Living It Up

D袯r for Today's Active Family

By Dianne Hadaway

"I feel sorry for Amber," Lauren said. "She can't play in her room since her mom redecorated it. It's too perfect, and she doesn't want to mess it up. I like my room much better."

That was an eye-opener for me. Amber's mother is a dear friend and a very talented decorator. Her house is stunning, but my daughter is right; it's a showplace, not a home where one can relax and be comfortable. My friend's decorating always inspires me to spruce up my own home, but now I see the value of sticking with family-friendly d袯r, so that our home can be enjoyed by every family member.

Families want their homes to reflect their individual tastes and personalities and to be comfortable for private time and entertaining. They also want an organized and easy-to-maintain home.

Don Prather of Prather Construction in Valley, Ala., says that in today's construction and remodeling projects, active families eschew the traditional formal living and dining rooms. "Today's active family favors a larger gathering room, incorporating the kitchen, eating and living areas in one open and flowing space," he says. "Island counters with attached dining bars centered in the gathering room are very popular designs for busy families." Families want a comfortable way to enjoy time together, preparing and eating their meals and relaxing in their living area.

Lynda Oswald's household in Port Huron, Mich., includes three generations of family members. "I think what a family needs in order to be sane is simply a place to put things," she says. "We could all be happier if we always knew where our stuff was but didn't have to look at it lying around cluttering our lives. It just feels good to have clear counters and tabletops."

Want to see more?

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