A family room is just that – a room for your family. But having children does not necessarily mean that your home can’t have style. You just have to compromise; maybe you decorated it before you had a child and you don’t want to lose that style that you worked so hard to achieve. You don’t have to lose it, just work with it.
1. Keep your old things, but place any expensive, breakable or collector’s items you may have high up, like on a mantel, shelf or cabinet to prevent any accidents. Once those items are out of the way, you’re set! Add a few touches to make the room more comfortable, such as soft washable throws and decorative pillows that match your color scheme but make a child feel cozy when hanging out or playing in the family room.
2. To prevent any stains on the carpet and/or damage to the flooring, buy an area rug. It gives your child a place to play that is both snugly and durable. Get one that matches the design in the family room, so it will provide fashion as well as a functional element. Large floor cushions also provide the same effect with a little more comfort.
3. Free up some space in a cupboard or on a shelf for board games, puzzles and children’s books. Placing items such as those in the family room will make it more convenient for your child to grab a book or a puzzle rather than turn on the television or play a video game.
4. Baskets are fantastic items to introduce into a family room. Buy some baskets (now available in different materials such as wicker, bamboo, banana leaf or leather) and put some toys in them for your child to play with in the family room. You can fill unused baskets with other items such as magazines, folded throws or coffee table books to incorporate the baskets into the room in an adult way. The biggest perk of the baskets is that kids are more likely to clean up after themselves if the storage area is close by, rather than lugging them back to their rooms.
The baskets will take care of toys, but what about small items? Get an assortment of jars of different shapes and sizes, but make sure they fit in a drawer (in or near the family room). Fill the jars with small items like crayons, miniature cars and beads. Then they will be out of the way but still easily accessible.
5. To add a little bit of charm to your family room, display your children’s artwork. Get some good quality paper from an art supplies store and some paints or pastels, and get the kids to fire up their imaginations! After a few pictures have been completed, get some frames that match the theme or style of your room. Put the newly-framed pictures on display and voilà! original artwork in your own family room.
When you’re decorating your family room, make sure you don’t forget that it is supposed to be a place for your family to spend time together. You can have a room that is functional without ridding it of style simply by ensuring the space is properly organized and that practical items such as baskets, rugs and blankets are incorporated into your décor when necessary.
Stephanie is a freelance writer specializing in travel and food writing. For more information, visit www.stephaniearsenault.ca.
Calgary’s Child Magazine © 2024 Calgary’s Child
