As a parent, you want your kids to feel happy and content at home. Your home should be a haven for all members of your family. If you’ve recently welcomed a new addition, or you have a toddler rushing around, it’s wise to ensure your home is child-friendly and that it works on a practical level. Here are some tips to help you tick the fun and functional boxes.
Storage
When you welcome a bundle of joy into the world, one of the first things you notice is that little people have a lot of stuff. Storage is crucial for family-friendly living spaces, and it can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your home clean and tidy and minimising stress at the end of the day. If you invest in storage solutions, it takes a matter of minutes to turn a playroom that resembles a bombsite into a beautiful, neat, clutter-free zone. There are myriad options available, and you can make purchases according to the function and look of the room. In childrens’ bedrooms and playrooms, shelving units, boxes, crates, tubs and systems that have drawers and cubby holes work perfectly. If you’re looking for something chic and stylish for a living room, search for furniture that has hidden storage, for example, tables with pull-out drawers or footstools that have concealed storage under the cushion. You can also create a feature out of open shelving on one wall or hang shelves or wall-mounted units to maximise floor space.
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/flat-screen-television-1827054/
Flooring
Flooring is an essential consideration when designing spaces that deliver on both style and substance. If you have children or pets, it’s wise to opt for a type of flooring that will stand the test of time and be easy to clean and maintain. Match the materials you choose to the aesthetic and feel you want to create, and compare different styles and prices before you make a decision. If you love the rustic look, or you’re keen to channel the natural trend, take a look at wooden flooring options and read about engineered wood flooring vs solid wood flooring. If you’re worried about wear and tear, or you’re on a tight budget, it’s worth considering laminate or vinyl flooring. With these options, you can recreate the look of more expensive materials in areas such as entrance halls and corridors, which tend to bear the brunt of feet and paws.
Picture by https://pixabay.com/photos/kitchen-interior-design-room-dining-2565105/
Add A Carpet Or Rug
As attractive as hardwood and stone flooring might be, some people might prefer a softer floor. That could make carpets and rugs more attractive options. Kids will often go through a lot of bumps. With how inevitable these are, the best you can often do is make sure it doesn’t hurt them.
There are a few other benefits to this, as well. Alongside having a certain visual appeal, they can make walking around more comfortable. Many children, especially below a certain age tend to run around barefoot. Making things more comfortable for them could be a nice thing to do.
That’s especially true if you have a baby that’s learning to crawl. The softer and more comfortable this can be, the better. Other flooring options could also be quite cold. You might prefer that your baby is crawling around something somewhat warmer.
Since carpets and rugs have a natural insulation effect, your baby isn’t going to be as cold if they’re crawling around on the floor. You can also use these alongside setting aside specific zones for your child.
If you’re going this route, adding a carpet or rug for that particular area might be a great option. Not only would you get the advantages of the rug, but you could still use hardwood flooring or tiles in other areas of the room.
You’ll need to keep in mind that you should make sure that all rugs and carpets are clean. With how messy a child can be, you might need to do this pretty regularly. That’ll prevent any health hazards, however.
Creating distinctive zones
One of the most effective ways to make your home more child-friendly is to section off rooms or zones that are geared towards activities, messy play and enjoying quality time together. If you don’t have the luxury of a playroom, you can create distinctive areas in your kitchen or living room to make space for children to read, play with toys and get creative. Chalkboard walls are a great addition to open-plan, versatile kitchens and you can set up a chill-out zone in your living room to kick back and listen to music, read stories and relax. All you need is some beanbags, mini chairs and sofas or floor cushions and blankets and you’re good to go. If you have an open plan living area, you can use collapsible screens or curtains to block off areas and create a tranquil, adult-friendly room once the kids have gone to bed. It’s also a great idea to use part of your kitchen or a garden room or conservatory to encourage creativity. Use a corner to set up an easel, or place a small table and chairs for drawing, painting and crafting.
Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-in-red-dress-playing-a-wooden-blocks-3662667/
Most parents long for a home that looks lovely, but also ticks the functionality box. If you’re planning a revamp, or you’re keen to make your home more child-friendly, hopefully, this guide has given you inspiration.
Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables.
Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.