Creating a balance between a beautiful home you are proud to show off and one that is practical for all of life’s unpredictable situations can be a tall order; often we feel we have to choose one or the other. However, there are plenty of products and helpful tips out there to help you achieve a chic designer living space that is also family-friendly. Here’s a list of things you may want to consider when planning the overall look and feel of your room.
Child-friendly washable paint
Food, crayons, fingerpaint, you name it, the kids will find it, and somehow it always ends up on the walls. The company Little Greene have counteracted that by creating an intelligent, environmentally friendly matt emulsion paint that is completely washable. It’s suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, children’s rooms and any high-traffic areas, and can even be used on woodwork and radiators.
Sofas and fabrics
Your sofa is likely to be the most expensive item in your living space, so you want to be absolutely sure before you commit to purchasing it. Firstly, think about how you want the space to work. Small designer sofas won’t be fit for purpose if you have a growing family. Look into comfortable corner sofas that organically segment the space, naturally creating separate living zones.
You will also want to consider the fabric; while luxury velvets might look great, they’re impractical for small children and pets. Some companies offer a specific range of fabrics that are labelled as ‘family-friendly’, making the decision process that much easier. Consider leathers that you can wipe clean and cotton-blend fabrics that are more durable. Think about the colour too, as darker fabrics are less likely to show up stains.
Storage bench for toys
The clutter that comes with kids is a given. You want to encourage playtime as much as possible, but the cleanup afterwards is never fun. Taking back ownership of the living from all your kid’s toys is incredibly important. Consider investing in a stylish storage bench like this upholstered version. After playtime, everything can be stored out of sight, freeing up floor space.
Fire safety screen
Not everyone has a fireplace in their living room, but if you do, you may want to consider a fire screen like this. Not only is this a sleek and slim model, but you have the added security of knowing little fingers will be safe from nasty burns.
Top Tip
Place ornaments and pictures higher up and avoid having standing floor vases and lamps which could easily get knocked over or damaged.
Flooring
Carpet is perhaps the most traditional of choices for a living space, however after a few spills, your expensive carpets can become worn and stained. There a tonne of flooring options to choose from, but Karndean have developed a range that is specifically tailored to be child and pet-friendly. They are durable, warm and quiet underfoot, as well as easy to clean.