The Living Room Reborn

Transform your neglected formal living room into a family room just for adults.

by Jennifer Mitchell

Has your living room become an orphan? For many of us who live in traditional homes, our lifestyles have changed: We don’t formally entertain; we spend most of our time in the family room and kitchen. And anyone with children knows it’s the kids who rule the family room. Family life is great, but sometimes we need adult time away from noise and toys. That’s where the forgotten formal living room comes in.

Now we have a wonderful chance to remake our mostly unused living rooms. Here are a few design tips to help you turn your living room into an adult family room that will be so inviting you’ll actually spend time in it.

Don’t Forget Presentation

Chances are, the living room is the first room guests see when they enter your home, so keep the level of formality in mind when choosing both the style and furnishings for your new adult family room. Heavy moldings in a Colonial home? You should consider a formal look. Frameless windows and modern fireplace? That may call for a more contemporary style. If you’re feeling confident, mix it up with a bit of both. No matter which style you go with, you want your adult family room to offer a beautiful entrance that’s welcoming to your guests.

Start with Scale

Pay attention to scale. Because a family room is tucked away, comfort often gives way to style. Yet a giant leather sectional (a family room favorite) will overwhelm most living rooms. Instead, try a smaller-scaled three-cushion sofa and a leather-covered ottoman topped with a tray. You can put your feet up to watch the game or rest your beverage on the tray. Add a couple of lounge chairs across from the sofa and your grouping is complete.

Home Entertainment Is Welcome

These days no family room is complete without a television. We get stuck thinking that a living room must be centered around the fireplace. Not so. The television can easily be the new focal point; or the TV and the fireplace can share the glory. Surrounding the fireplace with built-ins (or a shelving system) on either side will help create a unified look.

A Functional Bar

Why not install a small bar in your new living room? You don’t need a sink. Trays set with glasses and bottles create a nice look set up on a drop-leaf desk or side table.

Room to Play

A great multipurpose solution for your new space is a small, square table with seating for four (think upscale card table). Tables like this are really flexible. They’re a convenient place to eat a meal, and great for laptops, games and jigsaw puzzles. If you don’t have room, consider a drop-leaf table. Drop the leaves and slide it up against the wall when not in use. The chairs can sit on either side and become part of your seating group.

Make the Most of Your Space

If your living room is larger, you can arrange separate seating groups. Place a larger grouping around the television and a smaller one (maybe two wing chairs and a small table) by the fireplace or window. A chaise with a small table and floor lamp is a great place to kick back and read the paper in peace and quiet away from the kids. Be sure to frame your groupings with area rugs.

Claim Your Space

Now that your living room has new life and new purpose, declare your newly updated room a clutter-free and toy-unfriendly zone. Then banish the kids to the old family room while you enjoy your new grown-up space.