Fill common spaces with decor inspired by the outdoors.

Instead of serving as a repository for family cast-offs, this TV room is transformed with a dynamic rug from West Elm and wicker accents.

For more ways to incorporate a top trend for 2014, see our pattern underfoot photo gallery.

A balance of style and function.

House & Home design editor Sally Armstrong can’t imagine how she ever did without the bright, multifunctional family room that she included in her reno plans. “Now, the kids lounge down here to watch movies and play video games with their friends,” says Sally. She bought the quilted blue and white accent chair when she saw it marked down 50 per cent to $400. “I thought the shape was interesting and knew I’d regret not getting it.”

Get more styish family room ideas in our photo gallery.

A communal space that’s both feminine and functional.

The silvery grey sectional is a trim shape but comfy and casual enough to pile onto and watch movies. Pink and purples accents imbue the space with femininity, while a carved wood coffee table and eclectic pillows strike an exotic note.

See more family rooms in our photo gallery.

Achieve a polished look with symmetry.

A skillful mix of patterns infuses this family room by Sarah Richardson Design with shades of blue, from soft to cerulean. A pair of printed armchairs face the main seating area, while two wing chairs upholstered in menswear-inspired fabric flank a games table.

See more photos from this home.

Modern meets traditional in this practical family space.

A striped rug brightens the basement seating area, complementing the earthy tones in the room. Cabinets flanking the fireplace conceal hardworking components and storage space. The kitchenette boasts two wine fridges and an ice machine.

See more family rooms in our photo gallery.

Allow for ample storage in a frequently used space.

Calgary-based interior design firm Corea Sotropa combined both modern and traditional elements in this family-friendly room. The traditional moulding on the fireplace is made less formal with mix-and-match furniture. Sleek walnut cabinetry offers plenty of storage for toys and media equipment, keeping the busy space uncluttered.

See more projects by Corea Sotropa in our photo gallery.

A grown up family room.

Parents of young children may cringe at the thought of sticky hands on this luxe upholstery, and they are no doubt envying the sophisticated retreat that this room represents.

Paint doors and window frames in a dark colour for a clean, dramatic look.

Designer Connie Braemer lit this family room with a modern Moooi pendant to contrast with the traditional coffered ceiling. The homeowner, Betsy Aziz, acquired the aged Kazak tribal rugs for a steal at an auction, then layered six of the rugs on the ground in the family room. The fireplace was covered in hammered tile in a stacked pattern — a more cost-efficient alternative to one large stone slab.

See more of this home in our photo gallery and Online TV segment.

A softly textured tile surrounds the fireplace for a warm, yet contemporary look.

Homeowners Michelle Kosoy and Andrew Burnstein wanted a family room that was comfortable enough for their family of five and evenings of entertaining. A round ottoman with nailhead trim makes a glamorous statement when used as a coffee table.

See an Online TV tour of this home, plus discover more Barbara Purdy Designs in our photo gallery.

Floor-to-ceiling windows make this room feel immensely spacious.

A cosy sectional delineates the living area, featuring a large-scale cedar and stone fireplace — the same materials used on the exterior of the home. A coffee table by Vancouver artisan Brent Comber offers a rustic touch.

See more Contemporary & Modern Living Rooms in our photo gallery.

Uncover your windows and allow natural light to flood your space.

This loft’s generous windows are covered with opaque glass panels that cast a softly diffused light while maintaining privacy. A gold rectangular mirror helps fill the vertical space above the mantel and bounces light across the room.

Get more Decorating To Sell tips in our photo gallery.

White ceiling beams add height.

This expansive cottage play area — designed by Carol Stephenson — features a whitewashed floor and rafters that make the room seem extra-vast. Large windows open views to the tree-filled property, and make the space seem more like a patio. Furniture covered in aqua vinyl is kid-safe and low maintenance.

See more white cottage photos in our gallery.

This family’s personality shines through their collection of eclectic objects.

“I want people to walk into my house and feel comfortable,” Sharon says. You can see how effectively she invites conversation by surrounding her guests with beautiful arrangements of objects she and her husband, Joe, have collected. Cotton slipcovers and a sisal mat add a cosy informality, while an oversized zebra-stripe ottoman spells glamour.

Tour this house on Online TV, plus find more inspiration in our photo galleries of Traditional Living Rooms and Montana Burnett’s Favourite Spaces.

White paint in a satin or semi-gloss finish makes cleaning easy.

Interior designer Cindy Bleeks, a mother of two, built a floor-to-ceiling armoire to hide main-floor essentials like coats and kids’ toys. A gorgeous Eames chair and cushy leather ottoman are as cosy as they are stylish. A bold chevron rug protects Cindy’s dark wood floors and allows the kids to lounge comfortably while watching television.

Mismatched chairs cluster around an oversized, upholstered ottoman table.

In his own home, New York designer Vincente Wolf often uses neutral palettes and fresh white paint. “I use colour in certain jobs and I enjoy using it, but white is so incredibly timeless,” he says. “It takes what could be an ordinary space and gives it a strong architectural presence.”

See more of Vicente Wolf’s projects and inspiration in our photo gallery.