Family Room Renovation

6 years ago

Hello!

We are renovating our home and am specifically looking at the family room for design inspiration. It is a very large and open sunken living room, flowing freely from the kitchen. There are two french door entryways leading outside to the patio.

* Pictures are from previous owner with their furniture. The room is currently totally empty and a blank canvas.

I need to decide on the placement and style of the coach. Keep in mind we are a growing family (young kids) that entertains. I assume this will be a very social area between the kitchen, the family room, and the outdoor area

- Custom leather coach vs durable fabric like Sunbrella?

- Two sofas OR one large sectional, with two chairs?

- Should the TV be placed above the fire place or on the blank wall opposite from the doorway to the patio?

*Keep in mind couch, TV placement for free flow from kitchen and patio doors

Featured Answer

auntthelma

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Me, three. What is awesome is that, if you want the fireplace as focal point, you have it. But when you want the TV on, you just reorganize your focus.

Very pretty room.

I actually love sectionals, but only if they are sleek and pretty. Don't get the big, bulky, 'man-cave' things that take over and eat up a space. With little kids, sectionals are cozy and everyone ends up cuddling.

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Comments (10)

PRO
Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
6 years ago
I like the previous owner's layout. The TV should go on the blank wall, not above the fireplace.

The room looks large enough to handle a sectional, but having on will limit furniture arrangements. Maybe consider two sofas, one with a chaise so that you semi get the sectional vibes without the commitment.

The fabric vs. leather debate is a personal choice. Leather can be wiped clean, but it's more prone to wear and tear. Fabric is harder to clean, but doesn't show spills as much (if darker color).
Bree thanked Sina Sadeddin Architectural Design
Porter Edun
6 years ago
I agree with above. The layout of the previous owner is very nice and you might use it as inspiration. The L shape of two couches is a lot easier to manage than a sectional. As mentioned above a chaise night be nice in the corner where their leather chair and ottoman are place.
Bree thanked Porter Edun
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Bree
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks! It is a very large space. I love the recommendation of two sofas to offer more variety and change in the room. So true. The TV location has been a debate between hubby and me !

And thank you for the variety of pictures for the sectionals. The more pillows the merrier!
DYH
6 years ago
In my previous home, we ended up replacing our sofa with a sectional and were much happier. Similar to your new family room. It reduces the number of pieces and makes everything simpler.

I also agree -- don't put the tv above the fireplace. It's a great focal point without it; and, having had a tv about the fireplace two houses ago -- bad for the neck to view!
Bree thanked DYH
PRO
Jodie White Designs
6 years ago
Wonderful space for a growing family and entertaining. So many options except I would definitely make TV media area on the larger wall across from the patio doors. Large tall floor lamps and big pieces to fill in space. Bench type seating in front of FP for additional seating. Curved sectional or sofa would work in this space as well.
Bree thanked Jodie White Designs
dover P
6 years ago
Id just add that you can use a performance fabric such as Crypton.
Bree thanked dover P
mtnrdredux_gw
6 years ago
We have a sectional that is equivalent to two full size sofas plus some. It is MGBW slipcovered white duck; we have removed and washed the slipcovers probably three times in 7 years. With 3 kids and a large dog, i like washability in upholstered pieces. In rooms where TV watching occurs, a lot of people like their feet up, and a large sectional is a good way to do that.

Personally, i like a sofa table behind the sofa as a place to put things (my kids were never allowed to eat in the family rm, but sometimes I would have a cup of tea there). I like oversized soft ottomans more than coffee tables for more comfort and extra seating if needed. If I need a coffee table, I just use a large oversized tray over the ottoman (ours is leather).

TVs over fpl are terrible ergonomically, but very popular for people with limited wall space. In your case, def not. One odd thing though, is that now that TVs don't require furniture, they still seem to need it for visual balance. Think about something low and long to use under it.
Bree thanked mtnrdredux_gw
arcy_gw
6 years ago
Sectional are free flow do not go together. You get one or the other but never both.

With entertaining and children is a game table something to incorporate? I am not a fan of the TV over the fireplace, but I suppose it meets the visual balance discussed above.
Bree thanked arcy_gw
Bree
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks! I was hoping there would be a way to make it free flowing to the patio, but regardless of the layout I’ll be cutting off the flow from one area or the other (kitchen/patio).

Love the suggestion of the washable material cushion covers and the soft ottomans. A great option for little ones and pets

What are are ideas for a game table? Didn’t consider this!