Get Cozy in Your Home by Christina Johnson

I'm excited to welcome our guest-blogger today, Christina Johnson.  I was thrilled when she contacted me and asked if she could do a guest post here.  Sure!! So let's get to know her a little.

"Christina Johnson works remotely for Elliman Prudential in the NYC Apartments and Rentals market. She is using her journalism major to combine what she loves most, writing and her career. Her specialties include home decor design and DIY home improvement projects."

She sent me this wonderful article on family rooms.  I love my family room! Next to the kitchen it's probably the room my family spends the most time in.  Read on to learn some great tips on making the most of your family room.

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Get Cozy in your Home

A lot of homeowners tend to overlook the design opportunities available for the family room. Because it isn't a formal room, it often becomes a catch-all collection of odd furniture, toys, crafts and other accessories. However, there are several very affordable and unique interior design techniques that can be used that will make it even more inviting for the whole family.

Traditional family room design by interior designer Citrine Interior Design

What Will You Use It For?

When you make plans to enhance or improve the decor of a room, it is important to first consider the focus or goal of that room. You will want to determine what you will be using the room for and think about the mood you want to set. In most cases, the family room is the most relaxed and comfortable room in the home. Because of this, it is where many families spend most of their time together.

Some families work to create a whole home theater experience, while others focus more on games. Some families like to do activities or crafts together, while others might want to establish a quiet place to gather, read or just spend some quiet time together. You don't have to spend a lot of money to create the family room you've always wanted.

Traditional family room design by new york architect Crisp Architects

Start With Color

One of the easiest ways to make big change on a little budget is to start with a splash of color. A bucket or two of paint and supplies will cost less than $50, but can make a big difference to any room. Think about the colors that will best express the focus of your family room, such as neutral or pastel colors for a relaxing environment or bold colors for an exciting activity-focused room. 

Consider using two different colors to add focus or fun to one or more walls. You can paint or use color stain on wood paneling or add a splash of color to furniture, shelving and cabinets. Don't be afraid to think "outside the box" and try something new.

Photo from Better Homes and Gardens

Modern family room design by dc metro interior designer Laura Manning Bendik

Establish A Theme

If movies are your thing, consider adding a nostalgic popcorn popper, add some light-blocking curtains and arrange your furniture to create optimal viewing opportunities. Many decorating stores now carry old-fashioned looking marquee signs, metal art that features movie reels and film or movie posters of your favorite films.

If your family activity-oriented, consider adding a table and chairs for board games or crafts, a gaming area for video games and some nice shelves to keep it all neat and organized. There are a lot of great store-bought options available, but you can also find new uses for old items that will keep things organized at a fraction of the cost.

Photo from Red Hen Home

Photo from House of Turquoise/Hiya Papaya

Accessories: Bringing It All Together

A nice area rug, throw pillows, afghan or new lamp shade in coordinating colors can help bring it all together. Whether your tastes are contemporary or tend to be a bit more conservative, make sure to choose new items to add that will enhance the message or emotion you are trying to express. Curtains, shades, blinds and other unique window treatments can also help to tie your room's decor together.

Purchase artwork that matches your theme or buy a blank canvas, grab some paints and encourage your kids to create a unique piece of artwork to hang on your walls. Use family photos to create a whole wall display. You can use black-and-white photos or color, add matting and choose from brightly painted, simple black or traditional metal frames.

Photo from House of Turquoise

Photo from The House of Smiths

A Fresh Look On Any Budget

It doesn't matter how much money you have to spend or how much you know about interior design, it is easy to create a cozy family room in no time. A good plan, a little research and some old-fashioned elbow grease will help you design a useful, comfortable room that the whole family will love.

Traditional family room design by other metros design-build Blue Sky Building Company

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Thank you, Christina!!  Great article and I had so much fun drooling over, um, admiring tons of beautiful, fun family rooms to find these pictures.  Because Christina doesn't have her own blog, you can leave her lots of good comments here.  Come back on Wednesday for some more designing fun -What's your design style?