There’s no doubt that family life is often filled with activity. With school, work, and extracurricular activities, the time you spend together at home can often be the highlight of your day.
So, why not make the most of family time by creating a space that’s stylish and functional?
Your home can meet the needs of everyone in your household, and become a hub where you can all relax and unwind together.
Your chosen upgrades will likely depend on your budget and the current layout of your home.
A few changes can make a big impact, whether it’s removing walls for open-plan living, replacing aging carpet with modern home flooring options, or even just simply introducing more storage.
Wondering where to start? In this guide, you’ll discover creative home design ideas to help you create spaces made for family fun.
Creating Designated Play Areas
Everyone knows that having kids also means having plenty of toys, books and other clutter.
And, you don’t want to spend all of your spare time cleaning up kids’ clutter when there’s fun to be had!
By creating specific zones for your kids, tidying up will be a breeze. You can keep their things contained; no more tripping over Legos and Barbies in the hall.
The area you choose will depend on your home, and the age of your children.
If you have toddlers, a spare room can be transformed into a playroom with colorful drawers and baskets.
Or, you may want to give them a special corner in your living room with a soft rug and their favourite toys?
Older children may prefer a teenage-style retreat in the basement, made for games, crafts, music and reading.
Remember, playing comes with mess, and the key is to make these spaces low maintenance.
Avoid choosing white furniture, or walls in lighter colors that can easily be marked.
Choose flooring options like hybrid flooring, that are durable and scratch resistant. Or, protect older floors with play mats made of wipeable fabrics.
The Importance of Smart Storage Solutions
Toys and games often have small components, and it can be frustrating if you lose a piece.
Then, there are bigger items like your child’s favourite book or arts and crafts that you’ll want to keep within easy reach.
Keep everything together with smart storage solutions, and make sure family time is hassle-free.
Built-in shelving may be an option, with shelves or cupboards dedicated to each activity. You can also line walls with freestanding shelving units.
Cupboards can hide jigsaw puzzles and board games, while drawers are handy for knick-knacks and collectables.
For younger children, baskets can be used to separate their toys. Label them and encourage your little ones to pack up one basket before tipping out a new one.
Embracing Open-Plan Living Spaces
When it comes to larger family-friendly changes, it might be worth assessing the current layout of your house.
Open-plan living spaces can help connect families, plus, you have the flexibility to supervise your kids while doing other things.
Open-plan living is a design concept where boundaries like walls and doors are often removed between rooms – particularly in the main living areas.
This can help create multifunctional spaces, promote a sense of openness, and improve the flow of movement.
For example, an open plan kitchen, dining, and living space is perfect for entertaining extended family. Plus, it also means that you can keep an eye on everything.
Your younger ones can play or watch TV, and you can keep an eye on them as you prepare their dinner.
Designing a Cozy Family Room
Having a dedicated room for family time can be a great way to encourage spending time together, while also keeping everything neat and contained to one space.
Whether your family loves to get creative with crafts, play board games or cozy up for a movie night, there are plenty of ways you can design a room that suits.
Consider Key Furniture and Decor
Consider the activities that you and your family are planning to do, and choose furniture to suit.
No matter the activity, seating will be a priority in your family room. A great starting point is always a snuggly sofa, but if you have a big family, you can add armchairs or beanbags in complementary hues.
Add a statement coffee table, and a fluffy rug to brighten up your flooring.
A coat of paint in a warm neutral color on the walls with your favorite family photos can also make it feel more inviting.
Adding Soft Furnishings
Next, it’s time to add some soft accessories. Cushions will give your room a pop of color, and make your sofa more comfortable, with a cozy throw providing warmth and comfort, especially during the colder months.
Switching your curtains can also make a difference in the feel of the room. Long, flowing curtains can soften your decor — but make sure you can still block out the light for family movie sessions!
Choosing soft furnishings that are durable and easy to clean will also ensure you can fully enjoy the space. The living area should be somewhere everyone can relax, and this can mean there is the occasional spill or accident.
Look for cushions with removable covers, blankets that can be washed, and rugs that are easy to vacuum.
Setting Up a Family Dining Space
Another key area in a family-friendly home is the dining room. It’s a space where you can share meals with family and friends, talk, socialize, and celebrate every moment.
Your dining table is always the feature of the space. There’s nothing worse than being squished and bumping elbows, so make sure to choose a size that fits everyone to ensure a comfortable feast.
You can add to the inviting atmosphere by using accessories like pendant lights, placemats, table runners, or a bouquet of fresh flowers. You can also change up the decorations for special occasions!
For quick snacks, your kitchen island may be the go-to.
Line it with wooden barstools and try to keep it clutter-free. Perfect for larger gatherings or parties, it can also double as a snack center for movie nights.
Remember, family life can be busy. Your home should support your daily lifestyle, making the many jobs in your day easier.
Start by tweaking the layout of your home to suit your family’s favorite activities. Then, add the must-have accessories and decor that make a house a home.
With a little planning, you’ll be able to create a space that encourages everyone to spend more time together.