The key to creating a stylish family-friendly home.
Throughout our many years in the staging industry we have had the opportunity to meet many beautiful young families who have felt the struggle between having an uber-stylish home and meeting the requirement of “kid-friendly” for their family’s growing needs.
Now, whilst we don’t exactly have children of our own just yet, we can truly sympathise with this predicament. After all, we really have a soft spot in our hearts for matt surfaces and light, upholstered fabrics! Yet, we are super confident that our set of handy tips will ensure you can still achieve a stylish and insta-worthy home that meets the practicality and needs of the little people in your life.
Embrace all the texture and pattern.
An easy way to elevate the sophistication of your home’s interior is through the addition of texture and pattern. Not only can you switch these up each season should you wish to follow the latest trends, but it’s also a reasonably inexpensive solution to a stylish place.
You can easily utilise texture and pattern with different decorative elements such as artwork, throw rugs and feature cushions. Plus, the best part about these is that they can be used to help disguise accidental spills and tough stains - what’s not to love?!
Choose fabrics carefully.
Despite how well behaved your children might be, an all-white linen sofa is never going to be a wise decision! So, why not make things a little less stressful for yourself and instead, choose a more durable fabric for those everyday pieces like a mid-grey or dark charcoal? These days, most big furniture providers allow you to choose from a wide variety of fabrics that often provide a high rub content, durability and can be easily cleaned.
PSCO. Tip; For extra points, be sure to spray your new sofa with scotchgard prior to use. Accidents do happen after all, so it’s best to be prepared!
Avoid “fingerprint” surfaces .
Surfaces can be very unforgiving and can end up causing you a lot more work when it comes to cleaning. A glass or metallic coffee table may look amazing in store, but place it in front of your kids and it will be covered in fingerprints, spills and food in no time. Instead, opt for surfaces that don’t reveal so easily like timber, leather or resin. Trust us - you’ll thank yourself later!
Think about storage - always!
As we are sure you are already aware, kids come with a lot of stuff! So, instead of succumbing to the chaos and purchasing plastic storage boxes ad-hock to stow away their collection of toys, we encourage you to find solutions that work with your style.
Consider furniture pieces that double as storage, use baskets that add personality, or invest in custom made cabinetry that’s well-designed. Bookcases and buffet units are also wonderful for storing away all the mayhem.
Opt for materials that will age well .
A solid timber dining table is ideal for those wanting to maintain a stylish look because it will age well regardless of any destruction.
Timber can handle years of homework, board games and being hammered by toys. Sure, it will likely mark and dent over time, but this creates a bit of personality and becomes a story of your kids’ childhood.
BUT - embrace family life!
Whilst most of us long for a gorgeous home, it’s important to remember that family life should be enjoyed! No room should be off limits to your kids. All spaces of your interior should be liveable; it’s a family home at the end of the day and is there to be loved.
Remember to be flexible, creative and style your home to accommodate all personalities and the growth of your family. After all, most material possessions can be replaced, but creating family memories should be cherished!