"Living rooms" that are not lived in are a thing of the past.  Less formal "family rooms" where people actually do their living are far more popular.  These rooms, multi-tasking spaces, offer cushy seating and options to do what families and close friends actually do together (conversing, TV watching, fireplaces for cozy evenings, great views and places to read, play games, work hobbies, grab a nap or enjoy an occasional nosh) have virtually replaced their more formal, underutilized counterparts.  This isn’t to say that the rooms can’t be elegant, tasteful and memorable. These are the public spaces where friends and family gather. They fit the more casual lifestyle most people enjoy today.