Customize Your Home

Style Trends

Nesting is a concept that has changed the way we live. In recent years Americans have found greater comfort in staying home. The primary gathering spot? The family room or great room. As a result, design has evolved, affecting furnishings and décor. The ideal space is welcoming to all ages and exudes a sense of warmth and belonging.

Furniture plays a significant role in family-friendly design. Not since the late 1970s and early '80s have sectionals been so popular. In addition to offering more seating for in-home entertaining, these furnishings lend a cozy feel to the room that encourages interaction. In addition, large, curved sofas are in, and enable television viewing from multiple angles. Also fashionable: the oversized chair or chair-and-a-half. Wider than a traditional armchair, these roomy seats create a great spot to curl up and read or sit with a child. Small, square, upholstered ottomans take up very little space, move easily and accommodate additional guests. If space permits, game tables make great additions to family rooms.

Entertainment centers and shelving units are important components in room design. In addition to housing a big-screen or traditional television, video/DVD equipment and the sound system, they provide easily accessible storage for books and games, as well as display areas for family photos, mementos and collectibles. One easy trick: the TV screen should never face a southern exposure.

When decorating the family room, minimize accessories on tables. Utilize shelving units or consider a curio cabinet to display collectibles and personal items. This keeps cocktail and end tables free for simple arrangements of candles and flowers. A small magazine rack filled with publications for everyone in the family works nicely next to an oversized reading chair. And don't overlook the windows. The trendiest curtains feature straight, clean lines. Hardware is simple and strong, often utilizing black iron or pewter. Plantation shutters also are in vogue, providing full or directed light during the day and total privacy at night.

Of course, color is always an important design element. From sofas to accent pieces, brown is big. Other hot accent colors include orange and pink -- both work well with chocolate. Neutrals also remain strong. When it comes to walls, the fashion is toward soft blue tones, like robin's egg, and warm greens, such as olive and moss.

While these ideas lend warmth and comfort to the room, there's one essential component you should never overlook: the purpose of the room is to bring family and friends together. Without them, it's just another room.