The living room is the heart of home since it’s where we spend the most time, and over the years we’ve changed the way we use this room. Back in the day, the living room was just for watching TV, but nowadays more families are using this area to spend some quality time together.
The term “living room families” has even become a popular catchphrase in social media and parenting news articles as it describes people who want to spend most of their time together in a communal living space, like the living room or den.
Typically, the designated area is loud, messy, and filled with a collection of toys, books, and other items that are often used by family members.
According to Instagram influencer MindfulMagda, living room families spend a lot of time together “because everyone feels safe, at peace, comfortable, and accepted enough to do so.”
If you’ve got a living room family, you’ve probably mastered the art of having conversations or hanging out in a somewhat chaotic space. However, there will be times when you’ll want to entertain in this area, so it needs to be cozy and comfortable for your family but still neat and presentable enough to welcome guests.
Here are some simple ways to create a beautiful and organized living room that you’ll want to keep spending time in with your loved ones.
Flexible and Comfortable Seating
When spending time together, it’s typical for living room families to have some people on the couch while everyone else is sprawled out on the floor. If this is the case whenever you’re bonding, consider adding flexible and comfortable seating in your living room.
Replace your couch with a customized sofa to accommodate all your loved ones– perhaps you can have a large sectional couch in a neutral color, then pair it with an accent chair in a brighter hue.
Add some ottomans or poufs to encourage people to put their feet up. Next, place a plush rug on the floor, then add some large floor cushions to infuse some style into your space.
Hidden Storage to Keep Clutter Contained
Tired of stepping on stray LEGOS or seeing tangled heaps of phone chargers on your coffee table? Keep the mess contained by adding hidden storage to your living room. Replace your coffee table with a model that has built-in storage to house extra throw pillows, chargers, and throw blankets.
To keep toys, bills, mail, laptops, tablets, and TV remote controls neatly contained, keep them in a sideboard or buffet table with cabinets and drawers, then use the top to display certain items. Think about having a few framed family pictures on top of the sideboard, plus a sturdy lamp and a small potted plant.
To have more space for books, why not create a reading nook right beside your living room window? Choose a cushioned window bench seat with built-in storage underneath, then use that to store extra books, school bags, and other items. For more storage options, have a carpenter build hidden storage drawers underneath your stairs or add roll-out bins under your couch or any furniture that has legs.
Add Personality with Framed Artwork
If your kids have a habit of sticking their artwork on your living room walls, elevate their paintings, doodles, or drawings by framing them, then display them on one wall in a floor-to-ceiling grid.
It’s a great way to liven up your living room with some color while adding a personal touch to your space. Keep your mini gallery wall fresh by swapping out the art for new works every few months or so.
You may also want to let your kids be in charge of updating this area so they feel included in your interior design decisions. For a cohesive look, try giving them a theme to work with. You can also give them free reign if you love a contemporary art gallery look for your wall.
Being a living room family allows you to spend lots of time together and create lasting memories for your children. Consider these tips to create a stylish space that’s worth showing off to guests, but cozy enough to encourage hours of conversation, gaming, or just being in the same space with the ones you love.
