Guest Picks: A Fresh Take on the Modern Family Room
Kid-friendly furnishings, shots of color, playful patterns and warm wood tones make for one hip space
There's no reason why today's modern family can't have a fun space to relax, play and entertain in. After all the go-go-going we do, creating a place at home for spending time together and recharging is a necessity.
Start with a durable yet soft rug in a bold color or playful pattern to ground the space and encourage floor play. Bring in a spacious sectional in a neutral color to disguise mishaps that are bound to occur. Add an accent chair for a cozy spot to read and snuggle with little ones. Additional seating can be achieved with floor cushions. Instead of a coffee table, opt for a large, round ottoman. If you prefer a TV in your family room, hide the cable box, electrical wires, video games and other television miscellanea in a low-profile console.
Keep the space light with an airy hue on the walls. Use lighting fixtures that are practical and stylish. A sleek ceiling fan will circulate air and provide overhead light, while a floor lamp can be placed near the sofa, negating the need for end tables and table lamps. If end tables are a must for entertaining, try nesting tables that can be pulled out when necessary. A generous bookcase can house books, games, toys and accessories.
Kid-friendly accessories include throw pillows, blankets and framed wall art. Skip fragile vases and other precious decor until children are older. Begin reimagining your own family space with these helpful hints. — Dana from House Tweaking
Start with a durable yet soft rug in a bold color or playful pattern to ground the space and encourage floor play. Bring in a spacious sectional in a neutral color to disguise mishaps that are bound to occur. Add an accent chair for a cozy spot to read and snuggle with little ones. Additional seating can be achieved with floor cushions. Instead of a coffee table, opt for a large, round ottoman. If you prefer a TV in your family room, hide the cable box, electrical wires, video games and other television miscellanea in a low-profile console.
Keep the space light with an airy hue on the walls. Use lighting fixtures that are practical and stylish. A sleek ceiling fan will circulate air and provide overhead light, while a floor lamp can be placed near the sofa, negating the need for end tables and table lamps. If end tables are a must for entertaining, try nesting tables that can be pulled out when necessary. A generous bookcase can house books, games, toys and accessories.
Kid-friendly accessories include throw pillows, blankets and framed wall art. Skip fragile vases and other precious decor until children are older. Begin reimagining your own family space with these helpful hints. — Dana from House Tweaking
Kaspar Slate Gray Fabric Modern Sectional Sofa
A sectional big enough for the entire family makes a great spot for movie night, lounging and afternoon naps. Choose one in a durable fabric, preferably in a color that will hide dirt and other messes.
Vinnie White Cradle Chair
I love the idea of using this cradle rocking chair in a family room. It's perfect for story time and cuddling. Small children would enjoy rockin' out themselves!
Parallel Reality, Pink
This Flor rug makes the space. Bold colors and stripes pack a playful punch, while a soft pile encourages floor play. Stubborn stains are no match for this rug; simply remove individual tiles for easy cleaning or replace ones that are beyond repair. (Remember to buy a few extra tiles!)
Urban Home Natural Banana Core Ottoman
Nix a traditional coffee table with sharp corners in favor of a round ottoman that can serve as both table and footstool. I love the texture this woven ottoman adds to the room.
Hudson Media Console, White Finish
I like to hang flatscreens over sleek, low-profile media consoles. Fill the console with TV and video game accessories to keep tech clutter to a minimum.
Sitting Bull Fashion Black And White Bean Bag
I'd plop this modern day bean bag on the floor for kiddos to lounge in and play on. The thinner black and white stripes add yet another pattern to the room.
Acrylic Nesting End Tables
Keep a set of nesting tables on hand and pull them out when needed for drinks and snacks. I like this transparent acrylic set because it's lighter visually than a wood set.
Circle I, 2010 Print By Freyheit
Create a focal point with a loosely arranged art collage. Frame colorful prints in inexpensive frames for a pop of color on the walls. Better yet, frame children's artwork!
52" Casa Surveyor Brushed Steel Finish Ceiling Fan
Ceiling fans promote proper air circulation, but sometimes get a bad rap for not being aesthetically pleasing. I prefer fans with a simple, modern design and light for a fun and functional solution.
Maldives Wide Bookcase
Make cleanup a cinch with this chunky bookcase. Store books, board games and toys on its shelves, and use baskets and fabric bins to corral clutter.
Sea Salt SW6204 Paint
A light gray-blue on the walls will keep the room feeling light and happy, but is a more kid-friendly option than bright white.
Kids On Swing Photographic Poster
Candid black and white photography prints, whether taken yourself or store bought, add to the casual family-oriented atmosphere.
Decorative Pillow Cover Black And White Stripes By Kassapanola
I like adding throw pillows to sectionals to break up all that couch. This patterned pillow is a modern take on the traditional black-and-white stripe and picks up on the stripes in the rug.
Barre 65-Inch Adjustable Oil Rubbed Bronze Floor Lamp
Switch out matching end tables and table lamps for a tripod floor lamp placed near the sofa. Less furniture means more room for playing!
Mango Wood Light Teak Oil Pouf Stool
Warm teak stools provide additional seating when entertaining and stand up to everyday abuse.
Cable Knit Throw Aqua
A cable-knit throw is great for curling up with a good book or snuggling on chilly evenings. The gray-blue hue goes along with the wall color.
Colorku Game
Keep board games nearby for family game night. This colorful game would even look great left out! Just make sure to avoid small pieces with younger children.
Gray Dot Uzbek Ikat Silk And Cotton Cushion Cover By Be Still
Contrasting pillow patterns steer the room clear of a one-dimensional, matchy-matchy look. Pair ikat patterns with stripes for an unexpected twist.
War And Peace Poster By Pablo Picasso
Not all wall art has to be child's play. Mixing genres makes for an engaging display.
Pair Of Ikat Designer Pillows Linen By Willa Skye
Use a larger ikat pattern in coral to lift some of the rug's colors onto the sofa. Patterned pillows stand up well to youngsters by disguising spills and smudges.
Next: Tips for Matching Sectionals with Ottomans
Next: Tips for Matching Sectionals with Ottomans
