Designing interior spaces that are both beautiful and kid-friendly requires a thoughtful approach that balances aesthetics and functionality. Here are some secrets of the trade that we rely on to create spaces that everyone in the family will love.
One – Choose Durable Materials
Fabrics and hard surface materials have come a long way in the last decade and there are a wide variety of options that are both aesthetically pleasing and able to withstand the wear and tear of everyday life with kids and pets. For flooring, consider porcelain tile, which is easy to clean and resistant to stains and scratches. Quartz countertops are an excellent choice for busy families because they too are easy to clean and highly resistant to stains and scratches. For upholstery, choose performance fabrics, which repel moisture and are very forgiving when it comes to those accidental spills.
Two – Plan Designated Play Zones
Designate specific areas within the space for kids to play, learn, or engage in their favorite activities. This helps maintain a sense of order and keeps the rest of the space more adult-oriented. If you are designing a new home or planning a remodel, you can incorporate separate spaces for kid-friendly activities that can evolve as they grow. For example, a playroom off the kitchen can become a teen hangout space and later a home office. If you are not embarking on a construction project, but wanting to update your furnishings, kid-friendly zones can be created within the existing spaces of the home. Use storage solutions like bookshelves, storage baskets, and toy chests to keep toys and art supplies organized in these play zones and within reach. Custom furniture pieces can even be designed to double as storage.
Three – Include a Separate Work Surface in Your Kitchen
Busy families spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. One of the best ways to encourage kids to stay close to mom and dad while they are cooking is to give them a space in the kitchen where they can play and create without the risk of getting in the way or hurting themselves. If you are designing a kitchen from the ground up, a second island is a great option. Kids can help cook, color, play or even do their homework at the island without encroaching on your space. Another way to achieve this is to select a table for the space that has durable top, so you don’t have to worry about scratches and spills.
Four – Storage, Storage, Storage
How many of you grew up hearing your mother say, “A place for everything, everything in its place”? Perhaps I’m dating myself, but my mother is indeed the queen of organization and while I am nowhere near as well-organized as she is, I must admit that there is nothing more satisfying when trying to clear away clutter than knowing where to put it! Creating organization in those areas that kids frequent, such as the mud room, pantry, and playroom can make all the difference in the world. Incorporate custom storage units into your design where it is feasible and utilize baskets, bins, drawer organizers, and labels to help kids learn where everything goes and easily locate items.
Five – Design Kid Spaces That Grow With Them
As your children grow, their needs and interests will change. Avoid decorating your child’s room or playroom in trendy themes that they will likely outgrow. Instead, incorporate bold colors and fabrics that appeal to your children today, but are timeless enough to withstand their changing taste. Another approach that we often take is to design with an overall neutral palette and add fun accents that are easy to change down the road, like colorful throw pillows and area rugs.
With careful planning and the help of an experienced interior designer, it is possible to create beautiful spaces that can stand up to the demands of growing families. Let Karen Black Interiors help you create a beautiful and practical space that the whole family to for years to come.
Karen Black