Thinking about updating your great room but not quite sure where to start?  Think about what you and your family do in here and use that as your guide.  Since this is probably the most used room in your home besides the kitchen, you want it to be comfortable and look good too.  What are the activities that go on in this room?  Does your family watch television, relax, do their homework and maybe even snack in here?  Let’s start with these activities in mind and plan from there.

Take stock of your furniture, accessories and layout.  Grab a piece of paper and just kind of sketch out the area.  What can you move or rearrange for a more efficient layout?  Things to keep in mind:

• Location of windows
• Location of doorways
• Path through the room
• Size of furniture
• Activities- how does your family use the room?

Define the functional areas with your furniture arrangement. Create zones by strategically placing the floor rug, lamps and seating.  Keep balance and proportion in mind by not overwhelming a smaller room with huge pieces and vice versa.

Create a focal point in the room; this can be the television or a fireplace.  Hint here: if you have windows, try to place the television in a spot that won’t receive glare.  Don’t be afraid to “shop” your other rooms for fresh looks in here.  Need more storage?  Consider adding a dresser and you have an instant sofa table. Consider adding some affordable component pieces (Real Deals, Porter's and Sierra’s will give you ideas).

When accessorizing, remember that less is more. Choose neutral colors for furniture and accent with colorful, textured pillows, curtains, throws, rugs, etc.  That way you can change them out with a minimum of expense.  Let’s you update with the seasons too.

Just changing a few things can really make a huge difference.  Your great room should be an area that not only looks good but feels good too.  My biggest hint to you is to make it yours, don’t worry about what HGTV is doing, it needs to be personal to you and your family.  You live there.

 Written by Alesha E. Churba, owner of A.E.Churba Design, a Certified Aging in Place Specialist, an interior designer and a full-time instructor in the Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD) program at Idaho State University College of Technology. She emphasizes the need and importance of safety, comfort and low maintenance through interior design for baby boomers and beyond. She can be reached by phone (208)-313-6414, by e-mail at Alesha@aechurba-design.com or through her business website at aechurba-design.com.