Home is where the heart is, and the living room sits squarely at the center of family life. Whether it’s playing board games on the floor, making sofa-cushion forts, watching a movie or lounging with a favorite book on a rainy day, the living room is where everyone gathers to relax and reconnect.

Today’s busy families need a comfortable space to hang out together, to put their feet up without worrying about mussing the decor.

“For families it’s all about quality time. They want to be together in the same space, so we’re seeing people ask for an open concept,” said Carrie Wall of Home Construction, Inc. in Windham. “There’s a move away from the formal dining and living rooms of years past. So if Mom and Dad are cooking in the kitchen, they are still close enough to supervise homework or talk to guests.”

Another trend that Wall noted is the move toward smaller homes with higher quality amenities. Rather than the cavernous McMansions, homeowners are looking for “more bang for the buck. The realization is that bigger is not necessarily better,” Wall said. “Couples are busy with jobs and the kids, and too much house drains precious time and energy.”

A smaller, energy-efficient house is more eco-friendly and easier on the wallet to heat and maintain. With less square footage, homeowners are able to afford such amenities as radiant heat flooring, high quality cabinetry, custom built-ins and the latest technology. The living room has become a versatile space that encompasses a range of activities. “People are using less space but they are doing more with it,” Wall added.

Wall and husband Mark, who co-own Home Construction, Inc., put their design philosophy to work in their own Windham home, which they built nine years ago. The open concept kitchen/living area allows an organic flow between work and play so they can stay close to sons Jake and Seth.

“As builders who happen to be parents, we understand what our clients want because we’ve put it into our own home,” Wall said. “We don’t want the kids by themselves in a rec room over the garage.”

Keeping things relaxed and comfortable does take some planning so that clutter doesn’t take over. Interior designer Karen Hazzard of Tallwood Design in Readfield helps her clients plan their living spaces with an eye for both comfort and functionality.

“We used to hide the TV, but now it’s usually a sleek flat-screen that’s mounted on the wall like artwork. Since technology is so much a part of our lives, we incorporate it into the design process,” Hazzard said. “A smart use of space is vital. The coffee table and ottoman need to be easily moved for different activities. Built-ins can be designed with interesting niches and open spaces to display the family’s collections, but also need to include cabinets to hide games, DVDs and other gadgetry.”

By keeping things simple and organized, the living room can serve many purposes while still maintaining its function as a comforting hub of family life.

When Ralph and Kathy Record built a new home in Wayne after the children had grown, they wanted enough room to entertain the kids and grandkids, but they also wanted to simplify so the house would be efficient and user-friendly.

The Records consulted Hazzard to help them design a built-in for their living room that would be both functional and architecturally interesting. The design achieved all that and more, with asymmetrical open shelving along the upper portion of the structure for the couple’s collection of artwork, sculpture and books. On either side of the gas fireplace, cabinets allow them to keep gadgets and electronics out of sight, and there’s a cleverly designed movable arm for the TV to keep it out of the way when not in use.

“I’m really happy with the built-in. It’s exactly what we were looking for,” said Kathy Record. “We wanted a contemporary feel that wasn’t fussy or cluttery, and that’s what we got. It’s simple, clean, functional and beautiful.”

As for seating, the experts advise it should be hardworking, versatile and grouped around the various activities. Hazzard’s clients also want their living room to feel cozy and intimate, so she suggests window seats, luxurious area rugs, and the warmth of wood for floors and other areas.

Wall and Hazzard said their clients tend to choose traditional colors. Earthy khakis, greens and terra cottas are still very popular, but even the most conservative homeowner wants some lively colors as accents.

Lori Douglas Clark is a freelance writer who lives in Readfield.