Over the years, I’ve helped many clients who have kids in finding a design balance between too loose and chaotic vs. too controlled and precious. I’m also a mom. And I like to live in a home that not only looks nice but is completely functional, beyond comfortable, fits our needs and evolves like we do. I’ve gathered my most effective tips below so you can obtain that design sweet spot too.
Just Because You Have Kids, Your Home Should Not Look Like A Day Care
There is nothing aesthetically worse than a home loaded with an abundance of big, plastic play toys, millions of Lego’s and other kid paraphernalia. Create one area that is strictly designated for toys and keep it that way. Then, in other “mainly” non-toy areas like the kitchen, family room or living room have a covered box or basket that contain some of their favorite smaller items. Encourage them to clean up afterwards every time they are done playing with these smaller items. If you do this enough times, they will begin to do it on their own.
Holistic Effects On You
Mind: Your thinking can become convoluted and unfocused if your surroundings are over filled with kid-clutter.
Body: It’s more difficult to dwell efficiently when you are residing amongst a lot of stuff. It takes longer to find key items and clean up the space when most needed.
Spirit: You will feel easily overwhelmed and have difficulty in finding a balance in other areas of your life.
Kids Rooms Should Be “Design Appropriate” For Their Age
Here I have seen both sides of the design coin – from over-the-top decorated kids rooms that are so sophisticated even a museum curator would feel uncomfortable in there, to a thoughtless hodge-podge of furniture and toys that the child has outgrown years ago. Once while reading a décor magazine I saw a room that an interior designer did for his 7-year old daughter. It was filled with pointy sculptures, satin bedding, delicate rugs and stuffy artwork of formal portraits. He said “It’s expensive to design a room, so this should last her a lifetime”. How awful. A child’s room should be a magical place filled with items that inspire, cultivate growth and imagination, can withstand heavy traffic and rough use and are safe to be around.
Holistic Effects on Your Child
Mind: It’s easy to regress in behavior when your room is too! And it’s hard for kids to feel comfortable in their own skin if their room is decorated for an adult. The happy medium is not only an age-appropriate room, but one that has elements of supporting the next cycle of their development and interests.
Body: How can you play freely if your environment is set up with precious items that you can’t get dirty, bump into or handle coarsely? Kids need to play spontaneously and without restrictions in their own space. Make sure everything in their room is fun, safe and serves a purpose.
Spirit: Their growing spirits will feel stifled if their environment is too. Their room should address their needs and give them space to grown into the next phase with ease.
This Is Nonsense: “I Can’t Have Nice Things With Children Around”
I have one good rule for decorating in a home with kids: Keep items of value up high. That means investing in decorative items like artwork, wallpaper, collectibles and lighting that will be out of their reach. Items that are constantly taking a beating – like rugs and couch covers – should be low cost and easily thrown in the wash to be cleaned. If you master this equation of high/high and low/low than you are ahead of the design game.
Holistic Effects On You and Your Children
Mind: You have to feel at ease in your own home. That means, when inevitable messes occur, you don’t freak out because you know it can be simply cleaned up or replaced. Home should equal true relaxation.
Body: Nothing feels better than a comfortable couch to cuddle up on, snuggly throws to warm up with and areas to let loose and be creative. Make sure that your home checks all the boxes for furniture and items that not only look nice but comforts your body, supports your creativity and meets your needs.
Spirit: If you and your child feel restricted in your home because of how it is decorated, it is time to make some major changes. Otherwise, your possibilities in life will feel just as limited and narrow as your environment. Broaden your opportunities and vision with a less controlled and precious place. Create space to be free, grow and relax.
