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7 Steps to an Amazing Family-Room Makeover

June 4, 2015 by House of Funk 11 Comments

FR Window View After

1.  Start with inspiration

“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there” —Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Family Room Inspiration Board

2.  Work out the flow

We re-worked the side door entry to flow into the kitchen, instead of into the family room. We also claimed a bit of the space to create a mudroom and pantry closet. That gave us a wall for the TV and helped to square up the family room a bit more.

Before plan

after plan

We created one gracious seating area in this very long room with multiple focal points (fireplace and TV). We flipped the TV to the new bumped-out wall, instead of in front of the windows.  And, we ensured that every seat has a place to put your feet up or set down a drink.

3.  Shop for the perfect fit

We designed a custom size cut-and-bound carpet and over-sized ottoman to fit this long room. We also selected or designed all of the furniture, end tables, lighting, and window treatments to flow beautifully together.

Window Wall Progress
Before | During | After

4.  Paint the Woodwork

I know, I know. I can hear you grunting. Unless you have original, amazing woodwork from a home that is 50+ years old, don’t hesitate to paint. Even if you have that old original woodwork, it’s YOUR home. If you want it lighter and brighter, this may be an option to consider.

Before & After
Before | After

5.  Improve the Lighting

We flanked the room with four lamps to distribute soft light throughout. We switched out a dated (and too-low) ceiling fan for a killer flush mount, scaled to this large room (Global Views, for those of you who’ve asked).  Next, we plan to upgrade the recessed lighting to small, crisp, and efficient LEDs.

6.  Whitewash the Brick

We used the great texture of the brick fireplace, just whitewashed to lighten and soften a bit.

FR FP Before After
Before | After

7.  Art and Accessories

I always say that art and accessories are the final layer, and so important to fully completing a space. They make the design sing.

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Filed Under: Decorating, Design Inspiration, Interior Design, Interior Design in New Jersey, Window Treatments Tagged With: funk design studio, furniture, inspiration, inspiration image, interior design new jersey

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Comments

  1. melanie says

    January 6, 2016 at 12:20 am

    Looks fantastc. Thanks for sharing. Great info.

    Reply
  2. Shannon Richardson says

    January 6, 2016 at 2:33 am

    Beautiful room, that ottoman is lush!

    Reply
  3. A Life Worth Styling says

    January 6, 2016 at 3:16 am

    Great post, can’t wait to see the finishing touches!

    Reply
  4. rachelminteriors says

    January 6, 2016 at 4:26 am

    Fantastic! Can’t wait to see your beautiful selection of finishing touches.

    Reply
  5. Kimberly Montante says

    January 6, 2016 at 5:52 am

    Lovely transformation!

    Reply
    • funk design studio says

      January 8, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      Thank you, Kimberly!

      Reply
  6. karenpdunn3 says

    January 6, 2016 at 3:50 pm

    Great work as always, Sandra! Great ROI white-washing the brick and painting out the wood trim!

    Reply
  7. Terri Davis says

    January 6, 2016 at 3:55 pm

    It’s always amazing how a few tweaks in a floorplan make the space so much more useable and appealing.

    Reply
    • funk design studio says

      January 8, 2016 at 2:10 pm

      Thanks Terri – this was a big bang for the renovation buck. Better traffic flow and a mudroom. : )

      Reply
  8. MOD says

    January 8, 2016 at 3:21 am

    Great tips, I love the white wash brick.

    Reply
  9. ellecwolfe says

    January 8, 2016 at 4:57 am

    Nice room refresh! The painted trim really helps and a good plan will always get you where you want to go!

    Reply

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