider creating a snack zone? Whether you are looking to encourage healthy eating habits, or it’s a movie night free-for-all, keeping it organized and available can be simple.
A basic set of wire shelves with small buckets, each containing different snacks, allows kids to choose for themselves. If you want a bit more control, set up a cabinet that may have limited access or revolving types of snacks. Install a mini fridge to keep cold drinks at hand. If you are a real movie buff, a table top popcorn maker, or popcorn cart, can add a special touch.
Keeping it cozy
Even while the family room serves many functions, its overall form should be one that exudes comfort. This is a place to relax, enjoy yourself, and spend time with others, so don’t forget to add those warm, comforting touches. You may have your sofa and chairs in place, but add small floor seating areas with oversized cushions or bean bags. Make sure you have ample blankets, throws and cushions available, and embrace warm, fuzzy textures, especially for the fall and winter months.
Add to the functional lighting with ambient lights. String lights around the room can be complimented by candles (battery operated for the safety-conscious). Don’t limit yourself to setting
a few candles around on side tables. Try a creative approach with hanging tea light holders or decorative lanterns. Strung from the ceiling or walls,
these give another level of depth to your lighting.
Spending more time at home may be an inevitability this winter, but it doesn’t mean we can’t find ways to enjoy each other’s company while still giving everyone their space.