Sure, you love your family dearly. Perhaps, though, you also want to be surrounded by beautiful things. Maybe you adore fashionable fabrics, antique chairs, and delicate porcelain treasures. Think the two cannot go together? Think again. You can have beautiful interior décor that you and your children will enjoy. With a little planning and forethought, you can cherish your family as you luxuriate in your private retreat.
Do Not Limit Luxury to One Room
First, think house-wide rather than one small living room reserved for guests and special occasions. Since life itself is a special occasion, spread the joy throughout the house, including your children’s rooms, by distributing beautiful objects all around your living space. Children will learn to live with and appreciate quality things. Creativity and joy are the order of the day for spirited yet livable design.
Embrace Soft Ottomans
Ditch hard coffee tables and end tables with sharp corners. Instead, opt for soft, padded ottomans. They come in a variety of colors and textures, solids and patterns. They provide comfortable extra seating that is perfect for family gatherings and board game nights, and they make good footrests. Soft corners are both kid and pet-friendly, and some designs also give you storage space.
Add Antiques to Children’s Rooms
Antiques do not have to be something precious. They can be just as functional now as they were when first made. Try vinyl ice cream chairs for your children’s play areas, and delicate seating from other eras in shapes of ovals or hearts make great additions to little girls’ rooms. If you need to re-upholster them, have fun with the fabrics. For a sassy touch, choose contemporary looking fabrics as a contrast to antique designs. Boys may enjoy sturdy wood chairs from a bygone day, especially those with a rustic look.
Let Fine Art Fire Young Imaginations
Children have active imaginations, and great images displayed all over your house give them an instant boost into beautiful thoughts and dreams. Classic images and portraits are wonderful, but, if your tastes permit, do not overlook bright abstract pieces. In fact, your children may really enjoy colorful blasts of nonrepresentational forms. When your children draw and paint, be sure to frame some of their artwork, too, and hang it on the walls.
Anchor Breakables
It is fine to show off vases, lamps, and figurines, but be sure they will not go flying during a playful moment. Use clear museum gel to secure them to surfaces. When you help your treasured objects get a grip, everyone can enjoy a chic interior without having to tiptoe and remember not to touch. If you have a toddler, you will need to take a few more precautions, but that does not mean you cannot enjoy your objects. Glass curio cabinets and glass-door bookshelves are great ways to display breakables.
Keep the Temperature Comfortable
Another aspect of a family-friendly interior that also welcomes guests is a comfortable temperature, whatever the season. If your current HVAC system is old or worn-out, you may want to consider buying a new Carrier system. When everyone is comfortable, the fun begins and good times can be had by all.
Fashionable and Family-Friendly? Yes, please!
You do not have to sacrifice stylish décor just because you have a family. You can enjoy luxurious and comfortable surroundings that also say “home” to your children. Your interior design should take every family member into consideration, and then you can turn your creativity loose. This way, everyone gets to play.
vickie couturier says
i tying to do that now with my antiques ,i like shabby chic and have to be careful because of the grandkids are still little
Janet W. says
These are great tips! It can definitely be tricky when trying to keep your house decorated nicely but have young children around.