Special section: the new family home

Sunset, May, 2004 by Mary Jo Bowling

In 1956, a Sunset headline signaled the start of a major trend: "There's a NEW ROOM in the Western house ... the FAMILY ROOM." It was an idea born in the West, the article said, "to suit the casual approach to daily living."

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Today, 48 years later, the home is a collection of family rooms. We continue to live casually, but because every family member has become so busy, we need more ways to spend time together--whether hanging out in the kitchen or playing a game in a garage organized for activities as well as for storage. In this special section, you'll see how homeowners are turning rooms throughout their houses into places to gather; how they're creating opportunities to reconnect. But as this spirit spreads, the need for quiet time and personal space will grow, so we've also given you inspiration for retreats. For material resources, see page 179.