from the home of Yvonne Koné
Designing a home isn't always easy, it involves a lot of patience and time to get the right floor plan or to execute your own style that will also gel well with your lifestyle. For some it takes a couple years of being in a space before they finally feel that they've achieved an arrangement that suites them. Others might know exactly what they want from the moment they enter a space.
Whether you like to slowly create a space or have is all laid out in your head, creating a space to suite a family can be a challenge! Kids have a way of throwing a wrench in our design ideas but, fret not! You don't have to totally give up on your dreams of a stylish home just because you're a parent. We've got 7 quick tips for how you can keep everyone happy and make your home kid friendly and parent friendly!
image from Bo Concept
1. Store breakables out of reach
This applies mostly to those with small children, as they see the world and experience a home at their eye level which is quite a bit lower than that of an adult. For this reason, move your breakables up high so that you're not having to constantly keep an eye out for objects that could be broken or hurt the child. This might sound like a no-brainer but if you've lived in your home for a while it's easy to overlook items if they've been in the same place for long. Keep items down low on shelves, items that kids can still touch and use without worry of damage.
photo found via Pinterest
2. Keep it easy
Don't set your expectations too high, set yourself up for success! Rather than choosing that modern, glass top coffee table you've been eyeing (we see you beautiful Gubi Pedrera table) choose pieces that will patina or age well over time and use. Better yet, begin with an older piece. Even if vintage is not your thing, if you have an older item just here and there, mixing it with new and modern pieces, your home will not look like a time warp. Shop online auctions or eBay for classic pieces that have already stood the test of time.
image from Dinesen
3. Add softness
Everyone likes comfort, though not everyone has the same ideas as to what is comfortable. Most of us can agree however that soft surfaces naturally make us feel safe and comforted. Choose some items throughout the house that both parents and kids can feel comfortable being around. Bedding, drapery, rugs and lounge chairs are places you can add softness without getting a giant oversized sofa. Though we love those too!
photo by Sara Medina Lind
4. Choose washable fabrics
Who says that you have to give up personal style when you have kids? We don't think you have to but you might have to make some compromises. Choosing washable fabrics and textiles that will hold up with a lot of us still gives you ample opportunity to express your style choices but gives you more ease of mind that if there is an accident, you can wash and move on quickly. A good idea is a sofa slipcover that can be removed and washed.
home by Norm Architects, a lounge area is kept tidy with hidden drawers
5. Use multipurpose furniture
A great way to keep your home more friendly to all ages is by using a bit less furniture, which isn't so hard to do if you find pieces that can serve more than one purpose. A bench by the window that offers seating but also lifts up to serve as storage for throw blankets, board games or seasonal items. Areas in your home that can do dual duty creates a more minimal space that grown ups and kids can enjoy alike.
photo from Frenchy Fancy
6. Have them help
Children are much more likely to take care of items around the house when they pitch in and help with chores. Vacuuming rugs, taking out the trash, dusting and polishing furniture, even picking up after others, not just themselves. This teaches them the value of caring for items and they are less likely to purposely mistreat or damage household items when they've spent time caring for them as well.
