If your lounge is the central living room of your home, then you are not alone. Even if you have a family room or an open plan kitchen diner, lounges tend to be the room your spend most daylight hours in. Nevertheless, the space that really is at the heart of most homes is the den. If you find that you are not using yours as much as you used to, or it has become a space that your children have taken over, it is time for a makeover.

Make your den a fun place to be and get out of the lounge once in a while. Dens should appeal to every member of the household, kids and adults, alike.Dens work best if they are places where you can pursue your passions. Hobby rooms, sports rooms and play rooms are all good choices for a successful den.

Make sure that your choice of décor gets into the spirit of fun and creates some contrast with the way the rest of the home is decorated. If your family members have very different ideas of what fun is, then make sure that everyone’s tastes are catered for. Otherwise, the den won’t be the sociable and fun place that you want it to be.

Brighten Up.

One of the simplest ways of making over your den, to create a more fun place to be in, is to brighten your color scheme. Simply replace your seating with some molded plastic chairs that have a primary color. Coordinate the furniture with some wall hung artwork to make the look consistent. Alternatively, choose some plainly decorated modern storage furniture and set it off against vibrantly painted walls.

Fun Fun Fun.

Add something new to your den. Don’t stick to the same rules as you would for the rest of your home. A one off item can make the whole room seem different. Choose something that reflects your personality. A ceiling installed model railroad or a colorful tropical fish tank will do the job and add some eye catching fun to the room.

Games Dens.

Everybody likes a den that has a games table or two. If you like pool, a table can be the perfect addition to a den. However, there’s no need to stick to the traditional baize covering which can clash awkwardly with many a designer’s well chosen décor. Instead, specify a table covering that is more in keeping with a home setting, than a pool hall. Internal practice putting greens are another fine idea for a fun den, which younger kids can enjoy, too. Table soccer and air hockey are other excellent choices of table games, if you want to avoid the more commonly found pool table. Alternatively, why not simply play game of checkers or chess?

The Casino Look.

For a more adult focused den that adds a bit of sophistication to the fun environment, why not opt for a den that takes inspiration from a casino? Card tables are not just for the ardent gambler and have a more grown up look than games tables. Of course, the perfect way of completing a casino den is to install well stocked bar next to the card table or roulette wheel.

Child Friendly Dens.

Dens that will work with younger families blend the needs of kids and adults. During the day, a den should be a play room, with soft seating and toys. Install plenty of easy to access storage, so that the den can become a more adult oriented space once the children have gone to bed.

Hobby Room.

If you have a hobby or a passion for design, use your den as your creative space. Install a fun workstation that is distinct from a home office, where you can try out new ideas. Devote one of your den’s walls to mount any creative artworks or designs you come up with.

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