Designing a Kid-Friendly Home
It’s a challenge that parents have faced for generations – how to create a livable, attractive and comfortable home that doesn’t look like a day care center. Have you thrown up your hands in despair, thinking that you’ll have to forgo decorating until the kids are in college? Are you resigned to using garage sale furnishings and plastic dinnerware? Hold on… help is on the way! You can create a home where your children are welcome – and your sense of style can run free.
Here are some great tips for creating an environment where everyone gets what they want. If you’re still searching for the perfect new home layout for your family, explore our Ernest Homes floor plans designed with everyday living in mind.
Simple Pleasures
When you’re building a room that works for all members of the family, regardless of age, the less fuss, the better. Simple styles, clean and casual looks, and furniture with a vintage flair tend to fare better than other choices. Avoid skirted furniture in favor of exposed legs; the extra fabric attracts dirt, shoe prints and dust bunnies.
Sturdy, rough-hewn country pieces, furniture with a weathered look and cushiony bohemian styles create a cohesive appearance and stand up to wear and tear. These low-maintenance looks also free up more time for family instead of constant cleaning. Avoid long curtains or draperies that can snag or encourage climbing. Minimize tablecloths as they are frequently pulled, tugged or caught.
Go Bold!
The secret to camouflaging stains, fingerprints and spills is to choose deep, vibrant colors, rich patterns and touchable textures. Avoid light-colored, delicate fabrics that show every mark. If you prefer neutrals, consider heathered finishes or deep marled hues in gray or navy.
Be Tough
When decorating a family home, durable, washable and liquid-proof materials are essential. Walls take a beating, so invest in glossy or washable matte paint. Check product instructions before choosing brand and color.
Choose sturdy fabrics with a flat weave rather than lightweight or looped textures. A good test: run your fingers over the fabric — the noisier it is, the more durable it will be. Low-maintenance options include vinyl, pleather, ultrasuede, twill, denim, velvet, wool, felt and natural fabrics blended with synthetics for added strength.
You may be surprised to learn that leather is a smart choice; it wipes clean with a paper towel and looks even better as it ages. When choosing upholstery, request stain-resistant finishes or Scotchgard protection. Look for zip-off cushion covers or add removable furniture covers.
Flooring presents unique challenges. Tile, wood, laminate and linoleum are easy to clean. Rustic or distressed hardwoods hide imperfections well. Wall-to-wall carpet provides softness for young children but can be harder to maintain. If you choose carpet, opt for medium or dark shades with stain protection. Nylon and wool-nylon blends offer durability and softness.
Get the Best Bang for Your Buck
You may think inexpensive, disposable furniture makes sense while kids are small — but its short lifespan means it ends up in a landfill quickly. Instead, invest in well-made furniture that can withstand heavy use. Solid construction and upgraded cushions last for years and can be reupholstered once children outgrow their most active phases. Rounded corners are also a smart choice for safety.
Go High
You can still decorate with fragile, heirloom or sentimental pieces — just place them wisely. The “kid zone” extends up to 45 inches from the floor. Display valuable or delicate items higher on walls or inside sturdy display cabinets.
Give Your Kids Places to Be Themselves
Kids are far more likely to respect a clean, organized home when they have spaces of their own. Try painting a wall with chalkboard paint for creative expression, or mix magnetic additives into paint to create a rotating art wall. Consider a reading nook, art corner, or open play space for dance or gymnastics.
If you're ready to create a beautiful new family space from the ground up, explore our available homes in Effingham County or Bryan County.
