With winter on the horizon, homeowners everywhere are looking for ways to get cozy and stay warm. For some, that means taking toasting marshmallows over their backyard fire pit or taking a soak in their outdoor hot tub.
But if you prefer the warmth of indoors during winter, the ideal gathering place is in the family room. Here are a few of our tried-and-true tips for making the family room cozier than ever while exuding style and ultimate comfort.
1. Take a rustic and minimalist approach to design and decor
Rustic accents and decorations have a way of making a living space feel warm and inviting. Wood, stone, and other textured surfaces can create the ideal atmosphere for a rustic family room — keep this in mind when choosing furniture and accessories like artwork, throw cushions, and throws. You’ll want to buy furnishings that complement or even accentuate the existing textures that warm your room. When it comes to decor, a minimalist approach will keep this room from feeling cluttered and make it easier for guests to settle in and relax.
2. Make seating your top priority
The family room should be exactly what its name implies — a room where family and friends can gather and enjoy each other’s company. Optimize seating options to give everyone a place to get comfortable and wind down. Consider a cozy sectional with additional seating for large gatherings. There are so many options for additional seating like upholstered ottomans, armchairs, or even a cocktail table with pullout seating.
“If you’re looking for non-traditional seating options, try a conversation circle.”
If you want to arrange your seating in a non-traditional way, try a conversation circle. Los Angeles-based interior designer Jenn Feldman shared this clever design concept with HGTV.
“Instead of using a traditional sofa-and-chair layout, we opted for four oversized, upholstered swivel chairs that created a comfortable, laid-back conversation circle, all while keeping the room polished and pulled together in grown-up whites.”
Accessorize your fireplace
3. Emphasize the fireplace
A fireplace and large mantel are two home features that any homeowner can feel lucky to have. If you happen to have this set in your family room, make use of it. Decorate the mantel for the holidays leading up to the New Year or create a winter-themed vignette with accessories.
4. Consider mood lighting
Lighting can make or break the vibe in any area of the home. When you think about the kitchen or office area, you want ample lighting to get work done. Bright, overhead lighting, combined with task lighting will help make work easier. Even consider adding some decorative lighting to add character to the kitchen and office area. In cozier spaces, like the bedroom or family room, lighting should be softer. In other words, use lower colour temperature bulbs in these rooms to create a relaxing atmosphere. Dimming features in your tableside lamps, wall sconces, and overhead lighting are a must to help you cocoon and snuggle up.
5. Working with Saree Parry Design
Fall is making way for winter. You’ve probably already changed to winter tires on your car, but how about for your home? Do you need assistance getting it ready for the cocooning season?
If so, contact us to schedule a discovery call where we’ll discuss what you need help with and to book your complimentary in-home consultation. During the house visit, we’ll delve further into your ideas, your ultimate goals for your living space, and how you envision using the family room over the next few months. This will allow us to define the scope of your project. We’ll then return to your home with a well-thought-out plan to turn your family room into the cozy haven you’ve been dreaming of.
Contact us today to get your project in motion.
