The Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist : The Family Fun Room

Written By Kayla Wright

FAMILY FUN ROOM — FULL SHOPPING LIST

Purpose: Shared desks & computers + light seating + joyful, comfortable hangout
Vibe: Productive, friendly, cozy, low-friction (not sterile)

1. DESKS & CORE FURNITURE (x4 USERS)

Desks

  • 4 matching desks (same size, height, finish)

  • Desk grommets (if desks don’t include them)

  • Desk leveling feet (if floors are uneven)

Chairs

  • 4 ergonomic task chairs

    • Adjustable height

    • Adjustable arms

    • Tilt + tension control

    • Quiet casters

Drawer & Desk Storage

  • 4 rolling drawer units (soft-close preferred)

  • Desk drawer organizers

  • Vertical file holders

  • Under-desk hooks (bags/headphones)

2. DESK COMFORT & USER EXPERIENCE (PER DESK)

  • Desk mat (felt, cork, or leatherette)

  • Adjustable footrest or rocking footrest

  • Monitor riser OR monitor arm

  • Laptop stand (if applicable)

  • External keyboard

  • External mouse

  • Wrist rest (optional)

  • Personal catch tray

  • Small desk plant (real or faux)

3. POWER, ELECTRICAL & CABLE MANAGEMENT (PER DESK)

  • Wall-mounted surge protector

  • UPS battery backup

  • Desktop power hub (USB + outlets)

  • Under-desk cable tray

  • Cord sleeves (cut-to-length)

  • Velcro cable ties (multiple)

  • Cable labels

  • Adhesive cord clips

  • Raceway sections (wall → desk)

  • Outlet safety covers (unused plugs)

4. TECH CARE, CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

  • Screen cleaner spray

  • Microfiber cloths (multiple)

  • Keyboard cleaning gel

  • Compressed air

  • Device wipes

  • Small electronics brush

5. LIGHT SEATING ZONE (SEPARATE FROM LIVING ROOM)

Furniture

  • Couch (smaller scale than living room)

  • 1 accent chair

  • 2 side tables

    • One beside couch

    • One beside chair

Comfort Layers

  • 2 throw blankets (washable)

  • 2–4 cushions (washable covers)

  • Area rug (low–medium pile)

  • Rug pad (non-slip)

6. LIGHTING (LAYERED + WARM)

Overhead

  • Dimmable ceiling fixture

Task Lighting

  • 4 desk lamps (matching, warm-neutral)

  • Adjustable task lamp near seating (optional)

Ambient Lighting

  • Floor lamp (seating zone)

  • Table lamp (side table)

Bulbs & Controls

  • Warm bulbs (2700–3000K)

  • Smart bulbs or dimmer switches

  • Spare bulbs (matching warmth)

7. FAIRY LIGHTS / PEBBLE LIGHTS (JOY LAYER)

  • Warm white fairy lights OR pebble lights

  • Timer plug or built-in timer

  • Remote control (if applicable)

  • Adhesive hooks or clips

  • Extra batteries (if battery-powered)

  • Glass bowl, jar, or shelf placement piece

Suggested placement

  • Along shelving

  • Under cabinets

  • Behind desks or seating for glow (not visible cords)

8. SOUND, SENSORY & VISUAL SOFTENING

  • Curtains or fabric panels

  • Felt pads for all furniture legs

  • Fabric wall art or acoustic panels

  • Door sweep / draft blocker

  • Optional white noise machine

9. STORAGE & ORGANIZATION (CLOSED FIRST)

  • Wall cabinets with doors

  • Lidded bins for shared tech

  • Shelf liners

  • Drawer dividers

  • Label maker

  • Extra labels

  • File boxes with lids

  • Inventory notebook

10. PETS

  • Dog beds

  • Cat towers

  • cat toy basket

  • dog toys basket

11. JOY & PERSONALIZATION (NON-NEGOTIABLE)

  • 1–3 framed art pieces or photos

  • Decorative tray (side table or shelf)

  • Plant (real or faux)

  • One playful or sentimental object

  • Seasonal textile (small pillow or throw)

  • Color accent item (controlled, intentional)

12. SAFETY & HARDWARE (DOWN TO THE SCREWS)

  • Fire extinguisher

  • First aid kit

  • Light plate covers

  • Plug-in plate covers

  • Wall anchors

  • Screw assortment kit

  • Screwdriver set

  • Drill bits

  • Stud finder

  • Level

  • Furniture floor protectors

  • Cord concealers

13. CLEANING & LONG-TERM CARE

  • Cleaning cloths

  • Disinfecting wipes

  • Small broom & dustpan

  • Trash bin (lidded)

  • Trash bags (stored nearby)

  • Touch-up paint (noted color)

  • Lint roller

FINAL CHECK — FAMILY FUN ROOM IS DONE WHEN:

✔ Every person has a comfortable desk
✔ Lighting is warm at night
✔ There is somewhere soft to sit
✔ Fairy or pebble lights are glowing
✔ Cords are hidden
✔ Snacks/drinks are nearby (from living room)
✔ The room feels friendly, not rigid
✔ It’s easy to clean and maintain

What Comes Next

If you’re at the point where you no longer want to think about your home — and you’re ready for it to quietly support your life instead — you can learn more about working together here:

Learn more about my interior design services in Bend & Portland, Oregon
Kayla Wright

Hi, I’m Kayla Wright - a designer based in Oregon, serving clients locally in Portland and Bend and worldwide via Zoom and email.

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The Interior Designer’s Room-by-Room Planning Checklist: The Living Room