Tips on Designing a Multi-functional Family Room

Does your family disagree on how to design the family room? Some members might enjoy a quiet, peaceful space while others like to play music and movies in here. Turn your family room into a place where both kids and adults are welcome. After all, it’s called the “family” room for a reason. Try these tips for designing a multi-functional family room for your home.

Divide the space into sections
Do you have several things going on in this room at once? Rather than making the family room into one big space, divide it into smaller sections. For example, create a seating area around the television or fireplace and keep the play area in its own section. This doesn’t mean you have to put up walls in the family room; create invisible walls by creating lines with furniture, area rugs, paint and so on.

Choose a cohesive theme or style
Even though you might have several zones in this one space, it is all part of one room. While you may separate the sections with different wall colors, everything should work together cohesively. Choose one theme or style for the room and then visually split up the space with separate sections.

Search for multi-functional furniture
When you are designing a multi-functional family room, you might find yourself a little short on space. Choosing furniture that can provide multiple purposes is the perfect solution to this problem. For example, a futon or sofa that folds out into a bed provides extra sleeping space for guests. Benches with inside storage help keep toys organize while giving children a place to sit down.

Consider the flow of traffic
You also need to make sure your traffic flow is not interrupted in a multi-functional space, as in any other room of the house. One section of the room should not inhibit family members from comfortably moving into the other section; this means there should be a clear walking path that doesn’t zigzag around the room.

Layer with different types of lighting
In a room that is used for multiple purposes, you might find use for different types of lighting. Some activities require plenty of bright light, while others require hardly any. Consider the way you use the room and plan your lighting accordingly. Make sure you have several different brightness options.