Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
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Family Room

Making a Family Room Cozy and Relaxing

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Making a Family Room Cozy, Relaxing … and Intentional

 

Today we’re spilling the tea on how we’re turning the Rumpus Room (aka Family Room) into a cozy, relaxing, kick-back-and-chill family room. Okay, so real talk, what is a ā€œRumpus Roomā€ anyway? Basically, it’s the ultimate chill-out zone where you can let loose, have a blast, and soak up some major fam vibes. It’s like a warm hug for your soul, where relaxation and family time collide in the best way possible! We’re talking about the crĆØme de la crĆØme of family rooms. Here’s how we plan to accomplish this beautiful yet intentional space. Take a look at our rendering to give you a sense of how we see this turning out!

We always turn to Pinterest to gain inspo when gathering our ideas for a project … this pic is a perfect representation of the color palette we are loving for this space. Do you use Pinterest to get inspired as well? Follow us here to see all that we’re pinning!

 

Amber Interiors

 

1. Create a Cozy, Relaxing Spot to Watch TV

We’re tackling this task head on by creating the coziest spot ever to catch all your favorite shows and movies! And here’s the deal: we’re keeping the living room TV-free, so this rumpus room is going to be the holy grail for lounging and relaxing. First things first, we’re all about creating that ā€œsink-in-and-never-leaveā€ kinda vibe.

What’s the plan? A built-in sectional!Ā Derrick is a DIY genius, and he’s going to work his magic here. He’s going to build a base for some custom cushions that will seamlessly integrate into that base, creating an epic sectional! We actually did the same thing with our banquette at Fall Creek, and let me just say, everyone is always fighting for those spots to sit at dinner. I’m envisioning a cozy soft fabric (the verdict is still out on which one), and the fluffiest and plumpest cushions, with lots of accent pillows for added plushness, of course.

Jean Stoffer Design

2. Build a Wet Bar

Our kitchen is on the smaller side, and we desperately need another spot to mix up cocktails, store barware and glasses, and keep our wine chilled to perfection. You know how it is when you’re trying to prepare a delicious meal but everyone insists on congregating in the kitchen? Yeah, not ideal for the chef either (aka Derrick). So, we’re solving this dilemma by creating a mini- oasis away from the kitchen chaos. Cue the wet bar!Ā 

To keep things efficient, we’re opting for a nifty dual-zone mini-fridge that’ll house all our beverages and wine. It’s going to be beverage heaven my friends! We’re thinking of an arch design after being inspired by this photo (above) of a room designed by Jean Stoffer Design. Derrick might be rolling his eyes at the idea, but I personally think it adds a touch of whimsy and makes the space even more fun! We’ll see if we can make it happen ?

Now let’s talk aesthetics. We’re going for a bold and vibrant vibe with a punch of color. We’ve got our eyes set on this stunning tile by Fireclay for the backsplash. It’s like a rich, deep, rusty red, an almost brick-like hue that beautifully compliments the red rocks Central Oregon is famous for. Talk about blending the indoors with natural outdoor elements! And, here’s a fun twist: we’re planning to layer some funky wallpaper like this one by Morris & Co x McGee & Co on the inside of the arch. It’s all about adding that unexpected pop and infusing the space with our own unique style.Ā 

 

Of course, we can’t forget about the details. We’ve stumbled upon these awesome brass shelf brackets on Etsy. They bring so much character and charm that we used them in our laundry room. Now they’re making their way to the wet bar! We’re planning on installing them with glass shelves to showcase our pretty glasses and barware. For all the fellow mixologists out there, get ready to see the wet bar of your dreams and let the good times flow!

3. Create Ambient Lighting

Let’s shed some light on the importance of ambient lighting for this rumpus room. Yes, this space is lacking overhead lighting. But fear not, we’ve got a plan to create that relaxing, inviting atmosphere — especially for those late-night reading and TV sessions. The absence of can lights will only make our evenings in this space even more intimate. And, the large wall-to-wall windows will provide more than enough light during the day time.Ā 

First up, we are installing sconces over the built-in sectional. These babies will provide that perfect, warm glow for those quiet evenings curled up with a good book. The cool part is, we are going for sconces that can swivel. That way, we can angle the light just right for optimal reading comfort. It’s all about finding that sweet spot.Ā 

We also have plans for this surface fixture over the wet bar. This fixture will provide some much needed illumination for the glass shelves and countertop, while adding a touch of style to the entire area.

So, what’s next?

The next steps: we’ll be taking our rumpus room to the next level of cozy and relaxing! We’re on the hunt for the perfect rug and coffee table, or even a large ottoman. Ideally, we’d find a rug that not only adds a touch of warmth and texture to the space, but also ties the whole room together with its stunning design. And, we’re torn between a classic coffee table and a large ottoman for that ultimate feet-up, chill-out experience. Let’s be real, ottomans are a dream come true when it comes to kicking back and relaxing. But, the tricky part is what to choose when you need a surface on which to set things down. Decisions, decisions! However, we’re determined to find the perfect solution that combines comfort and functionality.

Keep following along as we move through this fun project! We love to share our thought processes and inspiration with all of you.

 

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This is one of those things I feel very strongly about.
Scale is one of the fastest ways to elevate a room... and one of the easiest to get wrong. I see it all the time: a space has beautiful pieces, but something still feels off. More often than not, it’s because everything is too small.

Our coffee table is a good example. It’s intentionally larger because it helps the whole seating area read as one zone. It visually connects the sofa and chairs, gives everyone an actual surface within reach, and creates one strong focal point in the middle of the room.

If it were smaller, we’d need extra little tables to make the layout function, and all of those pieces would start competing with each other.

One larger piece often creates more calm than several smaller ones.

Save this for your next room refresh, and share it with someone who’s trying to figure out why their space feels off.
Finally using our kitchen... and it feels so good 🄹

We don’t take this for granted for a second! Having a fully working kitchen again truly feels like such a gift. It’s always been the heart of our home, and after so many months without it, being back in this space feels extra special.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you know Derrick and I are major foodies.

And over the years, he’s become such an incredible cook... his recipes just keep getting better and better (lucky me ā˜ŗļø).

There’s something about cooking at home, slowing down, and gathering around a meal that just feels like us again.

Would you guys want to see more of what we’re cooking, like we used to share?
5 stars. I wanted to make our guests feel comfortable and welcome and a hotel inspired bed seemed like the perfect idea.

All of this bedding is from @onequince , comment ā€˜BED’ and we’ll send you everything that’s linked on our LTK.

This look isn’t for the ā€œanti-pillowsā€ person - in fact it’s all about the layering for that plush, all-white and cozy hotel inspired look.

Here’s how to get this look in your home:
- Start with smooth, wrinkle-free sheets (a quick steam makes all the difference) I love the classic embroidered trim on these I used.
- Tuck your sheets tightly (especially the corners) for that tailored finish
- Layer in a plush duvet or comforter for that full, cloud-like feel (I like to stuff a duvet cover with an insert thats one size larger)
- And don’t skip the pillow layer technique (this is key!): I stacked four total for sleeping, two euro shams for structure, two decorative shams, and an oversized accent lumbar pillow (ours measures 18 x 42 in @LeeJofa fabric) to finish it off

Save for the next time you want a bed refresh!
Here’s how to bring everything you love together. Without the chaos!

Comment ā€˜LOVE’ and I’ll send you exactly how we define your base, choose your lead style, and mix in the rest so it actually works.

Most people think they have to choose one style... but that’s usually not the problem. The issue is trying to make everything feel equally important.

If you want your home to feel collected (not confusing), you need a clear lead... and then layer in the rest.
The difference between a home that looks good... and one that feels good?
It’s what your hands touch every day.

Plumbing fixtures.
Cabinet hardware.
Upholstery.

These aren’t always the most exciting decisions, but they’re the ones you interact with constantly. And trust me, you notice the difference. If you’re going to invest anywhere, start here.

Save this + pass it along to someone designing a space right now!