The great room is easily the hardest working room in the house.

“The great room is easily the hardest working room in the house, as its entire purpose is to serve multiple key functions all in one shared space.  The goal is to make everyday living just a little easier, and to make a communal space a little more exciting.”  Great rooms are a focal point of your home and should reflect your family’s lifestyle.  From simple designs to abstract décor ideas, modern living to contemporary inspiration, there are many ways to take your great room to the next level.

1. Section the Space – Great room décor is all about functionality and flow.  Section your furniture to create a multi-functional space.
2. Tables – Compact side tables and nesting tables are great for freeing up space while giving you the surface space and functionality you need.  Metals are the current trend along with this year’s “color of the year”, Naval – a rich navy color.  Golds, warm leather tones, and vibrant greenery will help to add richness to the navy.
3. Create Juxtapositions – Be creative!  Place vastly different furniture, patterns, and prints together to create a contrasting effect. 
4. Skip the Coffee Table – Who says you must have a standard coffee table in your great room?  If you are short on space, skip the coffee table and opt for a small, movable ottoman with plenty of concealed storage.
5. Furniture – Performance fabrics are a must in today’s world.   These fabrics are boasted as easy to clean and withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.  Life is tough enough as it is, but your furniture shouldn’t be.  Take your time selecting the couches and chairs that are comfortable to you.
6. Ceilings – Sustainability is a current trend, and wooden ceilings reflect this current idea.  Laminate on a ceiling gives the room a soft comfort, performing additional soundproofing functions.  Tray ceilings are not outdated and can certainly still be a choice for your great room.  Coffered ceilings are still a trend with its group of sunken panels of various shapes in the ceiling.

Whatever you choose for your great room, make it a place that you want to come home to….a place where you feel good, safe, and secure.  As Dorothy once said, “There’s no place like home.”