Madison Res. Contemporary Family Room, New York

This entertainment center is full of secrets — a pullout chair saves space and blends into the surrounding cabinetry, while a full-size file cabinet resides under the TV.“The client needed a little hub or command center for herself and her three kids, but she didn’t need a full desk, since so much is paperless these days,” says Connor.

Day 1: Deal with dust.Cleaning tasks: If you have a good vacuum with attachments, that’s the fastest and easiest way to banish dust in the living room. There’s no denying this is a lot of work, so consider this your official excuse to skip the gym today!Vacuum the room from top to bottom, starting with cobwebs on the ceiling and working your way down to the floor. Window treatments like blinds and shades can be vacuumed using an attachment.If your curtains are washable, take them down and toss them in the wash on the gentlest cycle.Vacuum or dust light fixtures, the tops of bookcases, picture frames and the mantel. Decluttering tasks: Remove anything that does not belong in the room — other people’s stuff, dishes from the kitchen, stray socks etc. — and return them to their rightful places.

7. Hide a DeskDo you or your kids need a little room to work (or play video games) in the living room? In this hardworking family room from Cory Connor Designs, a cushioned bench on wheels slides out to access a workstation. Tucked in, it looks like another cabinet. The vibrant turquoise bookshelf backs highlight the carefully chosen family photos and objects.

Slide out seat with cushion for desk area

Wallpaper in bookshelves and desk built-in

Love built-in storage and seating.