How can you create a casual, comfortable space that is family friendly on an everyday basis, while ensuring that the look and feel is still elegant enough for entertaining? It may seem difficult, but it is actually fairly simple.
It’s similar to buying a great black sheath that you can dress up with heels and pearls for a cocktail party or dress down for a more casual dinner. For example, you can stash a few of your everyday accessories and replace them with tall taper candles or a vase of fresh flowers when company is coming.
Simple furniture also helps. Furnishings with clean lines can be dressed up or down as well. Throws, cushions, and accent pillows can be piled up for everyday comfort, and they can be pared down or removed when entertaining.
Your color and fabric choices also make a big impact. Some people love whites and creams, but these colors aren’t particularly conducive to a family friendly daily-living environment, at least not as choices for upholstery or carpets. Instead, use light colors on walls, artwork, or window treatments and select deeper colors or multicolored fabrics in blends or prints for other treatments, since they are great for hiding stains as well as wear and tear. Chenille is a good choice since it feels luxurious but is still quite durable.
Don’t skimp on architectural details either. Adding trim and molding are like placing a frame around a picture. They add a more formal air and give the space a finished look. The best part is trim and especially upper crown moldings do not endure a lot of wear so they look great for many years to come.
The final step is to provide enough hidden storage throughout your home to stash away clutter and toys that would otherwise be in living areas, so you can streamline the look of these spaces when entertaining.