Just because you have kids or pets, doesn’t mean you can’t have nice things. As an interior designer and a mom, I'm here to help you create a stylish home that works for family life — sticky fingers, endless spills, muddy paws and all! Read on to discover my 4 top tips on designing with kids in mind.
I'm ALWAYS designing with kids in mind. And I'm designing from experience. I have two boys (now 9 and 12) and two stepdaughters (12 and 17), a floppy haired labradoodle, two cats and three rats (in a cage). I know what "designing with kids in mind" really means, both personally and professionally.
Most of my clients are young families, right in the midst of the "messy years". Even if the kids have grown past the flinging spaghetti stage, there's often a dog or cat who requires the same level of durability.
The good news? It's not that hard to kid-proof or pet-proof your home these days. Fabrics have evolved and companies have risen to the challenge of keeping their products easily cleanable. Just because you have kids or pets doesn't mean you can't have nice things. It just means you need to invest in the right pieces that can withstand whatever your life will throw at them.
Designing with kids in mind is all about choosing the right materials, finishes, and furniture pieces that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life. In this blog, I'll share my top tips for designing a kid-friendly home without compromising on style.
Kate’s top tips for designing with kids in mind
1. choose performance fabrics (or leather)
First and foremost, when it comes to fabrics, performance is key. Look for materials that are easy to clean and maintain. Leather is great. Sunbrella, Inside Out, or Crypton are other names to keep in mind. These fabrics are known for their cleanability, durability, colorfastness and water resistant qualities. This makes them perfect for kid-friendly upholstered furniture, cushions, and draperies. Look for a WS cleaning code, which means it can be cleaned with either water-based cleaners or water-free solvents.
2. choose solid materials
Next, when choosing materials for flooring and countertops, opt for solid surfaces like wood, engineered stone, or concrete. Particleboard is never the answer — it may be inexpensive, but it’s prone to damage and warping. Higher quality materials can withstand heavy traffic, spills, and scratches, and are easy to clean and maintain.
3. use durable paint
When it comes to paint, don't skimp on quality. Choose a durable paint (read: not the cheap stuff) with a little bit of sheen. Even though some matte paint advertises that it is wipeable, I have still had the best outcomes with satin or eggshell finish for walls. I find semi-gloss works best for trim and millwork. These finishes are easy to wipe clean and resistant to stains and scuffs. Or, hey, go bold and try a high-gloss or lacquer! They are high style AND super easy to wipe clean. Dirty fingerprints? No problem — Magic Eraser to your heart's content with a good quality, paint with some sheen.
4. don’t assume you have to go cheap
You don’t have to settle for cheap furniture and decor just because you have kids or pets. Trust me, I understand the fear that your kids might "wreck it". But the truth is that when you invest in quality pieces with solid construction, they can often save you money in the long run because they will actually last much longer than the cheaper option.
At the end of the day, designing with kids in mind is all about finding the right balance between function and style. As an interior designer, I can help you create a space that reflects your personal style while also accommodating your family's needs and challenges, whatever they may be. From selecting materials to arranging furniture to troubleshooting problem areas, I’m here to offer expert guidance and support every step of the way. Having a space designed just for you is a transformative experience. I want to make your life easier, more beautiful and more aligned with who you are and how you want to raise your family.
Schedule a consultation and let’s design a home that you and your family will love for years to come!