By Guest Blogger, Diana S.
How to Design the Perfect Kid-Friendly Living Room
If you’re just expecting or already have kids who are starting to venture into the living room on their own, it might be the right time to give your space a little kid-friendly makeover. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your whole aesthetics. Only a few barely visible changes will be enough to have a both beautiful and kid-friendly living room.
Washable paint
If you’re raising future painters that are still discovering their ideal canvas, don’t be surprised when you come home to a new wall design. However, if you invest in washable paint instead of your traditional one, you will be able to clean up the mess with mild soap and a damp cloth. There are even some flat matte paints that allow you to touch-up the pain without any visible brush marks. However, if your kids are really persistent with surprising you with wall murals, you can opt for chalkboard paint. Paint one wall and let your kids safely express their artistic tendencies.
Kid-friendly flooring
Kids are not very careful when eating, drinking and carrying stuff, and a lot of things will end up on your floor. So, make sure to invest in flooring that is washable, such as tile, wood or laminate. If you want to let your kids play on the floor, then you need something much softer. Luckily, there are carpets made of seagrass or jute that are durable and low-maintenance. You can also opt for small area rugs which you can toss into the washing machine every once in a while.
Durable materials
If you want your furniture to have a long and happy life, make sure your pieces come in durable and easy-to-maintain materials. There are many stain-resistant fabrics on the markets today, so you’ll definitely find something you love. Leather is also a great furniture option. For instance, lounges made of leather can be easily wiped with a wet cloth every time an accident happens. Also, keep in mind that the darker colors can take more beating than the lighter ones.
Ample storage
If you want your living room to be tidy without too much work, you have to have enough storage to put away your kids’ toys when they aren’t in use. Most people opt for decorative baskets because they are cheap, portable and very practical. However, you can also go for something more stylish and permanent like double-duty furniture with built-in storage. Benches and window seats usually come with hidden storage below the seat. There are also coffee tables and ottomans that can fit some of your kids’ trinkets and create an uncluttered and stylish look.
Create a cozy corner
If you want to keep most of your living room reserved for adults, then creating a cozy corner is a must. Simply designate one corner in your living space and fill it with fluffy pillows and lazy bags that are perfect for afternoon naps and reading seasons.
Make it fun
No matter the interior style and the atmosphere in your living space, it should really be the place where every member of the family feels comfortable and happy. So, make sure to decorate the space with at least some kid-friendly accessories. For instance, putting up the kids’ artwork on the walls next to your “grown-up” art is a great way to start. Make sure not to use too many fragile decorative pieces, and opt for nature elements (pinecones, seashells, driftwood), wooden figurines and bowls, and a lot of kid-friendly books. Hanging family photographs is another way to decorate your living space with beautiful and personal items.
As you can see, a kid-friendly living room doesn’t have to look like a kindergarten. With just a little bit of planning, it can be a stylish, functional and cozy space every member of your family will love.
Tia, and TipsfromTia.com is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.