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Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Why the Balkans should be your next summer destination
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). A complicated region with an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, Europe's beautiful Balkan lands have been passed through and fought over by civilisations including the Romans, Greeks and Ottomans for more than a millennium. As a result, the term 'Balkans' is one of the slipperiest geographical descriptions in Europe. Broadly speaking it applies to the peninsula that stretches throughout southeastern Europe and ends in Greece. But where it begins — like many things in the Balkans — is a question of politics and perspective. Mainstream travel has been slow to take root in many of the region's countries, but things are gradually starting to change. As beach-holiday destinations go, this coastline is hard to top, offering a winning combination of crystalline coves, ancient settlements and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, all set before a backdrop of craggy mountains. The clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas have been drawing admirers to these shores since ancient times, as demonstrated by the remains of sumptuous Roman residences positioned on some of the most beautiful bays. The most famous of these is Emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which now forms the heart of Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Some of the Balkan peninsula countries are already firmly on the tourism radar, notably Slovenia, Croatia, Greece and, increasingly, the coastal parts of Montenegro and Albania. The famous walled towns of the coast — such as Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro — continue to charm, despite now being crammed with tourists in July and August. But the Balkans offer far more than just sunny beaches and crowded coastal cities. Head inland and you'll find a corner of Europe where it's still possible to access real wilderness, with bears, wolves and lynx roaming remote ranges and forgotten forests. To beat the crowds and chase adventure, plan a trip to the smaller, less-explored countries of the Western Balkans. Combined, the five we've highlighted below are roughly the same size as England. With two weeks to spare you could easily get a taste for each. Alternatively, pick just one or two for longer stays. Best for: urban explorationWith idyllic settings in river valleys ringed by mountains, Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital Sarajevo and historic centre of Mostar are two of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the Balkans. Both suffered dreadfully during the 1990s wars and are still divided along ethnic lines, but the historic mosques, churches, synagogues and markets have now been restored and the streets once again hum with life. Sarajevo's old Ottoman core, Baščaršija, is back to being one of the region's most memorable and enchanting city neighbourhoods, where narrow lanes wind past old bazaars and pigeon-filled squares, and the scent of grilled meat, strong Bosnian coffee and shisha smoke swirls in the air. Mostar's famous 16th-century bridge — destroyed in 1993 — has been rebuilt and once more arcs elegantly over the green waters of the Neretva River. It forms the centrepiece of a heritage quarter of stone houses punctuated by the pencil-thin minarets of Ottoman mosques. (How to spend a perfect weekend in Bosnia & Herzegovina.) Best for: adventureMontenegro may be small, but Kosovo is smaller still. Since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, this little landlocked nation has started to gain a reputation as an active-holiday destination for intrepid travellers. The pretty town of Peja — with its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture — is at the centre of the action. There's excellent hiking, caving and zip-lining in the surrounding area, as well as a vertigo-inducing via ferrata course in Rugova Canyon — but it's all still very off the beaten track for most travellers. Peja lies at the base of the formidable range known as the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna in Albanian, Prokletije in Serbian), which forms the border with Montenegro and Albania. This remote area is one of Europe's true wildernesses. It's now possible to take a multiday hike through the rugged terrain, traversing all three countries, on the 119-mile Peaks of the Balkans track. Trekkers stay in a mixture of family homes and mountain huts. This off-the-grid adventure can also be broken into bite-sized chunks, but shouldn't be undertaken lightly. It's best to enlist the services of a local operator such as Undiscovered Balkans or Balkan Natural Adventure to help with guiding and logistics, including arranging the correct permits for the border crossings. (Europe's newest adventure scene is blossoming in southern Kosovo.) Best for: diverse landscapesMontenegro is tiny — smaller than Northern Ireland — but it crams a lot in. The 'black mountain' that it's named after rises precipitously from the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, creating a spectacular backdrop to the medieval walls of Kotor town. South east of here, Montenegro's Adriatic coastline stretches barely 62 miles as the crow flies but still manages to pack in three more picture-perfect walled towns: Budva, Sveti Stefan and Ulcinj. Inland it's mainly mountains, punctuated by deep river canyons and glistening lakes. These range from the tiny glacial depressions known as gorske oči (mountain eyes) that are a feature of rugged Durmitor National Park, to the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar, which is an important habitat for wetland birds including giant Dalmatian pelicans. The everchanging scenery makes driving in Montenegro a constant thrill, especially once you escape the crowded coast. The terrain lends itself to myriad summertime activities: canyoning at Nevidio Canyon on the Komarnica River, whitewater rafting on the Tara River and birdwatching cruises on Lake Skadar, to name just a few. For hiking, base yourself in the mountain towns of Cetinje, Kolašin or Žabljak, which are the gateways to three lofty national parks: Lovćen, Biogradska Gora and Durmitor. A fourth range, Prokletije, on the border with Albania and Kosovo, is home to Montenegro's highest peak (8,316ft). (The ultimate Adriatic coastal adventure in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor.) Best for: beachesAlbania's long and lovely coastline stretches along two separate seas: the Adriatic and the Ionian. The Ionian, in particular, has some magnificent beaches, where the turquoise waters of southwestern Albania approach Caribbean levels of intensity. If you were hoping to chance upon uncrowded and undeveloped bays in Albania, that ship has sailed. The Ionian coast is now being touted as the 'Albanian Riviera' and construction can be seen everywhere, especially in popular places like Ksamil. That said, busy spots such as Mirror Beach (Plazhi Pasqyra) are popular for a reason — the juxtaposition of aquamarine waters and dramatic white cliffs is breathtaking. Tucked below canyon walls, Gjipe is similarly spectacular — and the fact that it can only be reached by boat or on foot helps to keep visitor numbers down. Other low-key stretches on the riviera include 4.3-mile-long Borsh and sleepy Qeparo. As appealing as the beaches are, it would be a shame to visit Albania and ignore the interior. The 'museum cities' of Berat and Gjirokastër are fascinating due to their high concentration of Ottoman houses, their elegant wooden upper storeys jutting out over the narrow streets. Tirana is one of the Balkans' buzziest capitals, a lively hybrid of Ottoman remnants, Communist-era blocks painted in outlandish colours and new construction. If you want to get further off the beaten track, Undiscovered Balkans offers multi-activity Albanian holidays which include hiking, rafting, mule treks and village feasts. (Take a journey through Albania's wild, blue heart.) Best for: foodDespite remarkable mountains, lakes and historic sites, North Macedonia is blissfully unassuming and largely untroubled by overtourism. The town of Ohrid is one of the country's biggest drawcards for its frescoed Orthodox churches, boat trips and lake-fronting boardwalks. But the country's rural areas are a real treat — particularly Mavrovo and Pelister national parks, which lend themselves to leisurely drives stopping at village taverns and roadside produce stalls. Five hundred years of Ottoman rule have had a noticeable impact on the food, which is more varied than most other Western Balkan cuisines and less averse to spice. Ajvar is a case in point. This delicious red pepper and aubergine spread can pack some real heat and is found on the menu at many local restaurants. Grilled meats also feature prominently, as they do throughout the Balkans, but the national dish is vegan: a white bean stew known as tavče gravče. Local markets are packed with mountain herbs, local honeys and tangy hard cheeses, which also make an appearance on rural guesthouse breakfast tables. Be sure to try the local tipples, too. These include mastika (a liqueur flavoured with tree resin) and wines from the Tikveš Plain made from lesser-known regional grape varietals such as Smederevka, Vranec and Temjanika. The region is around 90 minutes south east of the capital Skopje; travellers can while away a day or two here, staying at the Popova Kula winery hotel. (A taste of North Macedonia, from flaky burek to rakija and farmhouse cheeses.) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
Why the Balkans should be your next summer destination
This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK). A complicated region with an extraordinarily rich cultural heritage, Europe's beautiful Balkan lands have been passed through and fought over by civilisations including the Romans, Greeks and Ottomans for more than a millennium. As a result, the term 'Balkans' is one of the slipperiest geographical descriptions in Europe. Broadly speaking it applies to the peninsula that stretches throughout southeastern Europe and ends in Greece. But where it begins — like many things in the Balkans — is a question of politics and perspective. Mainstream travel has been slow to take root in many of the region's countries, but things are gradually starting to change. As beach-holiday destinations go, this coastline is hard to top, offering a winning combination of crystalline coves, ancient settlements and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, all set before a backdrop of craggy mountains. The clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas have been drawing admirers to these shores since ancient times, as demonstrated by the remains of sumptuous Roman residences positioned on some of the most beautiful bays. The most famous of these is Emperor Diocletian's retirement palace, which now forms the heart of Split, Croatia's second-largest city. Some of the Balkan peninsula countries are already firmly on the tourism radar, notably Slovenia, Croatia, Greece and, increasingly, the coastal parts of Montenegro and Albania. The famous walled towns of the coast — such as Dubrovnik in Croatia and Kotor in Montenegro — continue to charm, despite now being crammed with tourists in July and August. But the Balkans offer far more than just sunny beaches and crowded coastal cities. Head inland and you'll find a corner of Europe where it's still possible to access real wilderness, with bears, wolves and lynx roaming remote ranges and forgotten forests. To beat the crowds and chase adventure, plan a trip to the smaller, less-explored countries of the Western Balkans. Combined, the five we've highlighted below are roughly the same size as England. With two weeks to spare you could easily get a taste for each. Alternatively, pick just one or two for longer stays. From delicious Mediterranean cuisine to historic towns set to a backdrop of craggy mountains, Balkans offer far more than just sunny beaches. Photograph by David C Tomlinson; Getty Images Bosnia and Herzegovina Best for: urban exploration With idyllic settings in river valleys ringed by mountains, Bosnia and Herzegovina's capital Sarajevo and historic centre of Mostar are two of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in the Balkans. Both suffered dreadfully during the 1990s wars and are still divided along ethnic lines, but the historic mosques, churches, synagogues and markets have now been restored and the streets once again hum with life. Sarajevo's old Ottoman core, Baščaršija, is back to being one of the region's most memorable and enchanting city neighbourhoods, where narrow lanes wind past old bazaars and pigeon-filled squares, and the scent of grilled meat, strong Bosnian coffee and shisha smoke swirls in the air. Mostar's famous 16th-century bridge — destroyed in 1993 — has been rebuilt and once more arcs elegantly over the green waters of the Neretva River. It forms the centrepiece of a heritage quarter of stone houses punctuated by the pencil-thin minarets of Ottoman mosques. The historic centre of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina is one of the Balkans most fascinating cities. Photograph by Lassi Kurkijarvi; Getty Images (How to spend a perfect weekend in Bosnia & Herzegovina.) Kosovo Best for: adventure Montenegro may be small, but Kosovo is smaller still. Since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008, this little landlocked nation has started to gain a reputation as an active-holiday destination for intrepid travellers. The pretty town of Peja — with its Byzantine and Ottoman architecture — is at the centre of the action. There's excellent hiking, caving and zip-lining in the surrounding area, as well as a vertigo-inducing via ferrata course in Rugova Canyon — but it's all still very off the beaten track for most travellers. Peja lies at the base of the formidable range known as the Accursed Mountains (Bjeshkët e Nemuna in Albanian, Prokletije in Serbian), which forms the border with Montenegro and Albania. This remote area is one of Europe's true wildernesses. It's now possible to take a multiday hike through the rugged terrain, traversing all three countries, on the 119-mile Peaks of the Balkans track. Trekkers stay in a mixture of family homes and mountain huts. This off-the-grid adventure can also be broken into bite-sized chunks, but shouldn't be undertaken lightly. It's best to enlist the services of a local operator such as Undiscovered Balkans or Balkan Natural Adventure to help with guiding and logistics, including arranging the correct permits for the border crossings. (Europe's newest adventure scene is blossoming in southern Kosovo.) Montenegro Best for: diverse landscapes Montenegro is tiny — smaller than Northern Ireland — but it crams a lot in. The 'black mountain' that it's named after rises precipitously from the fjord-like Bay of Kotor, creating a spectacular backdrop to the medieval walls of Kotor town. South east of here, Montenegro's Adriatic coastline stretches barely 62 miles as the crow flies but still manages to pack in three more picture-perfect walled towns: Budva, Sveti Stefan and Ulcinj. Inland it's mainly mountains, punctuated by deep river canyons and glistening lakes. These range from the tiny glacial depressions known as gorske oči (mountain eyes) that are a feature of rugged Durmitor National Park, to the largest lake in the Balkans, Lake Skadar, which is an important habitat for wetland birds including giant Dalmatian pelicans. The everchanging scenery makes driving in Montenegro a constant thrill, especially once you escape the crowded coast. The terrain lends itself to myriad summertime activities: canyoning at Nevidio Canyon on the Komarnica River, whitewater rafting on the Tara River and birdwatching cruises on Lake Skadar, to name just a few. For hiking, base yourself in the mountain towns of Cetinje, Kolašin or Žabljak, which are the gateways to three lofty national parks: Lovćen, Biogradska Gora and Durmitor. A fourth range, Prokletije, on the border with Albania and Kosovo, is home to Montenegro's highest peak (8,316ft). (The ultimate Adriatic coastal adventure in Montenegro's Bay of Kotor.) The deep river canyons of Durmitor National Park in Montenegro are well-suited for all manner of adventures. Photograph by FotoGablitz; Getty Images Albania Best for: beaches Albania's long and lovely coastline stretches along two separate seas: the Adriatic and the Ionian. The Ionian, in particular, has some magnificent beaches, where the turquoise waters of southwestern Albania approach Caribbean levels of intensity. If you were hoping to chance upon uncrowded and undeveloped bays in Albania, that ship has sailed. The Ionian coast is now being touted as the 'Albanian Riviera' and construction can be seen everywhere, especially in popular places like Ksamil. That said, busy spots such as Mirror Beach (Plazhi Pasqyra) are popular for a reason — the juxtaposition of aquamarine waters and dramatic white cliffs is breathtaking. Tucked below canyon walls, Gjipe is similarly spectacular — and the fact that it can only be reached by boat or on foot helps to keep visitor numbers down. Other low-key stretches on the riviera include 4.3-mile-long Borsh and sleepy Qeparo. As appealing as the beaches are, it would be a shame to visit Albania and ignore the interior. The 'museum cities' of Berat and Gjirokastër are fascinating due to their high concentration of Ottoman houses, their elegant wooden upper storeys jutting out over the narrow streets. Tirana is one of the Balkans' buzziest capitals, a lively hybrid of Ottoman remnants, Communist-era blocks painted in outlandish colours and new construction. If you want to get further off the beaten track, Undiscovered Balkans offers multi-activity Albanian holidays which include hiking, rafting, mule treks and village feasts. (Take a journey through Albania's wild, blue heart.) North Macedonia Best for: food Despite remarkable mountains, lakes and historic sites, North Macedonia is blissfully unassuming and largely untroubled by overtourism. The town of Ohrid is one of the country's biggest drawcards for its frescoed Orthodox churches, boat trips and lake-fronting boardwalks. But the country's rural areas are a real treat — particularly Mavrovo and Pelister national parks, which lend themselves to leisurely drives stopping at village taverns and roadside produce stalls. Five hundred years of Ottoman rule have had a noticeable impact on the food, which is more varied than most other Western Balkan cuisines and less averse to spice. Ajvar is a case in point. This delicious red pepper and aubergine spread can pack some real heat and is found on the menu at many local restaurants. Grilled meats also feature prominently, as they do throughout the Balkans, but the national dish is vegan: a white bean stew known as tavče gravče. Local markets are packed with mountain herbs, local honeys and tangy hard cheeses, which also make an appearance on rural guesthouse breakfast tables. Be sure to try the local tipples, too. These include mastika (a liqueur flavoured with tree resin) and wines from the Tikveš Plain made from lesser-known regional grape varietals such as Smederevka, Vranec and Temjanika. The region is around 90 minutes south east of the capital Skopje; travellers can while away a day or two here, staying at the Popova Kula winery hotel. (A taste of North Macedonia, from flaky burek to rakija and farmhouse cheeses.) To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
Sydney Morning Herald
4 days ago
- Sydney Morning Herald
Four must-visit eateries in Greece's newest food destination
The city of Chania, on the north-west coast of Crete, has a charming medieval harbour and an old town full of architectural influences drawing from the Ottomans, Venetians and Egyptians. But now there's another reason to visit: a new generation of food makers making their mark with slick venues. Red Jane Bakery If it wasn't for the snaking queues, it would be easy to simply pass by Red Jane Bakery. Tucked behind an abandoned 1930s foundry, it's signed only with a handwritten scrawl on the dilapidated facade. There's a micro roastery, killer desserts (the French pastries all have a contemporary twist) and spectacular sandwiches that rotate throughout the year. Red Jane puts a unique spin on traditional Greek staples such as tyropita, a filo-pastry cheese pie filled with feta and ricotta. Aesthetes will also get a kick out of the industrial interiors by the noted Cypriot-born, London-based designer Michael Anastassiades. The features include soaring ceilings, exposed brick and a monolithic marble counter. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view into the bakery area, where uniformed chefs create a bounty of sourdough – a change from the barley rusks that the island is famous for. See Maiami American-Greek Alexandra Manousakis left a career in New York to return to her Cretan roots, opening a boutique collection of eateries and an organic winery. Manousakis is an artist and the food at Maiami is plated up on her handmade ceramics. The restaurant is located in a salmon-pink 1950s art deco-inspired building and is part painting studio, part boutique and part brasserie where customers eat off Manousakis's plates. The menu is a modern interpretation of classic Mediterranean dishes and perfect for summer. The prawan and ouzo pasta is unbeatable and salads are flavourful: crunchy greens, zesty lemon, spearmint, lime, pomegranate and watermelon. There's also an array of Greek cheeses: mizithra, which is primarily produced on Crete, and arseniko, a spicy cheese from the island of Naxos. See Salis Salis is another venue run by Alexandra Manousakis. It's a traditional taverna with a contemporary twist and the ultimate farm-to-table eatery: almost all of the organic produce is grown nearby and dishes are packed with seasonal wild greens and lashings of herbs. Salis also mills its own flour and ferments its own chillies. With a 100-page wine list (curated in conjunction with the owners' winery) and lots of mezze, cold cuts and cheeses, it's also a great choice for those who want to dive into share plates. For summertime dining it's in prime position overlooking the water (excellent for people watching) and as the weather cools, the tunnel-like interior has a great vibe. See Kross Coffee Roasters and Black Eyed Kate Greek coffee not your thing? Prefer your caffeine more bougie? The best third wave coffee in Chania is at hipster cafe, Kross Coffee Roasters (tick to almond and soy milk). There's a few locations, but the Dagkli outpost is about a 20-minute walk from the heart of town and the least touristy. Filled with regulars, the sneaker-wearing, tattooed staff are total pros and in addition to coffee they also offer chilled wines and ice-cold craft beer. Kross roasts all its beans in Chania and has an online shop where you can buy everything from its organic coffee capsules to crunchy maple granola. The carbs come courtesy of Black Eyed Kate, the cafe's sister cake shop. See The details
The Age
4 days ago
- The Age
Four must-visit eateries in Greece's newest food destination
The city of Chania, on the north-west coast of Crete, has a charming medieval harbour and an old town full of architectural influences drawing from the Ottomans, Venetians and Egyptians. But now there's another reason to visit: a new generation of food makers making their mark with slick venues. Red Jane Bakery If it wasn't for the snaking queues, it would be easy to simply pass by Red Jane Bakery. Tucked behind an abandoned 1930s foundry, it's signed only with a handwritten scrawl on the dilapidated facade. There's a micro roastery, killer desserts (the French pastries all have a contemporary twist) and spectacular sandwiches that rotate throughout the year. Red Jane puts a unique spin on traditional Greek staples such as tyropita, a filo-pastry cheese pie filled with feta and ricotta. Aesthetes will also get a kick out of the industrial interiors by the noted Cypriot-born, London-based designer Michael Anastassiades. The features include soaring ceilings, exposed brick and a monolithic marble counter. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer a view into the bakery area, where uniformed chefs create a bounty of sourdough – a change from the barley rusks that the island is famous for. See Maiami American-Greek Alexandra Manousakis left a career in New York to return to her Cretan roots, opening a boutique collection of eateries and an organic winery. Manousakis is an artist and the food at Maiami is plated up on her handmade ceramics. The restaurant is located in a salmon-pink 1950s art deco-inspired building and is part painting studio, part boutique and part brasserie where customers eat off Manousakis's plates. The menu is a modern interpretation of classic Mediterranean dishes and perfect for summer. The prawan and ouzo pasta is unbeatable and salads are flavourful: crunchy greens, zesty lemon, spearmint, lime, pomegranate and watermelon. There's also an array of Greek cheeses: mizithra, which is primarily produced on Crete, and arseniko, a spicy cheese from the island of Naxos. See Salis Salis is another venue run by Alexandra Manousakis. It's a traditional taverna with a contemporary twist and the ultimate farm-to-table eatery: almost all of the organic produce is grown nearby and dishes are packed with seasonal wild greens and lashings of herbs. Salis also mills its own flour and ferments its own chillies. With a 100-page wine list (curated in conjunction with the owners' winery) and lots of mezze, cold cuts and cheeses, it's also a great choice for those who want to dive into share plates. For summertime dining it's in prime position overlooking the water (excellent for people watching) and as the weather cools, the tunnel-like interior has a great vibe. See Kross Coffee Roasters and Black Eyed Kate Greek coffee not your thing? Prefer your caffeine more bougie? The best third wave coffee in Chania is at hipster cafe, Kross Coffee Roasters (tick to almond and soy milk). There's a few locations, but the Dagkli outpost is about a 20-minute walk from the heart of town and the least touristy. Filled with regulars, the sneaker-wearing, tattooed staff are total pros and in addition to coffee they also offer chilled wines and ice-cold craft beer. Kross roasts all its beans in Chania and has an online shop where you can buy everything from its organic coffee capsules to crunchy maple granola. The carbs come courtesy of Black Eyed Kate, the cafe's sister cake shop. See The details
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
15 Family Room Ideas to Help You Create the Coziest (yet Kid-Friendly!) Spot in the House
This article may contain affiliate links that Yahoo and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links. The family room multitasks more than any other space in the home. From reading and napping to playing and watching TV, there isn't much you can't do in it. As a result, it needs to be highly functional — as well as energizing, inspiring, and, of course, kid-friendly. Each of these family room ideas will have you, the rest of your crew, and all of your guests feeling right at home. Everyone should feel a) welcome and b) comfortable in your family room. By draping blankets over seat backs, layering throw pillows on the sofa, and tossing a couple of floor pillows on top of the rug, you create a safe place everyone wants to gather. Just don't be surprised if someone other than you or your kids ends up dozing off in there. The truth about playrooms is that they're luxuries, even though sometimes it feels like they're necessities. If you don't have space for one in your house, consider dedicating part of your family room to a pint-sized version. One mom did exactly that by using the IKEA Kura toddler bed to create a DIY reading nook, play mat, and ball pit. Look closely at this image. Do you notice how your eyes bounce from one focal point to the other — without tiring out? There are a few keys to successfully pulling off pattern mixing: sticking with a consistent color scheme, playing with different scales, and having a few solid pieces that ground the space. Dealing with a cramped space, can't find the look you want for sale, or trying to get creative with storage? Consider designing — and building — your own couch to your exact specifications. Constructed like a bench with plenty of cushions for comfort, the best feature is the basket storage underneath for extra organization. It makes sense to expect family pictures donning the walls of a family room. Instead of using more generic, posed images, the homeowners of this space decided to select artful ones that better represent their children's personalities. Along with the mom's one-of-a-kind art and other colorful elements, you get an idea of who they are as a unit. With little ones especially, there's always worry about them hitting their head on sharp corners. Ottomans, with their soft edges and unlimited fabric options, are proof that child-proofing can still be chic. Bonus: It's just one more opportunity to incorporate color, texture, and pattern. Creating definable sections is one of the most impactful ways to ensure that everyone enjoys spending time in the family room. Here, the arm of the sectional acts as a half wall that transforms the piano and a couple of armchairs into their own space. For those with younger kids, consider turning part of the family room into their playroom. Doing so intentionally, which partially means creating organizational systems to cut down on the mess, helps build a form of controlled chaos. When your family room also moonlights as a playroom — and it's an average or below-average size — it's a challenge to make everything fit. In this space, we see that a coffee table and lots of seating aren't actually necessary — especially when the floor can be dedicated to play. Small ottomans can serve as both when needed, but are also able to be tucked away to minimize clutter. With 18 long feet of empty space, it only made sense to install a custom bench with hidden storage in this family room. That kind of added organization (and seating) is a game changer — especially when you have kids. Bookcases, cabinets, and shelves are all equally functional, and depending on the size of your space you may be able to keep all of their toys contained. An unused closet, an empty alcove, some open space between furniture — all of this can be utilized to make your family room more functional. Here, the closet became bunks, a desk was added to the alcove, and hanging chairs filled the space. We're used to deciding what kind of home we want to have, but what about our kids? Indulge their style by incorporating colors just as playful as them (like pink!), in ways that align with your own. The result is a space that everyone wants to spend time in. The first scratch, scuff, or stain on a brand-new piece of furniture can cause a lot of frustration. The beauty of buying things used, on the other hand, is that they're already imperfect, so the stakes are lower (the price is too). It's also well-known that older pieces tend to be higher quality, so they can handle more roughhousing. Each photo, work of art, and memento is unique, and together they're even more powerful. Not only does a gallery wall make a statement, but it also tells a story. Plus, with so many different sized frames, it's easy to replace pieces as time goes on. Baskets are the storage solution for everything — toys, blankets, library books, etc. If you're the kind of person who can't stand the sight of clutter, they're especially helpful because even if you can't put everything back where it belongs, you can at least tame the visual eyesore. Stains and children go hand-in-hand — so dark upholstery and rugs are every parent's not-so-secret weapon. However, that doesn't mean you're limited to dark neutrals like navy and black. Jade green, mauve, and a deep denim hue, as shown here, can work just as hard. You're Not Allowed to Lock Strollers at Disney Theme Parks, So Instead I Do This 49 Stylish Nursery Ideas for the Unique Baby Room of Your Dreams The Best Zipper Sheets to Solve the Worst Bed-Making Task
