Huge Oversized Family Room Decorating Ideas

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23 Contemporary Family Rooms That Are Both Grown-Up and Kid-Friendly

It's a balancing act.

PHOTO: Brittany Ambridge; DESIGN: Alexander Design

Less formal and more comfortable than a living room, and ,more importantly, optimized for family fun and social gatherings—there's a reason the family room is the most popular spot in the house. To see how designers create spaces that feel both mature and kid-friendly, we rounded up twenty-three contemporary family rooms that fit the bill. From colorful to monochrome, spacious to small, and everything in between, each one of these contemporary family rooms inspires stylish, multigenerational bonding. So keep reading to get your family room in tiptop condition both functionally and formally with these contemporary design examples, shopping tips, and styling ideas.

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Use Kid-Friendly Colors

To ensure that the family room was a space everyone could use and relax in, design firm 2LG Studio decorated with grownup accents, kid-friendly colors, and durable staples. The result? A space that is both cozy and timeless, yet fun and contemporary. If you aren't ready to paint a statement wall yet, start by experimenting with a fun throw pillow for a pop of color.

H&M Home Velvet Throw Pillow ($10) BUY NOW

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Opt for a Large Sectional

A super soft and comfy sectional with plenty of space to spread out on movie night is a must in the family room. Even if a large sectional takes up most of the room, it'll be space well spent. In this one designed by Studio DB, we're digging the whimsical pendant light, colorful throw pillows, and wall art for an extra punch of fun that doesn't clutter the useable space.

Mathieu Challières La Voliere Table Lamp ($385) BUY NOW

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Experiment With Alternative Seating

Speaking of seating, nothing amps up the fun factor in a family room like playful swing chair. This mod hanging chair in a living room designed by Hecker Guthrie proves our point. The sheepskin throw, metallic touches, and multi-hued curtains make this stylish little reading nook the perfect blend of cozy and cool.

Eero Aarnio Hanging Bubble Chair ($600) BUY NOW

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Focus Attention on Instruments

Keep a piano in the family room for lessons and impromptu performances—it makes the perfect focal point for the room. In this space designed by Arent & Pyke, the antique piano dictates the color scheme, from the orange painted door to the jute rug. This is also a good lesson in designing contemporary space with antiques pieces or family heirlooms. The casual material of the rug keeps things casual while the modern lamp and traditional vase ensure a refined finish.

Pottery Barn Chenille Jute Rug ($119) BUY NOW

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Think Outside the Box

In an open floor plan space, make the sitting area feel like its own separate hangout zone by turning it into a sunken family room, aka a conversation pit. Designed by Elizabeth Roberts, this space feels like a private haven fit for big viewing parties thanks to the full carpeting and depressed flooring. The custom upholstering also speaks the warm tones of the nearby kitchen (like that gorgeous bench), as do the exposed beams, ensuring that it doesn't feel totally unconnected.

De la Espada Settle Bench ($3665) BUY NOW

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Create a Sense of Place

In this beach house, designer Vanessa Alexander made the family room feel upscale and sophisticated yet down to earth, livable, and coastal. That's thanks to the elegant low profile of the sofa, updated finishes, and eye-catching wall art, which are then softened by the plush carpet and aquatic-inspired throw pillows. And of course, that pool table in the back instantly gets party started.

Lola Rose Thompson Painting ($275) BUY NOW

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Make It Pet-Friendly

And now, for a contemporary family room idea that's also going to make your pets purr... This San Francisco family room designed by Regan Baker is complete with custom floating shelves built into the walls for the cats to play on all night long. Aside from being pet heaven, it's also a great option for extra storage.

Cat Craft 3-Tier Floor-to-Ceiling Cat Tree ($44) BUY NOW

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Set Up a Snack Nook

Every family has a rule-breaker that chomps on chips on the nice sofa no matter how many times you ask them not to. In that scenario, it's all about damage control. Consider making a spacious family room multi-purpose by adding a table with a banquet for snacking and casual dining. This will keep the crumbs from accumulating on the sofa, too. A built-in bench like this stylish one designed by Arent & Pyke will help save space.

Crate & Barrel Nero Black Marble Accent Table ($269) BUY NOW

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Optimize It for Parties

This isn't a regular family room, it's a cool family room. Designed by Emily Henderson, it's fully party-proof and multigenerational. With a home bar and ping pong table set up just beyond the lounge area, it feels put together and stylish while still being conducive to both kid-friendly and adult-friendly fun.

Barrington Fremont Table Tennis Table ($750) BUY NOW

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Hang Large Scale Artwork

In a modestly sized family room, maximize square footage by sticking the basics. A small but ultra-cozy sofa, an oversized armchair, and a coffee table are you need. Then make it feel elevated and personalized by hanging a large-scale statement piece of art over the sofa, as done in this family room designed by Leanne Ford Interiors. It's a great way to take advantage of wall space when your the room is tiny but the ceilings are high.

Erin Armstrong "A" Wall Art ($388) BUY NOW

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Add Floating Shelves

Ample storage space is always a blessing, and this is especially true in the family room, where things tend to accumulate quickly. In this space designed by Hecker Guthrie, the white floating shelves maintain that modern, cool aesthetic while also making a home for the family's collection of books and plants.

IKEA White Wall Shelf ($30) BUY NOW

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Have Fun With Accents

A little bit modern, a little bit bohemian. What's not to love? Designed by Jessica Bunge of Emily Henderson Design, this space is a lesson in pairing unexpected colors, materials, and styles. Mixing more cutting-edge items with vintage finds and traditional classics will make it feel like a home that can grow with you over the years. Whatever you do, make sure it speaks to your personal style.

West Elm Nesting Marble Side Tables ($300) BUY NOW

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Find Smart Storage Solutions

Look at all that clever extra storage under the window seat in this family room designed by Arent & Pyke! Low to the ground and easy on the eye, these additional drawers will keep unsightly essentials out of plain sight and blend right into the existing environment. Plus, the cushion above the storage nooks means you can squeeze in more people—this way, you can really mean it when you say the more the merrier.

Article Daisy Rattan Hoop Chair ($199) BUY NOW

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Use Vertical Space

When square footage is lacking, the only option is to get creative and make things multi-purpose. For example, this tiny media room transforms the blank wall into a space for extra seating and storage. With the right right layout and pieces, anything can work, no matter what shape or size the room. We're digging the black and white striped upholstering for a modern and timeless aesthetic.

CB2 Catch-all Sand Storage Bench ($499) BUY NOW

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Incorporate Whimsical Motifs

Opt for timeless, versatile staples and then splice in some kid-friendly accent pieces for a playful touch. Bonus points for animal motifs. In this space designed by Hecker Guthrie, the designers did so in the form of a bubblegum pink version of Charles and Ray Eames's iconic elephant. If you decide it's starting to feel too young as the years go on, you can easily swap it out with another stool—though we think it's fitting for any age!

EO Bambi Stool ($196) BUY NOW

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Play Up Existing Features

This fireplace in a GRT Architects-designed space is made for family gatherings. If you have an amazing fireplace like this one, make it even more inviting: lean some instruments against the wall and ensure there's plenty of seating space. The colorful accent chair and zebra-print throw pillow is an unexpected and welcome splash of energy. For a similar look and feel, paint your walls and ceilings bright white so all the fun décor can really pop and energize the entire family room.

Liora Manne Zebra Lumbar Pillow ($35) BUY NOW

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Mix Different Patterns

This family room designed by Studio DB makes a strong case for mixing patterns. It's also the perfect room for displaying family photos. Make them look elevated by arranging them in a photo gallery mixed in with other artwork. Then add a modern light fixture for a more refined finish.

Anthropologie Radiant Diamond Wallpaper ($128) BUY NOW

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Be Playful

Extra seating is a always a good idea in the family room, especially when it comes in the form of a playful indoor swing. Designed by Emily Henderson, this family room features classic prints and versatile anchor furniture, abstract art, and playful, kid-friendly accents for the perfectly balances space.

Joss & Main Windsor Charcoal Area Rug ($44) BUY NOW

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Stay True to Your Style

How cool is this media room designed by Studio Razavi Architecture? The custom metal addition on the walls along with the shapely sofa, coffee table, and pendant contrast so well with the Neoclassical architecture. Though it's a sophisticated monochrome aesthetic, the interesting shapes throughout add a fun and youthful kick.

Project 62 Black Globe Light ($32) BUY NOW

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Display Your Children's Artwork

Frame your children's best artwork and display them with pride. This will help you keep their masterpieces forever and it can look refined when professionally done with clean, modern frames and then arranged in a classic floor-to-ceiling grid. Take note from this charming contemporary family room designed by Lilly Bunn.

Crate & Barrel Set of 7 White Frames ($125) BUY NOW

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Let the Light In

Built-in reading nooks are the definition of cozy. If your living room doubles as the family room, carve out different seating areas to fit various occasions—and don't forget the nook. In this living room by Catherine Kwong, a stylish modern light fixture makes the room look elevated and modern without taking up any useable space. Plus, a tray over an ottoman (bonus points if it conceals extra storage), will provide a backdrop for more decor and prevent spills.

HAY Gold Serving Tray ($40) BUY NOW

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Float Your Furniture

Incorporate sweet pastels and cheerful hues to create a nice, calming environment with plenty of style. Resist the urge to push all of your furniture up against the walls. If you create space behind the furniture, it makes the room look wider than it is. In this living room designed by 2LG Studio, the floating sofa separates the lounge area from the kitchen and dining space. Also, say yes to color.

Urban Outfitters Pink Marcella Velvet Sofa ($799) BUY NOW

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Layer Plush Throws

Color averse, but make it cozy. This family room feels extra inviting thanks to the layers on layers of rugs and throws. If you're color-shy, take note from this space designed by Studio Lifestyle and bring in personality and intrigue with different texture-rich materials.

West Elm Solid Basketweave Throw ($25) BUY NOW

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior editor, and when she's not busy obsessing over all things decor-related, you can find her scouring vintage stores, reading, or stumbling about because she probably lost her glasses again.

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