Home Decorating Home Upgrade: Designer Riche Holmes Grant Helps a Family DIY Their 'Clutter Room' Into a Bright, Organized Space See how one family tames the toy clutter to create space for lounging, reading, playing, crafting, and homework in our new video series, Home Upgrade. By Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand Lisa Milbrand has more than 20 years of experience as a lifestyle writer and editor, writing thousands of articles on topics that help people live better and healthier lives for Real Simple, Parents, and dozens of other top publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Published on November 30, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Do you have a room in your home that doesn't quite work for you? That was the dilemma that faced the Guarneri family of Southern California and their not-quite-right family room, which they deemed the "clutter room." They turned to designer Riche Holmes Grant for some solutions for taming the toy clutter and turning the family room into a space that works for both parents and kids—and will grow with the kids in the future. Holmes Grant opted to create designated spaces for different activities—a colorful reading nook with cute poufs where the kids can sit and enjoy a good read, and a more adult area, where Joyce and her husband could unwind on the sectional. With a simple desk, shelving, and peel-and-stick wallpaper, Holmes Grant transformed a closet into a functional (and fun!) mini office, homework, and craft spot. To hide the toys, Holmes Grant suggested using a system of baskets and crates to maintain a more streamlined and relaxing look for the space. And as a finishing touch, she created a black-and-white photo wall of family photos as a highlight of the adult space. Watch the family room transformation come to life in our new series, Home Upgrade, then shop the products below to create your own hangout space. Reading Nook Wall 01 of 24 Yellow Velvet Flat Pouf Courtesy of Crate and Barrel $99, crateandbarrel.com These cozy poufs are perfect for creating a reading nook for kids. 02 of 24 Birds in Harmony Mobile Courtesy of MoMA Store $34, moma.org Holmes Grant added this artful mobile over the reading nook to add a bright bit of color. 03 of 24 Acrylic Invisible Floating Bookshelf Courtesy of Amazon $40, amazon.com These clear floating shelves can help keep kids' books corralled—and within easy reach. 04 of 24 Custom Wooden Monogram Signs Courtesy of 48 Hour Monogram $30, 48hourmonogram.com Colorful name plaques help set aside spaces for each child. 05 of 24 Multi Color Throw with Tufted Dots & Tassles Courtesy of Burke Decor $103, burkedecor.com Add in a colorful throw to make it even more enticing to cozy up with a good book. 06 of 24 Sloan Toy Chest - White Courtesy of West Elm $400, westelm.com This sleek toy chest can keep a generous helping of toys under wraps. 07 of 24 Ziggy Multicolor Rug Courtesy of Ruggable $460, ruggable.com This colorful rug from Ruggable is the perfect marriage of bright, kid-friendly colors with a more grown-up pattern. Bonus: the rug cover comes off of the pad and can easily be thrown in the washing machine when the inevitable spills happen. Converted Closet Space 08 of 24 LAGKAPTEN/ADILS Desk Courtesy of Ikea $46, ikea.com This simple desk is the perfect spot for the kids (or adults) to take on craft projects or homework. 09 of 24 White Task Chairs Courtesy of Wayfair $46; wayfair.com A pair of rolling chairs makes it easy to gather for crafting time. 10 of 24 TROXHULT Wall Shelf Courtesy of Ikea $35, ikea.com Add a shelf to store crafting materials and other desk essentials, to help you keep the desk space clear for activities. 11 of 24 Sky Blue Mod Chevron Peel and Stick Wallpaper Courtesy of Home Depot $35, homedepot.com Skip the mess of wallpaper glue with a stylish peel-and-stick option to highlight a specific part of the room. 12 of 24 Wire Curtain Hanging System With Clips Courtesy of Amazon $35, amazon.com All you need for a gallery wall is this wire and hook setup—you can keep changing out the artwork as your child creates new masterpieces. Blue Wall (Couch) 13 of 24 Valspar Enchanted Navy Courtesy of Valspar valspar.com A sophisticated navy blue makes the perfect accent wall for the "adult" side of the room, while still working beautifully with the color scheme. 14 of 24 Contemporary, 12 x 12 Inch White Picture Frame Courtesy of Amazon $67, amazon.com Using a uniform set of simple frames makes your artwork or sentimental photos the star of the show. 15 of 24 Pearl Gray Lush Velvet Pillow Covers Courtesy of West Elm $33 to $64, westelm.com A soothing soft gray pillow adds a sophisticated (and cozy) touch to the sofa. 16 of 24 20" Estela Gray and White Pillow Courtesy of CB2 $40, cb2.com Add pillows of different textures but a similar color scheme for a relaxing (but still interesting) vibe. Yellow Wall (TV) 17 of 24 Valspar Gold Abundance Courtesy of Valspar valspar.com This bright gold color adds a sunny touch to the more kid-friendly side of the room. 18 of 24 Six Cube Shelf Courtesy of Sprout $550, sprout-kids.com This storage solution makes it easy for kids to access (and put away) their toys—you can use the open shelving, or opt for bins to help hide away the clutter. 19 of 24 Large White Crates Courtesy of Crate and Barrel $69, crateandbarrel.com These large white crates fit perfectly in the shelving unit, and store plenty of toys. 20 of 24 Small Aqua Crates Courtesy of Crate and Barrel $49, crateandbarrel.com Use these colorful smaller crates to make the toys easier for smaller kids to manage. 21 of 24 Savannah Handwoven Seagrass Tote Baskets Courtesy of Pottery Barn $129, potterybarn.com A pretty seagrass basket is the perfect place to stash stuffed animals and other larger toys. 22 of 24 Matisse Art Print 1 Courtesy of Society6 $26, society6.com The colors in this "Wildlife" art print from Henri Matisse perfectly match the reading nook's rug. 23 of 24 Matisse Art Print 2 Courtesy of Society6 $21, society6.com Matisse art prints pull together the room's color scheme—and are stylish enough to suit both parents and kids alike. 24 of 24 Matisse Art Print 3 Courtesy of Society6 $23, society6.com These bold colors and simple lines will still look stylish in the family room long after the kids are grown. 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