Creating a warm, inviting home is important. Families juggling busy work commutes and school runs want a comfortable retreat to head back to at the end of a busy day, to let them unwind with their favourite TV shows or video games. From plush furniture to smart lighting, here are some practical ideas to help you design a snug family home.
Comfortable Furniture
The furniture in your home should make you want to sit down and stay a while. Every room should invite comfort – think long sofas you can all pile onto for a film night, and leather armchairs perfect for a quiet read before bed. In the bedrooms, opt for high-quality mattresses and soft bedding to help everyone get restful sleep.
Layering textures can also boost comfort. Throws and cushions add visual warmth while being practical choices for additions when snuggling up around the TV or fireplace on winter evenings. Invest in pieces that match your interior decor, whether it’s a minimalist apartment or a classically styled Edwardian terrace.
Layered Lighting
Instead of relying solely on stark overhead lighting that lights your rooms like a dentist’s and feels uninviting, aim for layered options. A few strategically placed dimmable lamps add flexibility throughout your home and help your body adjust in the hours before you go to sleep.
Use floor lamps and wall lights to highlight your home’s best features. You could place floor lamps in the corners of your living room to create an even glow, while a matching set of vintage bedside lamps in the bedroom can give a regal impression. Under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen is an ambient choice that will make chopping vegetables for the saucepan or brewing a late-night tea easy.
Creative Storage Solutions
Clutter is the last thing you want to see after a stressful day at the office. Storage is essential to creating a relaxing atmosphere at home, whether you’re working remotely in a compact flat or struggling to get the kids to tidy away their Lego in the living room.
Fitted wardrobes with customisable features and finishes are perfect for couples sharing a smaller or awkwardly shaped bedroom. You can opt for mirrored panelling to create the illusion of space, while hiding away seasonal clothes in ottomans.
Take advantage of any natural recesses in your home. Alcoves and the areas between chimney breasts can be great bookshelves and reading nooks that fast become a favourite retreat for the whole family. Add a hidden door to create a sense of mystery and symmetry within rooms that already have a couple of doors.