A Room for a Family
There’s a clear difference between a house and home. It’s not something we can necessarily put our finger on or attribute to one particular thing, but it’s something we just feel.
So many families today are leading very busy lives with full schedules — juggling work, play, school, sports, family, etc. The home creates a sanctuary, a hub, a port and place we can all come back to for connection, to ourselves and each other. We rest, reset, communicate, share and recentre. This is what defines a home.
The way we intentionally design and decorate our homes says a lot about our lives, how we come together and how we connect. We can enhance these spaces to better foster connection as well. Having spaces to gather with the whole family is a great way to deepen bonds, share experiences and connect amidst the busy schedules.
Family rooms especially are easy and natural ways we can do this. This space tends to be less formal, more relaxed and casual, allowing us to more easily embrace that energy.
Here are a few tips to consider when mindfully designing your family room:
Arrange seating so you can look at each other. This makes talking and eye contact easier and more comfortable.
But also consider having alternate focal points to allow for eye breaks. Too much eye contact can get uncomfortable. Elements like a fireplace, artwork, or a fish tank are all nice options to help create organic opportunities for breaks.
Creating a variety of seating options in a space is important as well. Different personalities in the family will prefer or need different seating to be comfortable. Sofas and sectionals allow for closeness and provide a spot to curly up in and cuddle close. Single seats give options to be together but still have personal space.
Lots of pillows and blankets also allow everyone to create their ideal seating situation and be comfortable, as well as adding some textural interest and a feeling of comfort.
Think about creating separate activity areas, if the room allows, giving everyone the chance to be physically together but engaged in their own interests. This could include a reading nook or a small table for crafts, puzzles and games.
Also think about find something that everyone agrees on and likes to do together, and then work that into the space as well. Maybe it’s playing video games or watching movies. The space is about your family, not just making it Pinterest-worthy.
Living and designing with intention can create connection, deepen bonds and foster interaction together even if it’s in short spans of time. Create space within your home where everyone feels welcome to play, laugh, talk, listen, share and just be together. Everyone will feel important, valued and special.
Everyone will feel at home.
