Before you start your family room renovation, consider your overall storage needs. How many cabinets, shelves and drawers should you include? Should you invest in built-ins or purchase your own furniture? Once you've planned that out, it's time to start thinking about decorating. You main living space should have plenty of character and personality, so be sure to bring in personal knickknacks, family photos and colorful accessories to brighten up the space.
What kind of storage should I add to my family room?
Think about what kinds of things you usually keep in your space, and then add storage that specifically accommodates those items. If you have young kids, toys might be an issue, so built-in cabinets or toy boxes and chests would be worthwhile investments. For high-tech families, add shelves for movies and video games and cabinets to hide small electronics like video game consoles and DVD players. Better yet, invest in a large entertainment center or media console. To encourage good work habits, install a built-in desk, work table or counter for homework time.
How do I decorate my family room?
When decorating your space, don't be afraid of bright colors, but don't go overboard either. Stick with neutral sofas, armchairs and ottomans and go bold with accessories — that way, you can easily swap out the small things when a new color scheme is in order. Picture frames, rugs, throw pillows and curtains are all great for adding color, while mirrors, table lamps and ceiling lights can help light flow throughout the space. Hang colorful artwork on the walls, and even add an accent wall by choosing a trendy new paint color.