Interior Decorating to accommodate the household

Lifestyles are a very large part of life in the household. Entertaining is important for maintaining relationships. The kids want to have fun while the adults mingle. The abode is now not only a home, but also an office, a school room, a gym, as well as a space to congregate in. The home has become a very busy place.

Whether you have a huge house with an allocated space that used to be known as the den, but is called the family room, or a modest home with one central gathering area, you must fit furnishings in this space to accommodate the entire clan. A sitting area is a certain necessity. You might need a desk for yourself and a homework station for the kids. If you have young children you will want a play area. A flat screen these days is a must.

For a family area you want to keep as much open space as possible. To start, it is a good idea to have a floor plan. Do one yourself (read my post, Preparing Floor Plans) or hire an Interior Design professional (weberlifedesign.com) who will place all of your furnishings the best possible way and provide sizes needed.

The floor should be as comfortable as the furniture. The kids might want to play or stretch out on the floor to watch a movie. They might need room for “dance, dance revolution” or you might want an aerobic area. Keep furnishings comfy and inviting. Use an ottoman instead of a coffee table. Place a large tray on the ottoman for serving. You can move the ottoman away easily if the center of the floor space is needed for activities. Think rounded corners when choosing furniture. This will add softness and promote relaxation (see my post, Interior Decorating Using the Art of Feng Shui).

Use items that will provide multiple uses. A desk can be placed behind a sofa for the dual purpose of a console table. If you have limited space a 30 inch high console table can be used as a desk. Console tables are typically narrower than desks. A bench can double as a play area and extra seating. Use a storage ottoman for blankets or toys. For young children add a painted children’s rocker, which will be a pretty accent and can also be used. Instead of an end table you can use a wood play table with a couple of child chairs around it for craft time or homework.

Most people require storage for everything from business, toys, to media. For around a fireplace, window, or entrance way, have built-in cabinets made or you can put together your own built-in look with cabinetry and bookcases from IKEA.

Place soft padding under plush area rugs. Large throw pillows can double as floor cushions for extra seating. Do not be afraid to use color. Colorful accents and accessories will add life to the room and make it a fun space.

Use the children’s’ art work. Frame their colorful pictures. You can find mats and frames at very reasonable prices at stores like IKEA and AC Moore. Make a gallery wall of photos of family, mementos, and trips.

If your room doubles as your living room and formal dining area, place a flip top sofa table or gateleg table behind the sofa or against the wall. It will act as a console and opens to a full size dining table. You can use two arm chairs in the sitting area that will double as dining chairs. A bench or small bunching ottomans can be use for table seating. Stored folding chairs can provide more seating for your dining table. Enjoy having dinner celebrations. When dinner is over, put the table and seating back for coffee and desert in your sitting area.

Make the best use of your space. Express yourself and never be afraid to dance!

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