Decorating the Family Room

Putting together a family room doesn't have to be torture. Taking input from the family can make it much easier to make a comfortable, fun, relaxing space for everyone to enjoy.

When you're trying to decorate your family room, you know how hard it can be. After all, it's the family room and every one has to be happy and comfortable there, right? The truth is that it does not need to be a difficult process. You can actually make a family room that everyone can enjoy without spending a lot of time, money, patience or your wits. Just follow these simple steps and you'll be home free.

If you're trying to create a family room that everyone likes and enjoys, then you'll need to get input from everyone in the family. But don't be shy about it and don't wait until the last minute. And don't forget to get input wherever it might be necessary, like with your area rugs-if you're really attempting to make a family room that pleases everyone, you probably shouldn't purchase an oriental area rug; in fact, it's better to choose something brightly colored, like a modern area rug or a solid green area rug. Solid colors for area rugs are typically better because there's no design for anyone to hate. The same goes for the rest of the room. Choose neutral, fun items that the whole family can get into.

This seems simple enough, right? Actually, this is one of the biggest and most often made mistakes people make when they're redecorating a room, especially the family room. You should always know exactly what you want to purchase prior to making your purchases so you don't make any impulse buys that ruin your attitude, your excitement and your room. This includes your area rugs, your furniture and even your lighting.

When you're decorating your family room it's okay to use colors that bring your creative side to life. You shouldn't always ere on the side of caution and stick with neutrals and designs that are safe and traditional. Your family room is supposed to be a place where you can let go, have fun and just be yourselves. If this room is highly visible and you want to keep it moderately tame, that's okay too, but make sure that it isn't stuffy and boring.

One of the worst family rooms I have ever encountered was in my youth where a friend's parents had decorated the room in highly expensive carpet, imported area rugs and leather couches. Basically there was to be no food, no drink and no rough housing in their family room. This was a place to sit, play board games-quietly of course!-and relax. Unfortunately, that meant it was no fun for the teenagers and younger children in the house.

Remember, your family room is supposed to be a place that the whole family can enjoy. While you may not always agree on the look and feel of the room, it's important that you can all let loose without fretting about spills, etc.