From growing kids to growing grandkids, an active family life is a value our clients share, so it’s no surprise that a majority of our projects are designed with young and adolescent children in mind. And best of all, we’ve proven time and time again that you CAN have nice things if there are kids around! So, how do we do it? What tips can you glean to start making changes now, if you’d like to? Come take a look at our top 5 elements of an elevated family-friendly living space that brings function and style together. These tips apply to homes with pets, too. Do your worst, Fido.
1. Performance Fabrics
Performance fabrics, such as Sunbrella and Crypton, can significantly extend the lifetime of your furnishings. These fade-resistant and stain-proof fabrics are perfect for sofas and chairs, ottomans and rugs. We tend to choose them when designing high-traffic areas, rooms with pool or outdoor access, and any spaces used by pets. However, other easy-to-clean seating options include leather, vinyl, or rattan. The choice is yours!
2. Built-Ins with Extra Storage
It’s no secret that custom millwork creates a unique and timeless home, but built-ins are particularly savvy at bringing an additional layer of functionality to family living. This type of cabinetry provides extra storage with child-height drawers and cupboards — perfect for hiding their toys and other miscellaneous items in reach but out of sight. Meanwhile, the shelves above can remain stylishly arranged to maintain your aesthetic.
3. Whimsical Wallpaper
Wallpaper knows no age! We personally love selecting lively prints and patterns for children’s bedrooms, bathrooms, and playrooms. It’s a fun way to honor and encourage the playfulness of childhood, while still remaining sophisticated and elevated for adults. Discover more creative ways to use wallpaper here.
4. Well-Planned Mudroom
If you have the space to include a mudroom in your home, you will never look back from the added functionality it will bring to your family. It will serve you well all year long by stopping snow-covered boots in the winter and corralling all that sand in the summer. Be sure to include shelves and cubbies for easy organization, as this space will quickly become a drop zone for backpacks, shoes, coats, and other accessories.
5. Child-Friendly Furnishings
If you have kiddos running around, you’ve probably experienced some tears after accidental bumps into furniture. (Been there.) Swapping out more traditional elements like solid coffee tables and dining chairs for soft ottomans and bench seats is a simple way to reduce the risk of injury.
With these 5 tips (and many more up our sleeves), designing elevated family-friendly living spaces that can be loved by all ages is well within reach. There’s no need to wait until “someday” to enjoy a high-quality, stylish home — just like there is no perfect moment to start living vibrantly. Both can start as soon as you make the decision. So why not now?
Xoxo,
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