solutions for a family room
When a sweet client named Becky wrote in for a little help with their new family room, we were more than happy to help them put a few ideas together.
They’re moving into a new-to-them home with a lot of potential, and land. When we saw the listing, we were all, please tell us you have horses and pigs and chickens and baby goats because baby goats are adorable and a little freaky all at the same time with their mad jumping skillz. And weird noises.
But apparently I got distracted, and it was time to help with the family room ideas.
Since they have a large living room area downstairs, this was to be their official area for reading, games, and quiet evenings just as a family… TV free. With younger children and a busy household, this space had a lot of requirements to keep it attractive and functioning. They were looking for new pieces, and ideas to work with the space, and their lifestyle.
They wanted a few ideas for the fireplace and trim in the house, as they feel that it isn’t really their style, and needed a little updating.
So after taking a look at a the space, we were more than happy to give it a go.
Here’s a little bit of what we came up with:
1. The foyer :
She mentioned having a table she intended to paint, so that sounds amazing. I also grabbed up an idea for shoes as well, maybe even on the other side if she wanted – or to use somewhere else. We found actual plans for it here.
Art: We love the idea of a large abstract by the kiddos, framed. Or something of a gallery wall but framed elegantly in the entry.
Entryway light: love this one for a little personality that reflects their style.
2. Paint:
We’d love to see the soft blue color we selected for their walls. Aqua is always hard to capture, and we do recommend looking at an actual swatch and researching to see it in a space. It’s very soft and subtle, unlike the color used in the board.
The big trim conundrum: We would absolutely paint that trim. Bottom line: she shouldn’t let something like that inhibit her style if it’s not what she wants. We know people can be opinionated about trim, but there’s a big difference in historical trim, and 80’s trim. ;} We say she’s good and won’t regret it. If it’s not her style, then there’s no reason to not brighten it all up and enjoy her new house.
3. Fireplace:
We love the idea she had of a stone fireplace. We suggested refacing it with natural stone. And then topping the new mantel off with a piece of reclaimed wood. Of course a contractor could knock it out for them, if they weren’t interested in tackling that DIY. It may be worth looking into… just for the sake of messes, later. {Says the person who’s about to knock down walls and raise a ceiling in her own new home because of messes- wheeeee!}
4. Curtains:
I would love to see something like these curtains in turquoise in the place of the blinds, if they feel up to it. It definitely adds a lot of casual flair to the space, and could help make those doors feel more like windows when they’re not in use. It also makes the fireplace area more symmetrical.
5. Sofa:
For their sofa, I really wanted something that she could build off of, for the rest of the space, that was practical and beautiful all in one.
And we love the idea of contrasting welt for some subtle style – in a lighter grey – of course we recommend stepping into their showroom to get a good look at all the fabrics in person, and put their hands on the actual fabric choices. Grey online may look different in real life. We think this is one of those true staple pieces that will hold up beautifully over time, and they can build off its classic lines. Something in a shape they won’t tire of that they can keep updating down the line. Just a suggestion as far as classic shapes and sofas that are actually durable and comfy for the entire family. This one also has nailhead options.
14. Side tables + lamps:
I’m not sure about the length of that wall, so it may need some adjusting, but these tables are so neat looking, they’re almost like works of art of their own. From artisans in India,+ reclaimed railroad pieces… and they give them a little storage to boot. Paired with those lamps for a nice simple addition.
6. Chandy:
We aren’t sure how they feel about that ceiling fan, but chandeliers with so much personality are kind of perfect, like a crowning touch to the space. ;} Just had to throw that one in there. This one has an elegant, almost rustic simplicity to it.
7. Art:
We’d love to see some meaningful art over their sofa, maybe in more of a rectangle to utilize the actual wall. But the full how to, can be found on our site. If you guys don’t have a certain song, anything like a special family photo, moment from your past… the possibilities are kind of endless. We think that personalizing it to you makes it all the more special. We always use frames like these because they’re easy to personalize + go large and in charge without costing a fortune. That way you get just what you want.
8. Chairs, bookcase + frames:
Where the TV sits now, we’d love to see a pair of these chairs, alongside this bookcase. They can even stock it with some of their favorite family games and books {our favorite source for old childrens books to add pops of color} -in baskets – {large basket for storage} – just for future reference.
And don’t worry – we know they aren’t living in Nashville – but we love the handmade frames, and we thought this was a bit of a nod to the rustic look and subtle color they can pull together throughout – with sweet family photos or their favorite art.
9. + 12 Pillows + fabric + poufs:
We love the way these fabrics and pillows play off each other for color in the space – keeping it diverse and fun and light while also bringing major style + comfort. We love these poufs for a place to sit or rest their feet or to gather by the fire for family game night / good reading.
11. Coffee Table
We know a round coffee table is a little different, but we loved the way this one looks. It actually saves a lot of space so that the room isn’t dominated by the table.
13. Rugs
We thought for maximum comfort, we would layer some rugs in this space. You have two options, depending on the size, but we loved the look of this natural woven option to simplify the flooring a little since it has a lot of dimension, and then adding this rug on top.
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And this wraps their space up! We hope these ideas help get them started, or inspire someone for some small ideas on their own space!
We’re running our spring design special right now, where you can take half off our usual fee for design services. Be sure to contact us here.
Any of you guys have a TV free family gathering area? We’d love to hear what you’ve done with it!
Have an inspired day!
Please note, out of respect for our clients we no longer share our sources here, unless they’re from our own site, or that of an independent artist.
Love what you’ve chosen. Actually I always love what you choose. I do miss the source list though!!
Thank you so much for your sweet words, Eva! I know… I hate it too. It was just causing too much of a potential conflict with our sweet clients. Again, we are sure to share what we can, along with our own sources, and definitely those of small businesses and independent artists. ;} We always want to help where we can. Thank you so very much for understanding!
We’ve just closed on a new-to-us house with land (come on, baby goats!!) The house was built in the 80’s and has lots of really bad striped and foxhunting wallpaper, plus popcorn ceilings and stained wood trim………except one bedroom, which was apparently remodeled at some point. In that room, the ceilings are smooth, the trim is bright white, and color is a soothing seaglass color. The difference in the feeling in that room from all the others is so extremely striking………it’s just like a huge written sign that says THE POPCORN CEILINGS AND STAINED TRIM MUST GO IMMEDIATELY. Which of course they will!! Love the items you picked for your reader in this post – so many of them spoke to me for my own upcoming project!
We’re about to be right there with you Libby! Hurray for revamped houses! LOVE it!
We love this design! Thank you Ashley and Jamin for the great inspiration! We are busy shopping and getting everything together. Thanks again! Can’t wait to show you pictures when it’s done!