Family room becoming centre of activities

With space at a premium, more and more families Ware turning to family rooms -multi-purpose rooms where the whole family can relax, listen to the stereo, watch TV, work at hobbies and play games.

Family rooms range in size from grand to moderate to modest, depending on your lifestyle and budget. If you don't already have a family room, you can add one to the main structure, renovate a base client or attic, or transform a rarely used garage or sun porch to gain more room.

Besides being a great use of space, a family room is a good excuse to bring the family together.

Transforming an existing space into a family room can be relatively painless, as long as you're organized and plan ahead. Here are a few suggestions:

First, do everything on paper. Using graph paper, measure and draw the room in question to scale (one square equals one foot). Note all windows, doors, columns. etc. Anything you plan to do to this room should be on this drawing. Not only do these drawings facilitate the design process, they also allow you to take your room with you when you go shopping.

Need an estimate on flooring? The salesclerk can take the required information from your drawing and give you a quote.

If the room's location allows, consider adding a window seat for comfortable reading and cosy daydreams. Make the most of this seat by building it with a hinged top. The space is perfect for storing blankets and pillows for chilly winter nights by the TV.

If you have small children, substitute the flip top for two large drawers. They're perfect for storing games.

Choose an interesting finish for the walls. Accent bulkheads with complementary wall borders. Experiment with faux finishing or stencilling. Anything goes, and remember, if you don't like it, one coat of paint will make it disappear.

Include, flexible seating in the furniture plan that can accommodate one or two family members or a whole crowd. Large decorative floor pillows are great fun for the kids and leave more lounging room for the adults.

Easy maintenance is a must in a room used by many people. Choose upholstery and drapery fabrics that are stain repellent and rugged. You want them to look good, even when the room isn't perfectly tidy, not to mention three years down the road. Coffee and other occasional tables should be sturdy enough to withstand feet, spilled drinks, greasy snacks and energetic children. Stay away from anything delicate.

Lighting is important in every room, especially the family room. Here, lighting must accommodate various activities. A good lighting plan uses general, ambient and task lighting. Be sure to include at least one area illuminated by task lighting for reading and hobbies.General lighting can be achieved by installing track lighting or recessed pot lights on dimmer switches.

Want to keep your audio and video equipment out of sight? Convert an armoire into an entertainment centre. When not in use, it's out of sight, out of mind. If space allows, consider dedicating a corner of the room to a home office or hobby area.

Install some shelving, filing drawers and a few bins for hobby supplies. I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. Again, with space at a premium, multi-purpose rooms are here to stay.

Why not do them right and get the most from every square foot?

Plan ahead, tailor the design to suit you're family's needs and enjoy.