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[H1007]How To Decorate Family Room

by Greg Williams, Gre

Consider Your Family's Needs

The ages and interests of your family members will need to be taken into consideration when you plan your outdoor space. A family with young children will have different priorities than a household made up of two retirees or a single twenty-something. The best way to proceed is to make a list of who will be using the space and in what way.

For example, is the space a place to sit and read? Will young children be playing there? Do the owners enjoy gardening or hosting friends? If so, how much time do they have to spend on these activities?

If you still need some ideas, check out some decorating magazines or visit a retailer to see what is available. Leave room in your outdoor decorating plan for flexibility. Decide what elements are "must haves" and which ones can be relegated to the "would be nice to have" list.

Set a Budget

Now that you have come up with a wish list of what you want your outdoor living space to do, you need to decide how much you can afford to spend. Your plan can be implemented in a number of installments, so don't think you have to do everything in one season if that is not feasible. Consider buying items for your yard at the end of the season, when you can get them at a better price.

Include Seating Areas

Whether the family includes young children or not, you will want to include one (or more) seating areas. Patio furniture comes in a variety of styles and colors, from simple tables and chairs to a chaise lounge with colorful cushions. Whatever style of chair or bench you choose, position them near points of interest in space.

If you have a beautiful flower bed, you will want to position your seating so that you can see and appreciate it. The same is true if the back yard includes a pool, fountain, or a fire pit for visitors to gather around.

Consider Cooking Outdoors

Being able to eat outside is an important consideration when planning an outdoor family room. Many people enjoy cooking over a BBQ and you will want to position this item close to the house to make it more convenient when carrying food back and forth. Likewise, you will want to place a table and chairs nearby.

When considering where to put your BBQ and patio table, you will want to take into account which parts of your yard get direct sunlight at the times of day you are most likely to be entertaining. Adding a patio umbrella will make eating outside more enjoyable on sunny days, while a chimenea will chase away the chill of a late night gathering.

Planning is key to getting the outdoor family room that will fit your needs. So take the time to think about what the space is being used for before you start shopping.

Freshen Up
A new coat of paint will make the family room look spacious, bright and new again. Choose a cool pastel like light blue, green or yellow or go with a neutral shade that will let your furniture and accessories steal the show. If you're not up for repainting the entire room, try painting one wall in a slightly deeper accent color. Or, just try washing the walls to remove grime and fingerprints and make the whole room look brighter. Typically the areas around doorways become soiled. Touch up wood trim for a clean fresh look that you can achieve in record time.

Make furniture and rugs look new again with a thorough vacuuming and steam cleaning. If furniture is looking worn, slip covers are a budget-friendly option, especially when accented with colorful throw pillows.

Budget Friendly Window Treatments
A casual look is right at home in a family room and you can pass on fussy or expensive window treatments without sacrificing style. If you don't need treatments to block sunlight or add privacy, windows can go bare or be minimally dressed. Window valances are inexpensive and can be mounted directly inside the window frame on tension rods that can be picked up at a discount store for a dollar or two apiece. If you need privacy or light control, install roll up shades underneath the valances and draw them down when needed. Discount, closeout stores and home improvement stores have a good selection of blinds, shades, swags, valances and curtain panels at terrific prices.

Accessorize on a Budget
Accessories make the room but you don't have to buy everything at a premium price.

• Don't overlook the power of garage sales, flea markets, antique stores, resale shops and discount stores when shopping for accessories. Old plates that can be hung on a wall, wall and mantle clocks, framed mirrors and art, baskets, wall shelves, collectibles, end tables, bookshelves, lamps and area rugs are just a few things that you can pick up for just a few dollars.

• When shopping retail, wait for sales and specials. Sign up for email alerts that let you know when the sales are coming and print out special coupons.

• Add style in affordable doses: Lamp shades are cheaper than new lamps, and throw cushions and floor cushions inject new style at a fraction of the cost of new furniture. Candles are a very inexpensive accessory and nothing says welcome like a vase of fresh flowers. Cut some for free from your garden or pick up an inexpensive bouquet at a supermarket or farmer's market for an affordable pick-me-up.

• Bring new life to an old ceiling fan. Remove and wash the blades, lightly sand them, and wash and dry them again. Roll on acrylic latex paint in a neutral shade. Let it dry thoroughly then add a slightly deeper or lighter color with a sea sponge. You'll get an upscale stone finish at a fraction of the price.

Article Source : Pg. 168

About Author

Both Greg Williams & Danita Lickfelt are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Greg Williams has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management, Home Management and Fitness. Find amazing at this cool online. Greg Williams's top article generates over 18100 views. to your Favourites.

Danita Lickfelt has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Management. Danita Lickfelt is a prominent online author and the senior staff writer for Metal-Wall-Art.com - a distinctive wall art store specializing in and. Danita Lickfelt's top article generates over 1300 views. to your Favourites.