BEFORE IMAGE by Spacecrafting

Every home needs a place where the entire family can enjoy each other’s company and make traditions. University of Minnesota College of Design Students Gage Vizecky, Hannah Schneider, and Lucia Jurado devised a practical layout for the Family Room under the guidance of Lecturer Anne Farniok.

Once an entirely open room, Ohana Home and Design transformed this area of the floor into two defined spaces on either side of the staircase. This zone was created to be a welcoming haven for everyone—a place where families can relax, play, and socialize. Designers envisioned it as the heart of the home, where laughter fills the air, memories are made, and comfort is key. The design features playful art that sparks conversation, a variety of textures and finishes that add depth, and a color palette that blends warm neutrals with vibrant pops of color, creating a lively yet soothing environment.

To maximize the small space, the students creatively arranged and repurposed the homeowners’ existing sectional, offering diverse seating options and enhancing the room's openness. Modern elements are seamlessly integrated including a striking textured Arte wallcovering that also improves acoustics. Gleaming hardwood floors and new base trim milled to match the original profiles anchor the bright room.

A clever bespoke wall unit was created for the television ideal for movie-lovers. Whether it's game nights, impromptu dance-offs, or cozy storytime, every detail is thoughtfully curated to foster togetherness and joy. Behind the Family Room lies a brand-new kitchenette. Remodelers repurposed a former bathroom to create a kitchenette complete with a Monogram pizza oven and all the other conveniences a family with young children will appreciate. Beautiful walnut-lined Plato Woodwork cabinets create an elevated style with marble countertops fabricated by Aztek Countertops. 

This room was made possible by the contributions of Warners’ Stellian, INTERSOURCE by STARK, Ferguson, Plato Woodwork, Ohana Home & Design, Arhaus, Stone Source, Total Window Design, Hunter Douglas, Arte, Aztek Countertops, Cutting Edge, Sherwin Williams, Belle Kitchen, The Galley, Moooi, Northstar Home Technologies, 22 System, CLAMP, and Four Hands.