Decorating a Den Or Family Room With You in Mind

Image : http://www.flickr.com

A den or family room is usually less formal than a living room, and designed for the family to use in order to enjoy reading, watching television or other activities. A den, instead of being decorated to impress others, should be decorated the way you want it - in a way that makes you feel the most comfortable and relaxed. This article offers tips and ideas for making your den a special room that is meant specifically for the family.

Many people opt to make their den or family room small and cozy, while others like a large, spacious den with plenty of room. Either way, you will get some great ideas here.

Furniture

Every den should have a sofa, bookshelves and a couple of chairs with ottomans. If you or someone in your family is a voracious reader, consider floor to ceiling bookshelves flanking both sides of a fireplace. Your television may be kept in an armoire, so that when you are not watching it can be hidden from view. You may want to consider an entertainment center or office set-up in one corner if your family often plays games, listens to music or uses the computer.

Accents and Accessories

Plants make any room more attractive, and the den is no exception. Use greenery to decorate the room, and consider several light sources for the ones who love to read. A floor lamp placed beside a chair makes the perfect place to cozy up and read a book. Table lamps on each end of the sofa further enhance the cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Overhead light should be avoided as it can be harsh and glaring. For the walls, decorate with pictures and prints that reflect your own tastes and personality.

Color Choices and Window Treatments

Since this room is to be used mostly by family, the colors you choose should be those you love. If you like light, neutral colors, by all means go for it! You may prefer darker hues, such as rich burgundies or deep blues. These are fine too - just remember, darker colors will make the room appear smaller.

As far as windows go, you can use any type of blinds, shades, drapes or curtains you like. If you want the room to appear light and airy, go for mini-blinds or shades in light, neutral colors that can be drawn up when you like. If you prefer a more private room, heavier drapes or boldly patterned curtains are good choices. You may even want to consider wood shutters that can be pushed back when you like.

Light walls look great with darker upholstery and leather. Any tones that complement or contrast each other will further add depth and interest to the room. Just remember, this room is specially made for you and your family to enjoy, so make it your own! Use all of the colors, fabrics, and accessories that are your favorites to make it a room in which you will truly enjoy relaxing after a hard day's work.

See Also : - Cheap Fireplace Store Sleeper Couches

Read more

5 Digital Photography Tips - Creating Great Family Portraits

Image : http://www.flickr.com

Just about every family wants a good portrait of themselves over the years. Taking good family portraits presents a wonderful opportunity to capture the intimate relationships between all family members.

Most of the time the portrait consists of the immediate family between two and six people. Here are a few Digital Photography Tips to use when you shoot your next family photography session.

Tip #1 Make them Comfortable

It is difficult to get great expressions on faces when people are straining to maintain a certain pose. It's important to make every effort to pose the family in a way that will give you the best opportunity to capture their best 'side.'

Tip # 2 Watch your Composition

Part of the challenge of family portraits is to compose your shot in a way that will draw the viewer into and around the photograph in a pleasing way. Pose family members in triangles. The natural flow of the portrait will then allow the viewer to see each family member in an easy and progressive manner.

Tip # 3 Using Props

Using a big wing-backed chair with mom or dad sitting in the chair and the rest of the family members posed around it always makes a great shot. Using park benches, trees, rocks, fireplaces, stools and even the ground or floor are all good ideas to help you capture that unique shot. Don't be afraid to use your imagination and creativity!

Tip # 4 Dressing Similar

This should be discussed before the family shoot is to take place. It will save you a lot of headache if all the family members are dressed in complimenting styles and colors. Strips, polka dots, clashing colors and printed clothing can give you a disconcerting and uneasy feel to a photo. We want to produce a photo that will convey the harmony and love between family members and draw the viewer to the faces; not be distracted by clothing that is outlandish or clashing.

Tip # 5 Watch the Lighting

If you are shooting in a studio, make sure you have your lights set up to enable every person's face to be clearly seen. Although shadows can add intensity and interest, make sure it is balanced properly. Taking family photos outside can present a whole new set of challenges.

Shooting at the golden hour of the day (one hour before the sun goes down) is an option that will give you wonderful lighting conditions. Once again, it is of prime importance that all family member's faces can be clearly seen.

Taking family portraits can present some very interesting challenges. You, as the photographer, have the opportunity to capture the very character and intimacy of the family unit. It takes work and practice to create a stunning portrait that will become a family memory for years to come.

My Links : - Cheap Fireplace Store Cheap Fireplace Tools

Read more