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This Jen Lula home tour looks at a family space shaped around everyday life, shared activities, and room to grow. After living in a loft-style apartment, Jen and her family began looking for a larger home as they prepared for their second daughter. They were drawn to the open floor plan and backyard, even though the house needed updating.
Finding a home with room to grow
The family searched for a home that would better suit their changing needs. The spacious layout and outdoor area stood out, while the opportunity to update the interiors offered a way to make the house feel more personal. Jen noted that a fresh coat of white paint can be a simple starting point when a home needs a brighter, more unified look.
A room connected to family memories
One room carries a particularly meaningful story: Jen’s daughter was born there. The family had expected the birth to take place in the bedroom, but events moved quickly, and they did not make it off the couch. The memory gives the room personal significance that goes beyond its furnishings or decor.
Jen Lula home tour: making the living space work
When the family shared their home, they had lived there for seven months. Settling each room took time. Their daughter Rowan’s bedroom was the first space they completed, and the living area became the second. They tried different furniture arrangements as they worked out what suited the room.
At first, a large sectional and television occupied the space. Since guests often gather in the kitchen during parties, Jen preferred not to make the television the room’s focal point. The aim was to keep the area open, welcoming, and conducive to conversation. When planning a shared living room, arranging seating around conversation rather than a screen can help the space feel more connected.
A practical space for play and downtime
The family uses the room for cooking, play, creative activities, and reading together. Instead of setting aside a child-free area, they made storage and activity spots part of the room: baskets hold toys, dresser drawers contain puzzles and games, and Rowan has a small art corner. These choices keep favorite activities accessible while helping everyday items stay organized.
The layout also lets family members stay close while dinner is being prepared. In winter, Jen and Kev bring two chaise lounges together to make what they call a “couch bed” and sit by the fire to talk. Flexible seating can serve different needs throughout the day, from reading and play to relaxing together in the evening.
What makes this home feel personal
Jen’s home shows how a room can become more useful through thoughtful furniture placement, accessible storage, and space for shared routines. A home does not have to be fully updated or finished all at once; the family’s experience shows that arrangements can evolve as needs become clearer.
In this Jen Lula home tour, the most distinctive details are the ones tied to daily life: a birth story, a child’s art corner, and a flexible gathering space. For families planning a similar room, start with how everyone uses it, then choose storage and seating that support those activities.
