What’s the image in your mind of the perfect home? Do you picture luxurious furniture? Or do you see kids running around laughing?
Can these two co-exist?
I know people want their homes to match the ones seen in décor magazines. But is that really a worthwhile goal? And is it worth the effort to create it?
I doubt any child is allowed near the set where the photographs are taken.
I say it’s time families find their own versions of perfection. Yes, having kids in the house changes the dynamic. You’re limited in terms of time and resources. And what will actually work for both you and your children?
But these can all be turned into benefits instead of drawbacks.
When you live according to your own guidelines your decorating process and end result can match your dreams.
And it doesn’t have to be hard. Here’s how.
Are You Using Technology to Your Advantage?
If you imagine a quick, effortless renovation you’re being naïve. That’s why interior decorators earn large salaries. Some people simply don’t have the time or energy to do it themselves.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t. And you can make it easier on yourself.
A lot of time is used browsing through furniture stores. And imagine doing this with kids in tow who find furniture extremely boring.
But you live in the 21st century. Why not shop online?
You can at least find items you like so you don’t waste time in stores that have nothing that suits your taste.
Find a few things you like, make time to go and view them and then shop online or in store. You just cut your shopping time in half.
Can Your Children Help Decorate?
Let’s talk about how you’re going to do this. Will you run a one man show? Perhaps it’s better to allow the whole family to join in.
You’ll be surprized how smooth the process will be if you allow your children to partake. Instead of struggling to keep them away from wet paint and new furniture you should consider giving them each a task.
Firstly a task will keep them busy. Giving them a responsibility will curb their desire to investigate everywhere.
When they’re part of the process they will also feel more comfortable when everything is finished. Instead of entering a new space, they will feel they’re using THEIR space.
Here’s an excellent tip that works for any age group: Allocate a wall to children’s art and ask your kids to create some new pieces for it. They will feel honored and all visitors to your home will love it.
That’s something that deserves a spot in a fashion magazine!
Are Your Rooms Child Friendly?
Before you change anything you must think of the consequences. You don’t want the end result to bring harm to your kids.
This doesn’t mean your home must be childlike. Small changes can simply keep your family safe.
Exchanging a wooden side table for an ottoman prevents injuries while your room still exudes style.
Opt for softer surfaces throughout the house, especially while kids are small. By the time they’re grown up it will be time to upgrade your furniture and then you can pick whatever you want.
Will Kids Find Rooms Functional?
No, you’re not decorating a house for yourself. Your home should be practical for everyone who uses it.
Once again it doesn’t mean you must purchase child sized items. But you can accommodate your kids.
Place items at a height they can reach. Lower door handles and place their books on lower shelves to make their home feel comfortable. None of these changes can cause harm even if your kids are small.
I know you want your kids to clean up after themselves. But do you empower them to do so? Place storage boxes—that fit your décor—in each room. Teach your children the rules that toys must end up in the boxes at the end of each day.
Once again rooms take on a more personal feel for them. You want your children to feel at home, don’t you?
Does it Make Long Term Sense?
Minimize your own frustration by planning ahead. There are many ways you can prevent damage and give your assets a longer lifespan.
You can have your luxurious furniture, but invest in some slip covers too. Use them while children are small and wash them when they get dirty.
Once your children are big enough—or when you host adults only—you can take off the covers to reveal your original furniture.
Does this seem like effort? It’s worth the trouble and it saves you money!
While you’re picking out furniture you should keep durability in mind. Whether you have small kids or teenagers your furniture will be used a lot. Is the fabric you love hard wearing?
Can You Add Play Areas in Every Room?
Don’t simply fill each room with furniture. What about your children?
Include play areas in most rooms where your children can enjoy their activities. Here’s why you want this:
- Your other furniture will experience less wear and tear because children use their area most of the time.
- When you have visitors it’s easy to find space for children to play instead of moving your décor around first. Remember, proper decorating makes a space functional as well as beautiful. And when you have children they must be part of the equation.
- If you love order and a neat home you’ll love the order of allocating spaces to different activities.
And how do you create this space? No, you don’t have to build partitions. A simple rug can show the boundaries of where children can play.
A rug creates a safe and comfortable area. When you need them to stay there while you’re working on something else it’s easy to show them their boundaries.
This is how your decorating project can make your home dynamic. You know what kind of environment you want your kids to grow up in. Now find décor items and methods to help you make it a reality.