Typically I like to discuss all the ways we can make your home beautiful but as a designer it’s equally important to share tips on functionality. And for a lot of us that starts with understanding the ways you can beautify your home while keeping it functional with young kids and pets. We often worry that we can’t have a beautiful home when our kids are young but these two things are definitely not mutually exclusive.
Kids and pets bring such immense joy to us and while they can bring a mess, there are ways to make your home more efficient during this phase of life. If you’re struggling with creating the perfect home that functions well for your young family, I’m here to help.
1/ Always Use Performance Fabrics
Once upon a time performance meant outdoor fabrics that were itchy and rough. None of us would have wanted those in our homes. The design industry has come such a very long way. Manufacturers responded to our demand for better fabrics and now the performance options are soft to the touch in a wonderful range of colours (even white!). Any spills will sit on top of the fabric which allows you to clean it up without any trace left behind. Pet stains are also easy to clean and even those little claws will be better protected with a flat weave performance fabric.
2/ Embrace Open Concept
If you think the only way to keep your home clean and tidy is by having a separate playroom, think again. It’s more fun when the whole family can be together so designate a portion of your space to kids. Let them learn independence to play alone while you’re within arms reach to help out when needed.
One of the best parts of having the playroom in a main living area is that your kids are going to learn to be responsible for tidying up. Unlike a separate playroom where the door will be closed it’s more likely you’ll want to have a daily clean up as part of the routine when it’s a main living space.
3/ Opt For Closed Storage
Whether it’s storage for your stuff or your kids’ stuff, consider using closed storage options when they’re young. It’s important to have spaces to hide toys and not all of that is going to pair well with your design style. By closing the door on it when it’s not being used you can reclaim your space.
You don’t need to be limited to just closed storage. Like this photo above it’s possible to have a few shelves or open storage above the closed portion. The bottom can act as storage for toys and games while you still get to show off your favourite decor items.
4/ Add In Soft Seating
If you often entertain both adults and kids you may find you’re always in need of extra seating. Instead of dragging in the disney themed soft chairs into your entertaining spaces you can include additional seating using ottomans, poufs and floor pillows. Kids can bounce around on those smaller seats while the adults enjoy the sofa and chairs.
When they’re not in use it’s easy to tuck them away and they don’t take up too much space. Just be sure to look for items that blend into the rest of your decor. These small accent pieces should work with the rest of the room.
5/ Choose Dog Beds Carefully
So often I see homes where the large dog bed seems to draw too much attention. I don’t know why manufacturers select such ugly fabrics but they can become an eye sore in your otherwise beautiful space. Instead of hitting big box stores for this item, go online and search for small companies that specialize in stylish dog beds. Yes you’ll pay a bit more but having your pet’s bed blend into your environment will be worth the cost.
6/ Be Careful With Rugs
You can’t have a well designed home without rugs to finish off the space but if you have young kids and pets you’ll want to consider the fabrics more thoroughly. Skip the synthetic versions because they’re not great for cleaning spills and stains.
Instead opt for natural fabrics like wool and jute. These are the easiest to keep clean and will last the longest. If you really have issues with dirt then opt for patterned over solid and look towards darker colours to help hide more. I love the rug we selected in this family living room because it’s light and bright but the pattern helps to hide any small messes.
7/ Avoid Glass (Unless You Love to Clean)
I love glass tables but it’s hard to avoid noticing every little mark made by messy fingers. Kids can’t resist touching things as they learn to navigate their way through the world. And even worse than little fingerprints are the floating hairs left by your pet.
Go for neutral toned wood tables instead. Yes, you’ll still be cleaning regularly but you won’t be as frustrated by the glaring mess that can accumulate on glass. If you really can’t live without glass, consider a wood coffee table and incorporate the glass as side tables.
8/ Consider What Your Kids Need
As a mom of grown kids I can look back now and see that so much of the stuff that seems essential is not. We all know the joke about kids walking away from the expensive toys to play with the box. The reality is we bring too much stuff into our home that sits neglected and ignored. Really consider this so your home doesn’t become overrun with toys.
Another great tip is to purge often. The toys your kids are enjoying today will be forgotten a few months from now. Either pack them up to save for the future or donate/sell them today. It’s not
If your current home is feeling more like a daycare centre than a home, reach out to me. I can help you design the home you’re desiring while taking into consideration all the members of your family.
