Family Room Makeover

Lisa Downs
by Lisa Downs
2 Materials
$25000
2 Months
Easy

Hi, I’m Lisa. I am the Owner of Downs Interiors located in Monmouth County, NJ. I am a wife to my husband Erik and a Mother of two beautiful teenage girls. I get a lot of my inspiration from travel, fashion and art which I then incorporate into a design of a home. My overall goal is to be the best that I can be in both my career and my home life.

BEFORE

My clients moved into their forever home a few years back and desperately needed help with design and functionality.  The first space they wanted to design was their family room as this is the most used room aside from their kitchen. While family rooms can be fun to design, they are the most challenging due to the fact that most people want a beautiful space like they see in magazines but without compromising comfort and practicality. Walls were too dark, rug size was too small for the space and the fireplace which should be the focal point was nothing to look at.



FIREPLPACE BEFORE

Here is the completed look. I usually gravitate toward neutral paint and decor.  Clients get nervous when I suggest this, however, I ease their worries by suggesting to always scotch guard the upholstery, works wonders!


AFTER

I like to bring in texture with pillow and throws to warm up a space. The great thing about this is my clients can change up the whole space by just switching out these accessories with brighter colors for the Spring and Summer.  It doesn’t cost much and it can dramatically transform a space.

Lighting is just as important to the design of the room.  I suggest a more substantial fixture rather than something small because it gives drama and of course amazing light which this room needed.  We positioned the fixture so you can view it in the mirror. We went with an orb shape because the room was square and it softens up the space. These small design tips really make a big difference.


A larger rug is the key to designing any room. The biggest mistake people make is going too small.  Positioning a rug underneath the furniture is vital to a well-designed space. Do you see the difference a larger area rug does to a room?

Because my client has small children, I didn't want to include any breakable accessories or go over the top with small items. I kept it minimal but beautiful without compromising function. My clients are very happy in their newly designed family room and I hope they can enjoy it for years to come.

Suggested materials:
  • Paint Color Manchester Tan   (Benjamin Moore)
  • Area Rug   (Wayfair)
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