Changing social norms and a rise in the general standard of living may not usually be connected, but with regard to planning one’s home and especially in planning the general living spaces, they certainly are. Recently, social developments have increased the need for a family room in addition to the traditional living room.
A family room of one’s own
Along with the kitchen, the living room is the main common space in most family homes, but the exact nature of how to use it is very flexible. It is in this context that the family room comes into the picture. With the rise in the standard of living and the changing social norms, there is a growing need for an additional living space – the family room.
Generally speaking, in homes with both a living room and a family room, a living room is the more formal space, a representative area that is used to receive and entertain guests. On the other hand, family rooms are more informal and are used for everyday living. No matter the size of one’s home, every nook and cranny in it plays its own unique role and the well-planned home should be comfortable but also representative.
In the recent past, most families had a living room that also served as a family room. Today, the number of people who opt for larger homes with room for both a living room and a family room is increasing rapidly. With the increase in economic activity and the rise in the standard of living, the number of those who can afford a larger home is growing. Consequently, the demand for homes that can comfortably accommodate both a living room and a family room is increasing. In addition, changing social norms are also giving rise to the need for a family room.
Form and function
There are two main reasons for the rise in demand for the living room family room duo. The first is economic, with the rise in economic activity and the rise in the standard of living especially of the middle classes the number of those who can afford a larger home is increasing. In addition changing social norms are also increasing the need for a family room especially the change in the social attitudes of children.
In the past large affluent families had their own designated where children could pass the time, play with their toys and congregate with their siblings.
The times of very rich families with very large families is long past, especially the part about large families.
Families may be much smaller but children nowadays are different, much different than they were in say the first half of the twentieth century. They are more independently spirited and there entertainment needs have increased.
In the not so distant past children of more or less the same age used the more or less the same toys and pastimes. In these times children are much more individualists with different wants and needs and in these circumstances, a large family room is an important part of modern homes. It may be mainly used by the younger set but a well-furnished, comfortable room will also be much used by the parents,
In Israel, this is evident in the new residential developments that contain large apartments with space for a family room. These residences have a living room for entertaining guests, while the day-to-day activities take place in the family room.
Features and furnishings
The increased demand for family rooms has correspondingly increased the demand for decorating such rooms, The various functions of the family room will determine the furniture and fabrics that are used.
Limor Damari is the head designer of Kuala, a leading Israeli firm that specializes in high-quality furniture. She says, “Demand for family rooms is increasing, since a family room is not a living room, the whole concept of furniture, color, and lighting is different and adapted to a more casual, more comfortable living space.”
According to Damari, a family room should be harmonious in both its design and furnishings, emanating an atmosphere of serenity and comfort, where the whole family can feel at ease. As it is a room for the entire family, it should have specific spaces devoted to each family member, especially the children.
In regard to the furnishings, Damari says that the sofas must be comfortable and inviting. Since the family room will be much in use, she encourages using sturdy furniture, with fabrics that are easy to wash or at least of dark colors. There should also be small modular tables that are easy to move from one place to another rather than a large table that is fixed in one place. As for the children’s toys and games, the room should have easily accessible storage space to keep them, such as shelves or a cupboard.
Damari adds that the type of lighting used is another important element. The lamps and overhead fixtures should be as color-oriented as possible, which gives the room a warmer atmosphere. White light, she explains, is cold and austere.
“In my opinion, a family room that is functional, comfortable, one in which the family likes to congregate, is the ideal family room,” she says.