Question: Is it possible to design a contemporary family room that is inviting? If so, how is it done?

Answer:

It is absolutely possible to design an inviting contemporary family room! Given that the family room should be warm and inviting, it can be more of a challenge to design a family room in a contemporary style, but with a few tips, you will be well on your way. Here are a few things to take into consideration when decorating in this design style.

Use comfortable textiles and upholstery fabric, ones that are touch-friendly materials, like cotton, linen or a blend of the two (which can obtain the best of both fabrics). If choosing leather make sure to use it sparingly in the room rather than in every piece (This would create an overwhelming effect).  Nail-head finishing can make a piece of upholstery feel more livable and add another point of interest.

Use plenty of accent pillow and cozy throws that the family can use to curl up with a book or a warm drink. This small detail can make a big difference in the perception of comfort in the space.

Choose a warm and inviting material for your floor.  Wood floors look amazing, but the upkeep can be daunting and installation can require long wait times while the wood sits in your home.  Instead, opt for a more family-friendly wood-look tile for the room.  You still maintain the cozy feel, but the floor can stand up to the rigors of a family such as spills and pets.

Choose an area rug that is comfortable to the touch. This creates a division of space, allowing a large room to feel more intimate.  Providing floor cushions or large pillows encourages a cozy atmosphere as well.

A fireplace in this space will add an incredible amount of charm and warmth. If you do not have this option make sure the light can be dimmed. Recessed lighting is a great choice for this area. Having the lights on a dimmer is even more enticing.

Provide plenty of accessories such as books and framed photographs to add more charm to your contemporary space. Adding potted plants will bring freshness to the space and create an even more inviting room.

When choosing color schemes, sometimes we forget to consider dark, dramatic looks. While you may not want your entire home in a dark scheme, sometimes having one room decorated in dark values can offer an interesting break from all the light. Famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright explored the philosophy of compression and release in many of his designs. This theory deals with how we psychologically handle the feeling of enclosure. When you enter a building or stand under a low ceiling you may feel a slight sensation of being trapped. Then, when you move into an open space you will feel a tremendous weight has been lifted. Using a balance of dark and light spaces to offer a variety of experiences in your home can produce a similar dynamic effect as you move throughout the home.

When you think about what room you’d decorate with dark colors, many people will easily consider an office, library, lounge or theater room. We’d like to offer some more prominent room ideas here to consider before jumping right to light color schemes:

Dark Entry: If you have a defined entryway in your home, using a dark color is the best way to achieve what Wright accomplished in his architecture. When you enter a home from the outside, immediately feel that sense of compression, then walk into a living space that’s more light and open, the effect is accomplished.

 

 

Dark Bathroom: A darkly painted, wallpapered, or tiled bathroom will give it an immediate luxury factor! Use an interesting mirror and choose lighting fixtures that play up the luxurious feel.

 

 

Dark Bedroom: A dark bedroom can feel sophisticated in a warm, enclosing way and offer a greater sense of calm and retreat. Darkly painted walls with carefully considered lighting can set the tone for both romance and good rest!

 

 

Dark color schemes aren’t for everyone, but they are worth considering. We think they’re fantastic. We love the way light plays off dark colors—both natural and artificial lighting create different moods and aesthetic effects. We also enjoy how pops of color and whites look even more vibrant when surrounded by darker colors. Test Wright’s theory for yourself and start picking out some dark color schemes!

Let us know what you think in the comments, do you already have a mixture of dark and light spaces in your home?

 

 

Furnishings with stylish sleek lines and a minimalist look are the hallmark of modern living rooms. With such a canvas to work with, warmth and visual interest can be created by using these decorating ideas:

Color—All white or black and white are very popular colors for modern living rooms. However, a pop or splash of a favorite hue can add life to a modern space. A single iconic Egg Chair in yummy mint green, orange or chocolate can be the perfect focal point. Texture—Smooth wood-look tile floors (because they don’t have the maintenance needs of wood floors), shaggy rugs, velvet upholstery or riotous display of decorative pillows in contrasting textures (and colors) are great additions to a modern décor. Pattern—Iconic modern geometric patterns in fabrics, rugs and lighting bring warmth to modern living rooms. Emphasis—Multiple objects of interest or a single focal point draws the eye around a modern space and presents a visual resting place. A fireplace, a massive mirror, an impressive work of art—any of these can become that important piece that brings a room together. Rhythm—The repetition of color, texture or pattern throughout modern rooms creates appealing rhythm and movement. Alternating smooth and textured surfaces breaks up the space into small, rhythmic pieces. The same wood-look tile from the floor can be extended to the wall as well, creating yet more visual interest and rhythm. Form—Nothing says modern like the appealing and instantly recognizable forms of Mid-Century chairs. As seen near the window in this room, the Egg chairs are perhaps the most iconic of all, whether they are vintage or the new chairs still being manufactured today. If you’re smitten by the coffee table, that’s another perfect choice for your modern living room. No matter which design you choose, one of these chairs can take a living room from pretty to thoroughly modern.

 

 

* In the photo – Florida Magnolia tile in Mahogany

Some rooms seem to have drama built in, although it’s often difficult to determine how. Let’s take a look at this restaurant. The designer has managed to create a comfortable and inviting space without sacrificing drama and interest.

It all starts with the flooring. The dark-toned mahogany wood look tile in a wide plank is sturdy enough to handle traffic and frequent cleaning. However, the diagonal installation moves it from traditional to a more daring approach. The flow of this floor also encourages guests to pause and move to one of the seating areas.

In contrast with this diagonal, the rest of the room marches down the length of the space. The straight bar, foot rests, stools and tables set the tone. Their style and rough white look establishes the room as part of its construction by reflecting the style of this well lit space. Stone walls and counter surface connect with the natural feeling of the space while establishing a contemporary tone.

The simple modern rattan furniture and other elements work exceptionally well in tandem with the rich color and grain in the floor. The pattern variety combined with the understated neutrals of the remaining surfaces allows the look of the wood to stand out while not looking out of place. The simplicity of the rest of the décor lends a feeling of rich texture to every surface.

Contrasting choices and a simple light diagonal flooring work together to make this space dramatic without being overbearing. Can you take advantage of a diagonal approach to your flooring or use variety in color and style as demonstrated in this room to create more drama and interest in your own home?

 

 

This beautiful picture of eggs illustrates that even amongst white there are many shades. Shades of white can range from nearly pure white to whites subtly tinted with color. In a paint chip book you can see the range of white that on their own look purely white but when placed side by side show their undertones of different shades.  When choosing white for walls, floors or furniture, there is a white for everyone and every room.

Creamy whites can be easier to live with than pure whites. Whites that have undertones of cream or yellow lend a warmer tone to a room. Off whites that have a slight tan or brown undertone can also warm up a space and are good choices for slipcovers and furnishings. Pure whites are better in hard surfaces like trim and cabinetry that can be easily cleaned. A pure white rug or carpet will show dirt more than a rug that is more off white or slightly tinted with grey undertones. White slipcovers can be washed and even bleached, check with your slipcover’s labeling before bleaching.

Many people are afraid of using white in their décor. If this is you, take a look at those white paint chips or even farm fresh eggs. You’ll see that white can be more blue, or pink, or even green. Finding the right undertone to the white will make it work for your interior.  Whites can also be layered to create a subtle palette that has just a hint of color.

Our tile comes in many shades of white, but you won’t be alone in choosing what is best for you.  Feel free to ask our Showroom Consultants for the expert help.  We are here to guide you to the perfect floor for you!