What word best describes the feeling you’d like to create in your family room? Casual, comfortable, relaxing, or all of the above? If your family room is like the family room in many other homes, it’s probably the space that collects furniture odds and ends from other areas. You probably have mismatched pieces rather than a set. That’s perfect! Combining different pieces makes the space more interesting and lends an air of casual comfort.
To make the furniture and accessories look as if they were intended for the space, utilize some creative treatments to tie everything together. One idea is to make the lampshades in the space look the same or similar, even if they are different in size, shape, and style. Use a faux leather treatment on them for a warm look. If you like the shades the way they are, consider treating the lamp bases. Give them all a nice metallic shine or tone down brassy fixtures by scuffing with sandpaper, spraying on a little black spray paint, and scuffing some more to let a bit of the original finish show.
Also, create groups of furniture and accessories by placing pieces with other items that have the most in common with them. Create separate areas using pieces in similar scale or color. When it comes to accessories, you want to group family photos together and make them one of the focal points of the room. Display other accessories according to their common elements, whether that includes style, size, color, or texture. The family room is also a good place to display artwork and crafts made by your children.
Family rooms endure a lot of wear and tear, so choose fabrics that will stand up to it. Denim is a good choice, and so is canvas. Both are durable and as important, they’re washable. Throw in lots of pillows, floor pillows, and cushions for added comfort.