A Family Home with Room to Grow
As families grow, it's helpful for their living spaces to grow, too. After owning a New York City apartment where the living room, dining room, playroom, and kitchen were all one space, a family of four was ready to gain more room and privacy. A move out of the city was just what they needed.
Light and Bright
The family's new home, originally with all dark floors and beige walls, had the feel of a summer house—airy and spacious but lacking clean, bright neutrals. The first step was painting the walls and staining the floors white, then adding vibrant pops of color. Although white couches might seem like a bold choice with little ones, they're upholstered with a stain-resistant outdoor fabric to withstand stains and spills.
Ideas for Decorating with White
Seamless Style
The living room opens to the dining area, so it was important for the furnishings and decor to blend from one room to the next. A mix of rustic, Southwestern, and modern styles works together in the predominantly white space. The use of bold accent colors and patterns ties everything together.
Check Out this Southwestern-Style Family Home!
Gather Around
A big table sits front and center in the dining room, with room for the entire family. It's large and rustic, but the light wood tone and clean lines prevent it from feeling heavy. Bright yellow dining room chairs take center stage in front of a funky DIY accent wall made from an ombre paint treatment and washi tape.
Simple Surprise
The family wanted to keep the home white and clean but knew they could incorporate personality in exciting ways. Placing decals on the walls of the laundry room adds interest where it's least expected. Gold apples look cute exiting the playroom, where bird imagery picks up the bold colors of painted children's chairs.
Pretty Pinks
The boldest wall color in the house can be found in the girls' bedroom closet. Bright pink flamingo decals on a deep raspberry-hue wall live behind shelves and rows of clothes and shoes. White remains the dominant color throughout the rest of the room.
Nature Wonderland
A screened-in porch works as a combined playroom and reading space. The outdoor room sits away from the rest of the house, overlooking a creek and wrapping itself in nature. The quiet family spot is perfect for painting, reading, and taking in the view over a cup of coffee.