- August 20, 2024
- Risha Walden
Your starter home will be different from your forever home – and a home full of kids and pets will look different from a house without them!
How can you decorate your home to be kid-friendly and functional? There are many aspects to consider – how to keep everything clean, what durable materials you can use, how to make the most efficient use of your space, and what colors are best. So let’s break it down.
What durable materials can I use?
When it comes to the materials in your home, make sure they are durable and resistant to rips and tears. Recycled polyester, for example, is a high-performance fabric that has an excellent level of protection. And the best part – it’s vegan!
I also love using high-performance fabrics like Sunbrella or Crypton. These uniquely engineered textiles are explicitly designed for high-traffic areas and furniture items. I use them in my clients’ homes for pieces like the living room sofa or kitchen counter stools.
In terms of decorations, make sure you use accents less likely to be broken by kids or pets. Books or sturdy metal pieces are great decorative items that are not easy to break. Use high shelves for delicate items such as glass pottery and plants that may not be safe. I always include greenery in my space, so having a safe area for plants is essential.
How can I make the best use of my space?
A great way to maximize your space is to create multi-functional areas. For example, your entryway can double as a storage hub, organizing shoes, coats, and bags.
Use storage bins to keep your space tidy. Secret storage bins can hide the kids’ toys for when you have your adult friends over – think stylish ottoman that is actually a trunk for extra blankets or toys. Built-ins are a great way to add extra spaced without compromising on your style. For example, include lower cabinets that can store your stuff and be child-proofed for safety.
When I work on designing my clients’ homes, I always take the time to make sure every member of the household – pets and kids included – have somewhere they can decompress and find peace. I have found that these spaces are invaluable and contribute to the harmony of the whole home. So whether your kids have a tiny lounge area or the pets have a dedicated space, incorporating relaxation spaces into your home is important.
How could I ever keep it clean?
To ensure things stay clean, you want to plan ahead of time. Make sure your home contains stain-resistant materials, including high-performance fabrics like Crypton, Sunbrella, and Revolution.
Using specific colors may also work better for your busy household. Say goodbye to the white sofa and curtains, and instead invest in colors that will mask the dirt so you don’t have to vacuum your couch every day. If you have a pet with dark fur, for example, think about getting a darker-colored couch. If you love white, consider investing in quality furniture covers that you can easily throw in the washer. Using patterns can mask spills and stains.
When selecting cleaning supplies, choose nontoxic cleaners that are not heavily chemical-based. Instead, look for labels like organic, biodegradable, and ‘safer choice.’ 
As you can tell, you genuinely don’t have to compromise your design preferences for your lifestyle. Your space can be clean, functional, and beautiful all at the same time!
Your home won’t always look perfect; there will be inevitable messes. But having well-designed functional spaces sets you up for success when dealing with a busy household.
