Color Scheme

• Use colors to unify both rooms. Choose similar colors to make the room cohesive. Choose one color of paint for the kitchen and family room. The great room will look more spacious when using a single color scheme rather than different ones. If you prefer to use more than one color, make sure you use colors that complement each other and use them on both rooms. For example, choose the same colors and painting technique when doing walls with stripes of blue and yellow.
  
  Choose a focal wall to paint a different color to add visual impact. For example, paint all walls in the kitchen and the family room in beige, except the wall for the fireplace. Paint the fireplace wall a color that pops, but works well with beige such as burgundy, red, hunter green or eggplant. Add texture by doing faux-painting techniques such as sponging or applying Venetian plaster.
  
  Use semi-gloss or gloss paint for the kitchen to prevent food smudges and grease from depositing on the walls easily. Using semi-gloss or gloss will make the upkeep easier. Use flat paint for the family room. Choose similar or complementary colors for your carpets, furnishings, window covers, artworks and accessories.
  
  

Design Theme

• Choose one design theme for both the kitchen and family room for cohesiveness. Be sure to match or complement the architecture of your home. For example, use a Victorian design theme for your great room if you live in a Victorian-style house. Utilize period pieces from the Victorian era to make it more authentic. If your design theme is Asian, utilize this theme in both rooms. It would look awkward to have an Asian-themed family room and a French country style kitchen.
  
  

Furniture Placement

• Furniture placement is important in any room, especially a shared room such as a great room. Consider the ease of accessibility and the focal point when arranging your kitchen table, chairs, sofa, coffee tables, entertainment centers and bookcases. Make sure the family room is easily accessible from the kitchen and vice-versa, by placing furnishings in such a manner that they will not block the way for people to pass through.
  
  Consider the focal point of the great room when placing furniture. Would you be using the fireplace over the entertainment center or TV area as focal point? Do you have a piano instead of a TV or both? Choosing a focal point is easier if you define the function of your room. Place your sofa where it can face the main focal point. If you plan to entertain many guests often in your great room, you will need to consider conversational sitting arrangements.