Create a Space Perfect for Fellowship in 4 Easy Steps

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We recently did a minor remodel in our living room—very minor.  We knocked out a cumbersome, out of place coat closet. By doing so, we opened up the entire room.  At the same time we painted and got new carpet.  I’m telling you, nothing freshens up a room like fresh paint in a great color!

Each time I walk in my new room, I can imagine all of the friends and family that will be blessed by the coziness of this space. Comfortable couches, happy vintage yellow chairs, and tons of natural light—what more do you need?!

Fellowship–what does that really mean anyway? Well to me it’s being around people you love and cherish in a cozy and inviting space.  I want our house to be that house–the one the screams fellowship!  

 

Well I have a lot of stuff.  I actually like all of my things…the knick-knacks, the sentimental pieces that don’t quite go with the décor, and oh my gosh—the BOOKS!  So many books! Maybe the magazines and home design blogs would all say to get rid of these things, but I just don’t think I can do it.

Instead of totally cutting out all of my favorite things, I’ve come up with some ways to maybe just tone it down a bit.  After all, I do want this space to be cozy and inviting to myself and my guests.

4 Ways to keep a cozy living space ready for fellowship at all times:

1. Do no over-stuff your shelves—because that comes off as clutter. Pare down the number of books you want to display in the room and then break up large rows of books by placing a favorite knick-knack at the end of the row.
2. Make it easy—keep the kid’s stuff down at their level and use pretty bins to hide their toys and supplies. I love TJ MAXX for this purpose.  You really can’t find good quality, canvas bins anywhere else for cheaper.  Another note on toys—no matter how you perfectly you arrange those toys on the shelf, your kids aren’t going to be able to put them back in the exact same place; that’s a lot to ask of them.  Make it easier on the both of you and get the bins!
3. Make sure each item has a place—then teach everyone in the family where that place is. Doing this will make it easy to tidy up for last minute company.  If you’re like me, then you often have rogue piles that pop up all over your house—give these piles a home so that it’ll be easy to take care of them—or just throw them away!
4. Get a table—this is one tip that I have not used yet, but my goal is to have a large coffee table with storage ottomans tucked underneath that can also be used for extra seating. Note to self: do not use coffee table as another place to pile books and papers!

I guess I have some work to do in my new space, but for now I am totally enjoying the blank canvas.  It just feels so fresh and clean—I love it!

You can bet that when the time comes to decorate, I’m going to be following these tips because I have high hopes that this room will be perfect for fellowship of all kinds.

Did I miss anything?  Do you have any tips or tricks for keeping a living room ready for guests at all times?  If you do, share it with me in the comments.