Design Recipes: Family-Friendly Spaces

Often because basements and lower levels are large, in order to maximize space and function consider creating a designed space divided into zones. (Handout/TNS)

By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service

Basements as well as lower levels of a home are popular locations to create a family friendly space.

These spaces are typically large, spacious, and open but can prove challenging for homeowners when it comes to function, feel and design.

Family Friendly Design Tip

Often because basements and lower levels are large, in order to maximize space and function consider creating a designed space divided into zones.

Common Family Friendly Zones include:

• Entertainment Zone
• Lounge Zone
• Work Zone
• An entertainment zone can serve as a space for playing games and movie watching.
• A lounge zone can be a space for entertaining and for activities such as reading and lounging.
• A work zone can be more of an adult space for work related activities or where homework can take place.

Basements as well as lower levels of a home are popular locations to create a family friendly space. (Handout/TNS)

Family Friendly Materials

The ideal family friendly materials are easy to wipe, wash or clean.

Materials to consider include:

• Leather
• Leather alternatives such as Naugahyde
• Hospitality grade fabrics

Family friendly colors:

• Orange
• Red
• Yellow
• Green

As lower levels and basements typically don’t receive an abundance of light choose bright, friendly colors that can help to make a space feel lighter. Also incorporate lots of lighting such as overhead lighting, table lamps and floor lamps.

Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design home staging expert and short-term rental/vacation home designer with offices in New York City and The Hudson Valley. Contact her at [email protected] or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com. Copyright 2024 Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Dear Readers: We would love to hear from you. What topics would you like to read about? Please send your feedback and tips to [email protected].