Bringing the family together can be challenging. Different schedules, different passions. We’re looking at how the interior design of our homes can improve our family quality time. Here are tips on how to create space that is inviting for all family members to spend time together.

The kitchen, dining room and living room are the heart of the house, where the family gathers for dinner, to watch a movie or play games together. We want to make sure those rooms are inviting. The first important aspect is to take everyone into consideration. What we mean by that is that you want to make sure that not only there is enough room for everyone to be there at the same time but also that the style and practicality of the room is inviting for each member of the house.

1. Seating Areas

Does everyone have a comfortable seat to hang out? Or does the youngest kid always get the uncomfortable corner chair that no one else wants to sit on? Make sure no one is left behind. A corner sofa might be a good alternative to offer more room or a fun bean bag that can be added and moved around. Sectionals are great because they offer more seating than a traditional sofa. Ottomans or poufs can also be used as seating when hosting.

2. Make it a Cozy Place

Add soft texture such as rugs, cushions, blankets. They add this feeling of coziness and are inviting to snuggle down. It is also a great way to absorb sounds which can be valuable for a family. Pay attention to the lighting of the room. Is it too harsh, too bright, too dark? Try adding different sources of lights using floor lamps and table lamps and see how it changes the atmosphere of the room.

3. Create More Storage for Everyone

Keep the living room clutter-free and inviting at all time by offering easy storage for everyone. Use unique rattan baskets, free up some drawers and shelves, that way the main space can stay open and more inviting to come and hang out.  Or you can create built-ins that offer storage and can hide a mess.

4. Personalize Your Space

Your living room should be unique to you and your family. Showcase art pieces that everyone enjoys, family portraits or landscape pictures of your last vacations all together to bring up good memories. Use open shelving, for example on top of the sofa, to display travel memories, plants, books, or your family’s favorite games.

5. Choose Durable Furniture

You don’t need to compromise on your stylish interior once you have kids. It is advised on the other hand to make some smart decisions when it comes to furniture and decoration. You want to have a house where your kids and family feel they can move freely and play in. If they have the feeling that they might break something or get yelled at because they mistakenly scratched the brand-new couch, chances are they will want to stay in their bedroom more.

Leather sofas are easy to clean or you can go for a fabric that is more stain resistant. Same for light shades, pick them made from fabric instead of a fragile material. This will spare you to feel stressed when the party gets a little too out of control and avoid disaster around the house.

By including your entire family in the redecoration and design of the family rooms, they will also feel more engaged and want to spend more time out of their bedrooms.

Now that your space is well thought of for more family time, schedule some time in the shared calendar to spend high quality time together on a regular basis.

Need help redecorating your space to fit everyone is needs? Let us know, we would love to help you.