Between the Layers | Design Guide Series
SUBSCRIBE
Family Room

Making a Family Room Cozy and Relaxing

!

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 “Rumpus Room” 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 crème de la crème 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 “sink-in-and-never-leave” kinda vibe.

What’s the plan? A built-in sectional! 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! 

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. 

 

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. 

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. 

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.

 

Join the Conversation

get inspired
#clouzhouz
follow along
@clouz_houz
POV: You want a home you love... but you don’t have the budget to do it all at once.

And then you find our studio!

I’d rather see you create one room you absolutely love than stretch yourself across an entire house and feel like nothing is ever finished. One finished room gives you momentum. It reminds you why you started. And it gives you a clear vision for everything that comes next.

One of the things we help clients with is deciding where to begin. Together, we create a roadmap that allows your home to evolve thoughtfully over time-without feeling pieced together.

You don’t have to do it all this year. You just have to know what comes first.

If you’re wondering where to start, we’d love to help. Feel free to message me and we can set up a 15 min discovery call!
New project in Bend, Oregon.🤍

We just signed on with the sweetest family, and one of the first things they said was, “We don’t really love our house.” A home can be objectively beautiful and still not feel good to live in.

In this house, the kitchen, dining room and living room are all one big great room. It sounds ideal until you realize the dining table is taking up the exact real estate the living room desperately needs.

Instead of making the kitchen bigger, we’re making it smarter. One move solved several problems at once: more storage, a better dining area, and enough square footage to give the living room the footprint it deserved.

Now we’re moving into one of my favorite phases... layering in materials. This is why I love the conceptual phase. Before a single cabinet is ordered, we’re already changing the way this family will live in their home.

If you’ve been looking around your own home thinking, “I know this could work better, I just don’t know how,” we’d love to help. Whether you’re planning a renovation, reworking your layout, or just need an expert eye before making expensive decisions, that’s exactly what we have to offer!

Check out our services through the link in our bio or send this post to a friend who’s struggling with this exact thing.
While renovations are an investment, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned after years of designing homes is this:
It’s not about how much you spend. It’s about where you spend it.

The homes that feel the most elevated aren’t necessarily the ones with the biggest budgets. They’re the ones where every decision was made with intention.

That’s the philosophy behind everything we do. We help our clients understand where it’s worth investing, where they can save without sacrificing the overall look, and how to create a home that feels layered, timeless, and beautifully functional. Because a thoughtfully planned home will always feel more luxurious than one filled with expensive choices that don’t work together.

Good design isn’t about spending more.
It’s about making every dollar work harder for you-and creating a home you’ll love living in every single day.

If you’re planning a renovation or a furnishing project, we’d love to help. Learn more through the link in our bio.
People often ask why renovations have always been my favorite. The easy answer is that I love watching a transformation. But if I’m honest, I think it’s something much deeper than that.

Years ago, our family walked through a season that forced us to start over. It wasn’t something I would have chosen, but looking back, it changed the way I see everything. Homes. People. Even myself. I stopped looking at what something was and started paying attention to what it could become. Maybe that’s why fixer-uppers have always felt so familiar to me. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re starting over. I know what it’s like to wonder if something beautiful can come from a season that feels uncertain. That’s why I love renovations. They’re hopeful. Every wall that comes down makes room for something new. Every decision is an act of believing that what’s ahead can be better than what was there before.

The funny thing is... I don’t think this is really about houses. I think all of us have something in our lives that feels unfinished, overlooked, or in need of another chance. I’ve learned that the middle of the story rarely looks like the ending. And sometimes the most beautiful things aren’t built from scratch. They’re simply revealed.
For anyone who’s ever had to start over... I’m rooting for you!
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the little things.
After moving across the country, leaving behind everything we’d known, and living in the middle of a major renovation, I’ve realized that joy isn’t waiting for me on the other side of a finished house.

It’s in the fresh flowers on the counter.
The windows open on a summer morning.
A glass of rosé at the end of the day.
Clipping greenery from the yard.
Lighting a candle just because.

These small rituals have become the way I slow down, stay present, and make this house feel like home-even while it’s still a work in progress.

ICYMI, I wrote all about this in my post “A Home That Feels Like Summer.” It’s a collection of the simple rituals, thoughtful edits, and favorite finds that are helping me embrace this season instead of waiting for the next one.

You can read the full story through the link in our bio.🤍