The place where family members spend the most time together is the family room. It is the place where guests are entertained, and family unwinds after a busy day at work, school, or running errands. It is the heart of the home, a place we want to feel good and relax. In more recent years, we have found greater comfort in staying home. It has become our refuge, our sanctuary. We desire a space that welcomes all, with warmth and coziness, not just a room to sit in. Therefore, furnishings, decor and design have been greatly influenced to provide such a space.

Cube Ottomans

To create that nest to bring family and friends together, there are certain things one can do to enhance the look of the space. Some are:

Cube Ottomans

1. Rugged, unattractive recliners are out! Oversized and sleeker chairs are in. The chairs of today are less bulky, and come in affordable leather with side handles that have disappeared. The reclining mechanisms are hidden. Many sectionals now offer recliners built right into them.

2. Sectionals provide more seating for larger groups. These now come in a variety of fabrics that are soft and yet durable, like microfiber, and many configurations. These provide a place to sprawl out in and relax.

3. Additional seating is provided by upholstered chairs that provide comfort and room. The chair and-a-half has become very popular in rooms that can handle the size. Ottomans and cubes are also incorporated.

4. Media or entertainment centers have typically become the focal point of the room. These provide organized shelving and storage for media equipment, photos, games and books.

5. Position the TV so that it does not face southern exposure which may cause glare.

6. If the room is large enough, create separate spaces for family interaction. That means a space for TV watching, another for card or game playing, and a third for quiet reading.

7. Color your room with paint and fabrics. Get away from beige of yesteryear. Sunny colors like golds, oranges, and corals warm up the space and create a warm environment. "Chocolate" is the new neutral and the new black. Blues like navy, gray-blues, and robin's egg, are always popular. Greens are earthy and remind us of nature.

8. Functional pieces are necessary. Make sure that you have a place to store magazines and newspapers next to seating where reading is done. End tables for putting down a glass or book by the chair, is also a must.

9. Enhance the room with candles, books, plants and flowers (whether fresh or silk), and photos of family members.

10. Remember to have a couple throws and accent pillows on the seating to not only create coziness through color and texture, but also provide family members with something that they can "cozy" up with on a day when it is needed. Create comfort.

11. Remember, window treatments provide not only insulation from heat and cold, but also compliment the look and feel of the room. They are the finishing touch to the windows. There are many affordable solutions in silk, linen, cottons and blends. Finishing touches like fringe, beads, and tassels can reflect the style of the room. These treatments don't need to be fussy.

Remember, any room can have furniture, but it is how you finish the room that adds comfort, coziness and warmth to bring family and friends together.

The Heart Of The Home

Cube Ottomans