5 TIPS TO CREATING A FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOME
Is the thought of crayon on the sofa or a knocked over vase keeping you from achieving your decor dreams? We understand. Between the little ones running around with various coloring instruments and the dog jumping all over the furniture, it’s no wonder redecorating gets put on the back burner “until the kids get a little older.” But you don’t have to sacrifice style to have a family-friendly space! We have just the tips to help you have your design and childproofing too. Try them out and we promise, you won’t be crying over spilled milk!
Find a forgiving rug.
A great starting point is to find an attractive rug that is also forgiving! Steer clear of synthetic fabrics, as they tend to be pricey and difficult to clean. For a busy family home, we highly recommend natural fiber or wool rugs, — they’re not only durable, they come in large sizes at affordable prices. Additionally, be sure to choose a rug with a low pile, because the lower the pile, the less dirt the rug absorbs. And if it’s really a high-traffic area, opt for an indoor/outdoor rug, which are made to be resistant.
Image via West Elm.
Cut the corners.
We’ve all had close calls with those sharp coffee table edges! Sure, we can childproof them with the plastic stick-on corners, but they’re truly no match for a determined kid with a strong grip. Plus, they cramp our style. So avoid them altogether by choosing a round coffee table or an upholstered ottoman with a tray on top. You’ll alleviate your safety concerns and may even get a little extra storage. Now that’s an elegant solution.
Test the fabrics.
Beware: stores will often tell you what you want to hear. So if you’re in the market for a stain-proof sofa or chair, all of a sudden, virtually everything is a candidate. Don’t just trust — verify! Ask for a swatch (most online vendors will ship them for free), stain it and see for yourself if it comes out. After all, the proof is in the pudding (or grape juice).
Image via Pinterest.
Create a play station.
Every kids wants to be a part of the action! They love to follow you around and deplore being relegated to a different room when the adults are all hanging out. In the spirit of, “If you can’t beat them, join them, create a corner for them in your primary living space that goes with the room’s aesthetics but is all theirs. It will contain the clutter and keep the kids occupied while the adults have their fun. Plus, it will hopefully steer the kids away from the more expensive pieces.
Image via California by Design.
Embrace seating of all sizes.
Another great way to consider your little ones in your interior décor plan is to give them seating of their own. A specially designated area by the sofa and coffee table — with a little lounge chair perhaps — will make them feel special AND keep them off the beautiful sofa!
Hopefully we’ve convinced you that, while you may need to make some compromises, you can decorate while the kids are still young! Do you have other great tips we should know about? Share it with us here or on our our Facebook page.
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