How to Plan and Remodel Family Rooms

Evaluate your family's needs, and establish priorities for your family room project. If your family enjoys gathering to watch TV, plan for a home-theater system and a comfortable sectional sofa. Families with young children may want a dedicated play area and plenty of toy storage. Consider how your new space can meet your needs and sketch out ideas on graph paper.

Determine a budget for your family room project, based on how much you can afford. You may have funds available in savings, or you might need to take out a loan to finance the renovation. Ideally, you should secure financing well before you begin work.

Establish a focal point in the room to guide your material selections and layout. It could be a fireplace or a wet bar. Even a large-screen TV could be your focal point.

Select a paint color for the walls. Light neutral shades work well for family rooms, because they make the space feel large and give you plenty of flexibility in your decor. Choose a paint finish you can easily clean, such as eggshell.

Install durable flooring. Hardwood is a popular choice, because it is attractive and easy to clean. Carpet tiles are another good choice for a family room, because you can replace single tiles if they are damaged or stained instead of removing the entire floor.

Arrange your furniture so that you have a conversation area and plenty of floor space for your family's favorite activities. If you're buying furniture, choose durable fabrics that can take lots of wear and tear. Consider slipcovers for furniture that you already have. Add a few finishing touches to the space, such as framed family photos or art by your kids.