New Construction Upgrades That Add Value: A Guide to Personalizing Your New Home
Posted by Dan O'Malley in Home Design
What Is a Morning Room?
A morning room is a sunny living space where homeowners can catch up with guests, work from home, or simply get in some rest and relaxation.
With their copious windows, intimate seating space, and virtually endless uses, morning rooms are a highly desirable new home feature for good reason. Learn how to decorate your morning room with these ideas from our professionally decorated model homes!
Morning Room Decorating Ideas
Morning room décor is all about creating an inviting, warm space, whether you plan to get everyday use out of it or show it off primarily when hosting.
Entertaining Area for Guests
One of the most common takes on a morning room is a casual entertainment space where homeowners can have guests over to catch up over coffee or tea.
This is an especially suitable idea for your morning room if you host in-laws or other overnight guests frequently at your home, since it provides a welcoming place to sit down and catch up as soon as they arrive and before they start unpacking.
Get the Look:
You’ll need a setup that invites conversation in this morning room décor theme:
- 4+ matching chairs
- Gentle, cool-toned colors
- A coffee table that can fit coffee or tea service or simple tabletop décor
- An area rug to warm up the space
Home Office
Those who work from home can utilize the morning room as a light-filled home office or study, as long as the space is intentionally laid out to avoid screen glare.
Many morning rooms enjoy backyard views through their many windows, which can create a peaceful, private environment for buckling down to get some work or writing done.
Get the Look:
Go for a distraction-free, efficient zone you’ll enjoy working in:
- Neutral colors
- A spacious desk facing the windows (not away from them)
- A comfortable office chair
- Bookshelves
- A second seating area option
Dining Nook
Some choose to use their morning room as a formal or second dining space, which allows more friends and family to enjoy the views from this room!
The key here is not to overcrowd the space. Don’t cram guests in at the table if your morning room can’t quite fit the table size you need comfortably.
Get the Look:
Create a light and bright space to emphasize all the natural light here:
- Warm, light-toned colors
- A dining table that allows plenty of wiggle room around it
- A small buffet or China cabinet
- Window drapes for an evening dining option
Sitting Room
If you have enough entertaining spaces throughout your home and just want an informal area to browse social media, meal plan for the week, or start your day in peace and quiet, opt for a quaint sitting room setup.
Get the Look:
Prioritize comfort and convenience for your oasis:
- Your favorite colors, wall art, and/or area rug
- Plush seating—an accent chair and a sectional for different options
- A small coffee table
- Statement lighting
Reading Lounge
Escape to enjoy your favorite pastime by creating a reading room! Morning rooms are perfect fits since they provide plenty of light throughout the day and give you your own sanctuary while the little one naps or when you have a cozy weekend in.
Get the Look:
You’ll need a well-lit space that you can relax in comfortably:
- Light colors that bounce off light
- Reading lights
- A recliner, chaise lounge, and/or sofa for comfortable, long-term seating
- Bookshelves
- Blanket throws and pillows
Colorful Living Area
Maybe you want to go a little bold with your morning room and set apart a space from the rest of your home’s living areas. We’re here for it!
Choose a color scheme and pattern and make a fun hangout option for your household and guests alike.
Get the Look:
Once you’ve decided how much you want to commit to the space, create a colorful, yet still efficient hangout area:
- Stick to 1–2 colors so as not to overwhelm the size of the room
- Choose either a bold wall color or bold furniture—not both
- Add seating and tables that can accommodate appetizers and wine, coffee, etc. to get plenty of use at any time of day
From a music room to a reading room or anything in between, your morning room can flex for whatever fits your lifestyle! Learn more about flex rooms and their boundless potential.
Author
Dan O'Malley
Author
Dan O’Malley is the Vice President of Product Development for M/I Homes.With over 30 years of expertise in residential architecture and design, Dan has been overseeing the product needs of the company's 16 divisions located throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Nashville and Texas for the past 12 years. Before joining M/I Homes, he was a partner in the Chicago office of BSB Design, a national residential architectural firm, for 14 years. Dan is an expert in all aspects of single-family and multifamily design and has received several awards for his successful projects. He is also a popular speaker at various industry events, including the International Builder’s Show, Midwest Builder’s Show, and Multi-Housing World.
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Author
Dan O'Malley
Author
Dan O’Malley is the Vice President of Product Development for M/I Homes.With over 30 years of expertise in residential architecture and design, Dan has been overseeing the product needs of the company's 16 divisions located throughout the Midwest, Southeast, Nashville and Texas for the past 12 years. Before joining M/I Homes, he was a partner in the Chicago office of BSB Design, a national residential architectural firm, for 14 years. Dan is an expert in all aspects of single-family and multifamily design and has received several awards for his successful projects. He is also a popular speaker at various industry events, including the International Builder’s Show, Midwest Builder’s Show, and Multi-Housing World.