
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 11, 1995                   TAG: 9506130016
SECTION: HOMES                    PAGE: E-1   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: KATHY SUE GRIGG
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

FAMILY ROOM IS WHERE THE ACTION IS

Today's family room, den or great room plays many roles. It's a kick-off-your-shoes-and-relax room, a movie room, an area for homework, an office at home or a guest room for visitors.

Above all, a family room should be comfortable. Flexibility is important, too.

Most of today's fabrics have a stain-guard built in them so you don't have to worry too much about cleanups. Carpeting with stain blocks also helps in an area where spills occur often. Food and fun are natural partners, so it's not surprising that a family room close to the kitchen becomes the favorite room in the house.

When planning your family room, a low-pile semi-trackless carpet is great. It doesn't show as many footprints or the vacuum lines, providing easy maintenance.

A sofa that doubles as a sleeper is often used. Sleepers have come a long way, and many offer a 7-inch innerspring mattress that is very comfortable. A trunk used for a coffee table adds storage for blankets, etc. A club chair with ottoman helps set the mood to prop up your feet. Stack tables are handy, and large pillows for the floor are nice for children.

Colors serve as a major ingredient in your family room. The scheme you select can give you the effect of an energizing tonic or a soothing tranquilizer. Start with your favorite pattern or a color combination that pleases you.

For a wakeup theme, choose colors opposite each other on the color wheel; for a more restful effect, choose colors side by side on the wheel. Or you may choose to use a single color and build around it for a monochromatic (single color or various shades of the same color) scheme.

Remember, start at the bottom with carpet color and work your way up.

by CNB