Some parents put off creating the home of their dreams since children can damage furnishings and surfaces with accidental spills, and they can break things while engaging in active and rowdy play. But according to Houston-based interior designer Veronica Solomon, waiting for the kids to grow up before decorating shouldn't be an excuse for having poorly-designed living spaces.
The expert says that having elevated spaces has become a lot easier these days since more furniture and decor manufacturers have become aware of people's wishes to have a beautiful yet family-friendly home. “These days, manufacturers have gotten on board with the fact that most people want to ‘live’ in their homes and it is not a museum or showpiece,” Solomon adds.
Creating a home that's aesthetically appealing may seem like a challenge when you're living with kids. But with some planning and making good interior design choices, you can have family-friendly spaces that's cozy and comfortable for everyday living, yet stylish enough to show off to visitors and friends.
Display Your Child's Art in a Chic Way
Most kids’ artworks are displayed on the refrigerator, held in place with a couple of magnets until they're replaced with newer creations. Others end up being randomly stuck to other surfaces, like closet doors and the walls in the hallway.
Displaying your child's art can give your home personality, but if you want to elevate your interiors, think about framing their best pieces using frames with or without picture mounts, then create a gallery wall in the hallway or the kitchen. Use frames with the same color or material for a cohesive look. If your child loves to make large scale paintings or drawings, frame their best one and display it on an easel in the living room. Doing so makes it easier to replace the artwork, and it gives your living room a chic feel.
Choose Stain-Proof and Durable Materials
A lot of parents will balk at the idea of having anything white in their space– just thinking about a child spilling juice on a pristine white couch can make moms and dads steer clear of anything that's in pale neutrals. But if you love the look of neutrals, don't fret. You can have the interiors of your dreams by choosing sturdy and stain-proof materials to decorate your home.
For instance, if you're getting a new couch in a pale neutral color, choose one covered in cream or beige leather since it looks luxurious, but at the same time, it's also stain resistant, easy to clean, and durable. For the walls, choose semi gloss paint. It's slight sheen makes it easier to wipe down and clean, perfect for parents with little ones who love to scribble on walls with their crayons.
Add Color in Tasteful Ways
Some parents are so adamant about having their own tastes reflected in their interior design that they fail to think about their children's preferences. This is why a lot of Millennial parents have colorless homes today, known as the “sad beige mom” aesthetic that's been provoking a lot of negative reactions online.
While some parents and child development experts say that living in a home that lacks color can be beneficial since it prevents children from getting overstimulated, pediatric counselor Jamie Anderson says that some kids may benefit from colorful living spaces. “Some kids may thrive being exposed to a lot of colorful items, and it may spark their own creativity as they grow,” she said.
To create inclusive spaces, inject some color into your interiors with key pieces, like patterned rugs, colorful throw pillows and throw blankets, vases, pottery, or artwork. You can also create a colorful display on shelves using books, plants, and sculptures. The key is to have a balance of neutrals and vibrant hues in shared spaces to create areas that everyone will enjoy.
Parents don't have to wait until their kids are grown to have an aesthetically appealing home. Try these tips to create beautiful and inclusive spaces, and have a home that you and your kids will love.
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