The family-friendly family room

The family room has gone through several post-Audrey changes. And while there are toys in it, I'm happy with its inevitable progress. It's comfy, visually interesting and most importantly, practical.

Before:

After:

If I've learned anything about rugs in my house, it's to not spend too much money on them, because the dogs (and now Audrey) will most likely ruin them. I found this rug for less than $100 on Overstock. And since I'm a sucker for pattern, I thought it was perfect.

The next biggest change is the ottoman. As much as I loved our coffee table, with Audrey, it just wasn't working. A storage ottoman allows room for toys and cushion for a clumsy toddler. I found this ottoman also on Overstock. (And with that, I realized I only own 3 items from Overstock and all are in the family room. Fun times).

I also ditched the corner shelf, because I was feeling lazy and didn't want to mount it. I'm currently toying with the concept of some built-ins on the mini wall.

I got rid of the breakables on the TV stand, and replaced them with a few pictures and decorative boxes filled with toys. The toys Audrey plays with the most, I leave out in a basket. The rest of her toys are either in the storage ottoman or downstairs where we now spend most of our time.