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I’m excited to share the reveal of one of the most-used rooms in our home: the family room. This space functions as both a playroom for our girls and a relaxed living area for the whole family. It’s where we unwind at the end of the day—watching movies, catching up on shows, or enjoying a quieter moment together.
When planning the design, our priorities were durability, warmth, and comfort. We needed a room that could withstand daily family life while feeling inviting for everyone—kids and adults alike.
To give you a quick look at the “before” state: the room had great bones, but there were a few important issues that needed addressing before we could move forward with the cosmetic and furniture decisions.
- There was an upstairs addition above this room that wasn’t built correctly, causing the ceiling to sag. We added structural beams to correct the issue, and those beams became a favorite design detail in the finished room.
- The old stairwell did not meet code because it was too narrow. Reworking the stairwell improved safety and helped visually streamline the room.
Aside from these structural fixes, the other changes were largely cosmetic. We removed some wall detailing, including an arch feature we had hoped to preserve, but the structural repairs made that impractical. We also commissioned a skilled carpenter to build custom walnut cabinetry around the entertainment center, which coordinates beautifully with walnut shelves on a nearby wall.
After the structural work and wall updates were complete, the room truly came together once we selected furniture—primarily pieces from Room & Board chosen to meet our durability, comfort, and aesthetic goals while pairing well with the rest of our home.
Seating
Because this space functions as our main TV and movie room, seating was a top priority. We wanted a layout that accommodates family nights, guests, and everyday lounging.
- 5-Piece Linger Modular Sofa with Ottoman (158″ x 86″) in Hines Spruce: We chose a large modular sectional as the centerpiece. The sectional provides flexible seating for the whole family and the Hines Spruce fabric adds a calm, sophisticated color to the room.
- Ford Swivel Chairs in Orla Ivory: These chairs offer comfortable, flexible seating for guests. The swivel feature makes it easy to join conversations or turn toward the TV while maintaining a clean silhouette.
- Aero Ottoman in Cowhide Buff: These ottomans work as extra seating, footrests, or informal side tables. The cowhide texture brings a tactile element that enriches the room’s layered look.
Storage
Since this family room doubles as a playroom, smart storage solutions were essential. We wanted plenty of space to tuck away toys while keeping the room tidy when guests visit.
- Rollins Stacking Bookcase Cubes in Walnut (88″ x 13″ x 24″): These bookcase cubes match the walnut cabinetry and are ideal for baskets, toys, books, and decorative items. Their roomy shelves allow us to blend functional toy storage with curated décor.
- Foshay Console Bookcases in Natural Steel (72” x 15” x 29”): Located behind the sofa, the console bookcases provide extra storage for overflow toys and a convenient spot for snacks and drinks when the ottomans are in use.
To anchor the seating and tie together the room’s palette, we added a custom-sized Hastings rug in Stone (192” x 114”). The rug is plush and comfortable, perfect for playtime and family lounging while bringing cohesion to the overall design.
Other Details in the Room: If I missed anything, please feel free to ask in the comments below!
- The artwork above the walnut bookcase cubes is by our talented friend and artist Matthew Brinston.
- The kids’ table and chairs are longtime favorites from Room & Board—the Perch play table and Perch chairs—which have held up beautifully through years of use.
- A large chalkboard was custom-built by a local woodworker and provides a creative spot for drawing and learning.
- The Tree Bookshelf is a cherished piece we purchased from Etsy in the past; it looks beautiful on the wall but was quite challenging to install.
We’re very happy with how the space came together. The furniture choices are durable and timeless, designed to be mixed and matched as our needs evolve. Many of the pieces were sustainably produced, constructed through quality craftsmanship and thoughtfully sourced materials. A large portion of Room & Board’s products are manufactured by family-owned partners in the U.S., which aligns with our appreciation for skilled makers and long-lasting construction.
We look forward to making many memories in this family room and will continue to share how we use the space. If you have questions about any specific pieces or design choices, please ask in the comments below.
To learn more about Room & Board and browse their current offerings, search for Room & Board online or visit their official website directly.