SUMMER HAS COME TO AN END AND THE KIDS ARE BACK TO THEIR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ONCE AGAIN.
So why not take the opportunity to freshen up your home?
Let’s kick off with the family room, the vibrant room of the house. In just few easy steps you can transform this space into the perfect family hub.
1. PICK A DECORATING STYLE
Designing your family room around a specific decorating style allows you to structure the update according to the style’s fundamentals, making the whole process much easier. Take into account your favourite colours, the space available and the functions you need to fulfil. If you're stuck for ideas, try a popular decorating style, be it contemporary, mid-century modern, country style, industrial style, French provincial or Hamptons style. If you're especially creative, you could go for a hybrid of some of these. Check out our mood boards for some inspiration.
2. BLEND FUNCTION WITH FASHION
Over time it's easy for the family room to turn into a mish-mash of bits and pieces, given its constant use by so many people. When choosing furniture, consider the functions you need it to perform so you can update to a beautiful new room with clever storage capabilities.
A buffet & hutch or ladder bookcase that highlights your decorating style is a versatile piece for displaying photos and ornaments, while hiding away toys, games and crafts in the cupboard space below. A TV unit with drawers helps to keep media tidy, while a console table placed along the back of your sofa doubles as a place to display homewares, flower arrangements, etc., as well as being a stylish storage option.
3. DECORATE THE WALLS
Wall art, in the form of prints, photos, or even mirrors can complete the overall look of your living room. In addition, if you want to fill a wall without adding more furniture, large artworks create presence and interest, without encroaching into the room. A collage of framed family photos on a wall will add interest and personality. Whatever you choose, you should experiment with different layouts to suit the space available. Use mirrors to reflect light and give the illusion of a larger space, and colour to provide accents. And consider painting a feature wall to make a really bold statement.
4. BRING THE OUTDOORS IN
No matter what decorating style you choose for your family room update, bringing the outdoors inside boosts the energy of a room.
Try making the most of the natural light available. Reconsider your window treatments by choosing options that allow ample light and privacy at the same time.
Look for some suitable indoor plant options. Indoor plants improve mood, creativity, and productivity.
You can bring in the great outdoors by pairing ‘beachy’ (Hamptons style) accessories such as shells, driftwood and rocks with reclaimed timber furniture, for example. The possibilities are endless.
5. LASTLY, DON'T FORGET TO DE-CLUTTER!
It's okay! Go ahead and put your old favourites either on display or concealed in cupboards, and removing anything that no longer fits in with your new look.
Now go enjoy your family time!