Decorating the Family Room
SA few weeks ago The Inspired Room was unexpectedly named one of the top five Best Home Blogs in a Lamps Plus contest. I was surprised and thrilled to learn I had placed in the top five, and the $500 gift card prize was an extra treat. I’m very grateful to everyone who voted and supported the blog.
With my prize I bought a compact side table bookshelf for the family room. I love furniture that combines style and function, and this piece delivers both. It offers useful shelving for books, magazines, accessories and cozy blankets, while its design details read well from every angle. The natural wood finish brings warmth and contrast, complementing other elements in the space.
As my home has evolved, I’ve become more intentional about what I choose and buy. Having the major elements — kitchen, paint and flooring — mostly finished in the main rooms makes it easier to see what each space needs. I’ll share the painted cabinets soon.
I no longer feel as scattered about decorating choices. While I still admire many styles, understanding the direction for my one home helps me make decisions that suit this house, even if the overall look remains eclectic.
With a clearer design foundation, it’s easier to identify what the room actually needs or what can be removed. I enjoy refining the palette and removing items that pull the room in random directions, while adding pieces that create cohesion, complexity and warmth. That clarity also makes me bolder and more confident in choices that suit the space, rather than trying to force elements that don’t fit.
It often takes time to feel comfortable in a chosen direction and to recognize what works for you. For me that has included layering natural textures — interesting woods, mixed metals and pretty textiles — and balancing them with touches of glass and shine. I’m inspired by how unique items can come together to form a pleasing composition.
Ultimately the goal is a home that feels comfortable and authentic for our family, not only pretty.
I found this seeded glass bottle lamp and a matching shade at Target. I love the translucent green glass and the way its texture and shine contrast with the wood pieces.
Adding layers of texture and interesting design elements has made the family room more inviting and inspiring for us. I already enjoy spending time there and have more ideas to refine the space, including paint and color palette updates that I’ll share soon.
Do you feel comfortable and confident decorating your home and defining your style, or are you still narrowing down a direction? Finding your decorating voice is a process.
Sources pictured in this room:
Paint – Walls: Glidden Polished Gray; Ceiling: Glidden Wood Smoke. Lamp & Lampshade: Target. Bookshelf: Lamps Plus. Owl: Michaels Craft. Plaid blanket: Pottery Barn. Rug: Overstock.com. Sofa & Slipcover: Pottery Barn (via Craigslist). Zig zag pillow: West Elm. Book page art: DIY. Frame: Michaels Craft.