1. IGNORING TRAFFIC FLOW
A family room is often one of the busiest, high-traffic areas in the home, and your layout should prioritize clear pathways and a smooth sense of movement throughout the space.
'Avoid blocking natural pathways or obstructing views, which can make a family room feel closed off and uninviting. Sometimes it takes a few weeks to see how you naturally use a space, so be open to moving things around if you don't get it right the first time' advises interior designer, Sonnaz Nooranvary.
2. HAVING TOO MUCH FURNITURE
Jeanette Fusco, interior designer at HiHomePicks says, 'too much furniture can make a family room look cluttered, and it can also make it difficult to maneuver around the space. Instead of cramming too much furniture into the room, consider using versatile pieces that provide extra seating when needed, such as ottoman ideas or folding chairs. Another solution is to opt for multi-purpose furniture pieces that provide storage or can be used for seating and storage.'
3. OR, USING THE WRONG SIZED FURNITURE
'It's also important to choose family room furniture that fits the size of the room, and to position furniture in a way that allows for easy movement. When deciding where to place furniture, consider the primary purpose of the room.
4. FORGETTING TO ZONE THE SPACE
A family room is a space that will greatly benefit from zoning. This will not only create a more functional layout, having separate zones, e.g. for relaxing, eating and play, will only help to make the most out of the space used by the whole family.
5. IGNORING THE IMPORTANCE OF STORAGE
'Storage in busy family rooms is key. Look for a storage footstool which can house magazines, tv remotes, gaming remotes and leads, but that can also be used as a place to serve snacks, too!
You'll also want lots of shelving to store and display books, ornaments and objects. I think built-in shelving is more sturdy than a freestanding bookcase that could get knocked over. Keep a stash of boxes and baskets too to store toys, as well as extra blankets for colder days,' says interior designer, Maxine Brady.
6. NOT PLANNING YOUR LAYOUT TO THE EXACT SIZE OF YOUR SPACE
Of course, every family room is different, for example, those with a small space may not be able to create as many zones as those with a larger room, so planning your layout so it works with the exact size of your family room is key.
7. FOCUSING YOUR LAYOUT AROUND A TV
'As tempting as it is to make family room TV ideas the focus of your family room, placing your TV so it is smack bang in the middle of your room (either wall mounted or overtaking a corner) means it dominates the space, making that the sole purpose of the room.
8. A LACK OF LAYERED LIGHTING
'Family rooms will be the most hardworking room in the house – so you'll need them to be well lit for morning play, to cozy evenings in. Layer your lighting, with overhead pendant lights for gloomy days, and lamps dotted around for a cozy atmosphere. Mix your table lamps with task lights for crafting afternoons or for doing homework. And then use a tall standard light for when you're watching TV (a higher light won't reflect on your screen)' says Maxine Brady.
9. NOT CONSIDERING HOW YOU WILL USE THE SPACE DAY TO DAY
Thinking carefully about how you will use your family room each day will only help you to create a more functional and personalized layout unique to you and your family.
Maxine Brady says, 'have a think about how you use your family room. If you have a separate adult living space, and your family room is used more during the day as a playroom or in the evenings for movie nights, then you'll want your family room to have a practical layout that is geared towards children and entertainment.