Family Room CPR
Long gone are the days of formal parlors, the living room that has carpet that never seems to lose its clean vacuum lines and brand new furniture that is nearly as old as your kids. These days, most homes are equipped with multi-purpose or great rooms, used for social gatherings, homework, play, TV and relaxing: that is a lot to accomplish in one room! That is a lot to keep organized in one room. So, how do you keep it all organized?
CONSIDER FUNCTION. Ask yourself what you use your family room for the most. Just knowing what you want out of the room will help you be able to keep the aspects of the room that already work for you.
FOCAL POINT. It is important to distinguish the focal point in the room. When your eyes are fighting with over-stimulation, you know the room is too busy and more than likely is making you feel anxious. Whether you have a fireplace, a large TV or an odd-shaped room, or all three; decide which space will be the most functional for you and downplay the rest. You may have two focal points that serve different functions, that’s OK.
REARRANGE. Rearrange your furniture and rugs to compliment your decision and don’t over-decorate. This will help you create flow and separate sections and this will also help establish an uncluttered family room.
STORAGE. It is important to have accessories and spaces that act as storage. You don’t necessarily need bookshelves or built-ins to organize games, movies, video games, electronic equipment, home office, etc. in your family room. Utilize baskets, coffee tables with drawers or an ottoman. Decide what the purpose for your room is and make a list of what you need to keep in your family room – the bare essentials. Remember, you need a functional room! Making a list of what you have and what you want to keep will help you focus on uncluttering your space
KEEP IT SIMPLE. Fight the urge to buy items that don’t meet the function of the room. Décor is essential to make you feel comfortable, but “over decorating” can make your family room feel smaller than it really is.
Follow these tips and no matter the size of your family room, you will create an inviting, functional and organized space for your family to enjoy.
photo credit: Jim Larrison via photopin cc
Nationally recognized certified organizer, speaker and author, Kathy Jenkins is dedicated to helping her clients simplify their lives by reducing clutter, organizing their homes and offices, and managing their time. She is the President of Come To Order, a professional residential organizing company based in Richmond, Virginia. For more tips, click here to follow Kathy on Facebook.
