Jessica Kelly Design

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5 Expert Tips for Designing Your Ideal Family Room

In line with the Family Day weekend, I wanted to delve into the Family room, often regarded as the heart of the home. It's where family members create cherished memories and unfurl the tapestry of daily life. Whether it serves as a snug sanctuary for movie nights or transforms into a stylish hub for entertaining friends, the family room is a canvas for your unique lifestyle.

My passion lies in crafting family rooms that align seamlessly with my client's needs and desires. This blog post unveils my beloved insights for fashioning this space with individuality and flair.

1. Maximize storage

Maximize storage in the space by incorporating built-in cabinets or custom millwork if it's in your budget. Storage will provide a much-needed repository for board games and audio-visual equipment. Strategically positioned cabinets can display your treasures or collections.

2. Incorporate Architectural Salvage or Vintage Items

If you want to set the tone for a unique space, adding vintage pieces or architectural salvage (similar to the door frame in my house pictured above) is guaranteed to add warmth and character to any room.

3. Start with a Furniture Layout

Experiment with different furniture layouts by taping them out. Choose a couple of key furniture pieces that fit into the space well. For example, a well-designed sectional offers a comfortable place to snuggle up and doubles as extra seating when entertaining friends. Opt for a sofa with a lower-profile arm. A broad arm will eat into the seating capacity of your couch.

4. Set the Mood

Lighting in any room sets the perfect mood; whether you are selecting the scene for game night or a social gathering, consider the time of day and areas that need more light. Create the mood by overlighting and dimming. Turn all switches to dimmers and add table & floor lamps, picture lights and sconces wherever possible.

5. Upgrade Your Technology

Technology improves and upgrades your space. As a designer, I constantly strive to incorporate technology without making an obvious statement. One of my favourite ways to do this is with the Samsung Frame TV, which sits flat on the wall with a picture frame and projects art when unused.

I hope your family day weekend is filled with laughter and the people you love the most. Check out the rest of my blogs and sign up for my newsletter to receive more interior design insights.