Decorating a home with kids involves managing a whole different set of dynamics than when you’re adorning living spaces that only adults will use. As you plan for them growing up, you should keep in mind the evolving needs of different age groups.
And, when you throw pets into the mix, know that conventional home decor themes go for a toss.
So, how would you design a home that is friendly for pets and young children? Check out some of these practical ideas to get you started.
You’ll Incorporate Lots of Open Spaces.
Kids and pets need lots of room to play. And, the first rule of decorating a child-friendly home is having lots of open spaces. That means arranging furniture against the walls and putting down area rugs in the center for the kids to have their rough and tumble games. Pick out stain-resistant, lightweight, and washable fabrics that you can toss in the washer when they get dirty.
If you prefer organic materials, you’ll go with jute and cotton, but polyester would be a great choice if you’re thinking durability and suitability for high traffic areas. For locations where the weather is cold, you pick wool to create a cozy barrier between crawling knees and the bare floor.
You’ll Need Easily Accessible Racks.
When the kids come in, one of the first purchases for your room is a wooden rack with multiple shelves for placing toys, books, and other knick-knacks to keep the little guys busy. Choose racks with low profiles for easy accessibility and keep toys sorted with baskets that small fingers and puppy teeth can pull out quickly.
Going with wood is an excellent idea since it is durable and will add to the aesthetics of your living room. You’d also invest in a low table and chair where the kids can sit and color and perhaps, have their meals. Cover the top with a layer of deep pour epoxy to make the surfaces resistant to food, PlayDoh, and watercolor staining.
You’ll Move Breakable Items Out of Reach.
Once the kids and pets come into the family, one of the first preps you’ll take is to secure all your precious china and crystals. Install hanging shelves on the walls and place your beloved antiques and curios out of reach. Framed family pictures, a custom home painting of your first house, and any other items you can’t risk breaking can all go up on the wall.
Move heavy planters out of the house and if you absolutely need greenery in the place, look for wall hangings that can take small pots. Switching to faux plants until the kids are grown up is also a smart move.
You’ll Choose Design Elements that Fit in With Your Lifestyle.
Babies, whether human or animal, need not disrupt your chosen lifestyle. For instance, if you’re vegan parents, you can find an array of fabrics and other decorative items that are entirely plant-based.
Aside from healthy vegan meals for two-legged and four-legged family members, you’ll also choose toys and furniture made entirely out of plant products. And that includes a vegan leather dog collar available in different delightful colors.
Of course, you can get them for your cat also. When buying toys, pick out top-quality brands that are unlikely to contain toxic materials or chemical coloring that could be harmful if ingested.
Maximize Storage Space – You’re Going to Need it!
An essential element of a child and pet-friendly home is lots of storage space. Aside from racks and baskets, look to the walls. Install a pegboard section where you can hang up cloth bags to tidy up quickly when you have guests over.
When designing a home with kids and pets, use your imagination and get creative. Most importantly, keep an open mind. Because the main rule about your little new members is they can upset the best-laid (floor) plans.
