They say the family that plays together, stays together. But did you know the family that plays together also results in children with higher self-esteem, encourages academic performance, and teaches them how to be better friends?
If you answered yes to all this, great. Then the question is, how do you attract your family, from children to teenagers to other adults living in the home, to be together?
Since we're exploring the connection between interior design and wellness in this five part series, today we’re sharing some sure shot ways to get your family into the family room more often.
- Invest in comfortable seating and a comfortable layout. Comfortable seating? You’re probably reading this and thinking, gosh Sarah, that is a no brainer, but hear me out. We often think furniture is more comfortable than it is if we don’t have enough experience with different furniture. You will know, however, when you have had that couch for a few months and realize, you don’t mind getting off of it in an hour. With truly comfortable pieces, you’ll be inclined to stay. Consider back height, seat depth, firmness, material, etc., or use one of our designers to help pick out the right pieces.
- Get the layout right for your use. Often, we set our furniture in our room and then can’t imagine it another way, but the truth is depending on how you use your room, there may be multiple layouts. If you like having parties versus really just want something that is comfortable for your immediate family, your room could take on a different layout altogether. For example, having seating facing each other allows people to now just see each other but talk and connect. These are places a professional can help.
- Add comfortable textures. Throws, fuzzy rugs, comfortable pillows. Build a comfortable space and they will come. Comfortable soft textures will help make the family room the most desirable room in the house and your family won’t be able to help but flock there.
See Diana's Home - Make a window seat. If you have the room for it, take advantage of a good view of the backyard and put some seating there to encourage people to read or hang out. I personally have a chaise and a chair next to it by mine window to make a mini-cafe feel, and it is one of the most popular seats in the house.
- Get a faux fireplace. We’re basic creatures–since the beginning of time, we like a good fire! If you don’t have a fireplace, a faux one can help attract the family too, as they mimic all the basic comfort of a real one.
- Keep games and activities readily available. An ottoman full of board games, a movie theater sound system–making this the most fun room in the house will attract your family here.
- 7. Make a place for pets. Pets are part of the family, and there is a chance your family likes to be where they are, and vice versa. Make a place for your pet to choose this as their favorite place, and your family will do.
Overall, view your family room as the hub and then ask yourself, have can I make this room comfortable and fun for everyone to genuinely want to be in and enjoy?
And if that is too hard, remember, we are here to help!
