Opening up the flow for a brighter space
When this house was built in 1993, it was standard procedure to have a half wall between the kitchen and the family room. It was a way of defining the two rooms—and completely unnecessary. Without that separation, the two rooms that are so important in our lives became one space.
TVs were completely different then as well. They were deep and cumbersome. Often there were large wall units to house them as you can see in the before photos. With the arrival of flat-screen TVs, these wall units became obsolete. To open up the wall and create more space on the wall opposite the kitchen we knew it called for a unique piece.
Decluttering and only displaying items that are meaningful or make a statement is another trend we can get behind. The new TV console is simply decorated – just some current photos and a pop of color.
Since the family room is where we unwind and entertain, it must be comfortable and welcoming. Swivel chairs and a modern recliner added comfort, while the softer colors invite people in and brighten the space. And with the new performance fabrics, those pieces of furniture are easy to live with and care for.
The cocktail table is upholstered and comfortable to put your feet up while storing two trays beneath for serving snacks or drinks.
Hardwood flooring was added to the kitchen and continued in the family room, further marrying the two spaces. A soft subtly patterned area rug completed the look.
And just because you are giving your space a refresh doesn’t mean you have to start all over from scratch. We kept the curtains and special needlework framed above the sofa, which was created by the owner’s mother with love.
This updated family room is what the lovely couple who lives here had hoped for, especially when family and friends come to visit.