Family room

[1][2] Often, the family room is located adjacent to the kitchen, and at times, flows into it with no visual breaks.

[3] A family room often has doors leading to the back yard and specific outdoor living areas such as a deck, garden, or terrace.

The term family room is defined in the 1945 book Tomorrow's House by George Nelson and Henry Wright.

This "big room" would have furnishings and materials that were "tough", for hard use, and it should be easy to clean.

[6] In homes with more than one, the family room is less formal, both in function and furnishings and is located away from the main entrance, while the living room is usually the more formal, reserved for guests, special occasions and the display of items such as antiques or artwork.