How to Modernize Your Family Room

The family room has evolved from a few couches and chairs around a TV to a multi-media room. Gather to watch the big screen, play video games, or view home-made media. Here are some tips to modernize your family room and make you feel 'at home' and links to websites for further ideas.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Comfortable family room furniture.
• Selection of lighting.
• Pillows and throws.
• Entertainment media of your choice.

1. 
    
   Create comfortable place for quiet conversation.

   Family Room Furniture
   
   The family room furniture you select needs to be 'user friendly' since your family, all their friends, and extended family member will spend time eating and enjoying themselves there.
   -Treat all fabrics with a stain-resistant coating.
   -A patterned fabric will serve as camouflaged for spills, etc.
   -Table finishes should repel moisture from beverage cans and glasses and spills that are inevitable.
   -Rounded edges give a softened look and will help eliminate painful bumps.
   -Arranged the furniture for full viewing of the TV.
   -Create a small conversation area, off to one side of the family room, with two chairs and table.

2. Family Room Multi-media.
   
   Use this room to create a home theater setting.
   -Recreate the experience of watching a movie in a theater
   -Film projectors present very large, clear pictures on screens.
   -Large screen TV's can be built into your room.
   -Surround sound wraps the sound around you so you will experience, not just watch, the show.
   
   Home Technology For Your Family Room.
   
   Media Servers are the newest component to enter the family room. This will control all of your home entertainment and automation needs. The media server offers a multitude of functions including:
   *Block unwanted TV programs and movies.
   *Create a CD, DVD, or a music CD.
   *Create, edit, and record movies.
   *Create and edit videos.
   *DVR functionality
   *DVD recording and playback
   *Listen to FM radio.
   *MP3 compatible
   *Record a TV program.
   *Television tuner

3. 
    
   A selection of lighting adds ambiance to your family room.

   Remember The Details For Your Family Room
   
   One of the best ways to create ambiance in your family room is with lighting.
   - Use a lighting control switch/button/remote to simultaneously set the intensity for all lights.
   -Have a variety of lights installed. These can include canned in ceiling, spot, wall sconces, and table lamps.
   
   Accessorize to give your family room personality.
   -Have comfy and warm blankets available to curl up on.
   -Area rugs provide another warm place to sit or lay on.
   -Earth tones with a splash of your favorite color will create an inviting feel.
   -Install draperies or wooden shades on the windows to control outside light.
   -Storage areas are necessary so everyone can have their things in the room, but not create a mess. You may choose shelving, an ottoman, or a storage trunk/chest.

4. Modernize Your Family Room And Conserve Energy.
   
   While updating your family room ensure that you take steps to take some easy steps to conserve energy. Some energy saving tips include:
   
   Winter
   -Turn your thermostat from 72°F to 68°F for 8 hours a day.
   -Winterize windows with weather stripping & caulk.
   -Install a plastic window kit to the inside of your windows.
   -Change furnace filters once a month.
   -Inspect ductwork for any air leakage using duct tape to seal.
   
   Summer
   -Check your air conditioning system for efficiency and leaks.
   -Set thermostat between 75°F and 78°F.
   -Close all windows and outside doors when the AC is on.
   -Remove lamps, televisions or other heat sources by the thermostat.
   -Remove items that are blocking ducts or fans.
   
   Year-round
   -Turn the hot water heater temperature down from 140°F to 130°F.
   -Wash clothes in cold water.
   -Put a dry towel in the dryer with each load to absorb dampness and reduce drying time.
   -Replace incandescent light bulbs with florescent ones.
   -Vacuum refrigerator coils every three months.
   
   Energy saving home improvements.
   
   Heighten your awareness of how you can make your home more energy efficient with an Energy Audit.
   
   Use the ENERGY STAR Home Energy Yardstick to compare your home's energy efficiency to similar homes across the country. Get recommendations for energy-saving home improvements from ENERGY STAR.
   See the link below.

5. Ideas For Time Spent In Your New Family Room
   
   The family room offers a unique opportunity to play and have fun with your family. One suggestion is to have a "Family Game Night".
   
   -Let the kids help plan the event so they look forward to it.
   -Invite another family and ask them to bring a favorite game.
   -Each person should pick a game to play. Some suggestions might be-
   *Cards
   *Board games
   *Dice games
   *Video games
   *Download from the web
   *Turn off all phones for uninterrupted fun.
   *Buy the hot new game and let the kids unwrap it.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, the most important things in your home are the people. Spend time with your family and friends in your modernized and updated family room.

Resources

• EnergyStar - search for Energy Analysis
• How To Modernize Your Kitchen
• How to Prepare a Tornado Family Disaster Plan

[momofour]

on 9/2/2008 Great ideas! I will incorporate some of these ideas into my living room which is our family room. I have never understood having a formal living room in one's house. Everyone that I know that have them never use them. The furniture just collects dust. Love the tips on conserving energy too!

[Cherst1031]

on 8/31/2008 Excellent things to remember when renovating a family room, even the energy conservation tips - 5 stars!

[Desula]

on 8/31/2008 Thanks for this information on updating your living area. This is a very detailed article.

[vikki9]

on 8/31/2008 You have written a very thorough article. Thank you. 5*

[krazigirl79]

on 8/31/2008 Great tips! Thanks for the great article