Living in style with kids and dogs Part 2

Case Goods: Can’t say storage, storage, storage too many times. Put the toys away there is no need to look like you walked into a day care. Find pieces that are distressed, stay away from the antiques. Like upholstery it will get abuse and the distressing really hides a lot.

Coffee table options: Ottomans are wonderful for family rooms to use as coffee tables they are great storage pieces with flip up covers and it is nice when the kids are little ad pulling up on everything stage-no sharp corners. They are also great for additional seating. Add a tray to put a items on it is easy to get stuff out of the way when you need access.

This storage ottoman is so cute from Pottery Barn. Do a grouping of 2-4 ottomans.

I also like the look of large old wicker trunks as coffee tables they offer great storage options just be sure they are not painted with lead paint.

Dressers are another way to incorporate storage into your family room it gives a great space for accessories and a lamp. Used Dressers are easy to find add a coat of paint and cool hardware and you have a great piece not costing a lot.

TV cabinets or TV consoles work wonderfully to keep things out of reach for exploring hands plus it is nice to close all the cords and mess away behind doors.

Paint is a low cost home improvement just getting color on the walls is sometimes all you need to help revive a room. Maybe do a accent wall with a different color paint. The best paint to use is a eggshell or satin it is easy to wipe off.

Wallpaper: I love to give your room a graphic punch that it needs, you only need to do one wall.

–Next week will be the final part in this series, and the topic is “Window Treatments”.

Charity Swanson Buchika, ASID
Elan Interiors
Elan Interiors Website
Contact me via E-mail or phone 315.474.1335