Designing a large family home has its challenges. One of those challenges is designing for the family itself—and making it kid-friendly! When children come into the world, we want nothing more than to keep them safe. That includes making homes safe places for children to run, play, and explore. Over the years, we have given our clients many tips on how to maintain a family friendly living room. Here are a few that they’ve found most helpful:
When designing with children, you have to think from the floor up. If you have infants or toddlers, then looking for sharp corners is a good place to start. When you can, go for round shapes. This especially applies to coffee tables. They’re just the right height for little ones to run into, so a round coffee table will help you avoid many bumps and bruises. If your little ones love to climb on the sofa, then you might also want to consider kid-height ottomans for extra seating and play surfaces.
Climbing is one thing, but once they get on the sofa they’re bringing their juice with them. Spills are bound to happen, but there’s no need to worry! When looking for ottomans, sofas, and chairs, make sure the upholstery is stain-resistant. This will make it easier to clean and your seating will last for years.
Place your statement pieces out of reach. That beautiful, fragile floor lamp might look beautiful in the shop, but it can be easily knocked over. Instead, consider statement pieces such as paintings and chandeliers that are out of the way of kids’ playtime activities.
When working with your designer, the most important thing to remember is simple: you’re designing for a family. Your space should invite movie nights, family get-togethers, and an area for memories to be created. Make sure your layout and seating is appropriate for the size of your family and allows for plenty of cozy bonding time.
