Abracadabra! 9 Ways to Create a Kid-Friendly Living Area
A family room can be both functional and stylish with a few key design considerations
Samantha van Egmond
April 26, 2017
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer specialising in sustainable, natural and ethical living.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Freelance writer specialising in sustainable, natural... More
When it comes to creating a space well suited to both children and adults, safety and practicalities are both top priorities. There is, however, no need to forgo the interior look you love to make your home kid-friendly. Take a look at these inspiring rooms for tips on how to strike the perfect balance.
1. Fun factor
Inject some playfulness into a practical living space and make it a room that children look forward to spending time in. Brightly coloured cushions, textiles and artwork will pep up a neutral palette and allow younger family members to feel comfortable in an area that isn’t too ‘adult’.
Inject some playfulness into a practical living space and make it a room that children look forward to spending time in. Brightly coloured cushions, textiles and artwork will pep up a neutral palette and allow younger family members to feel comfortable in an area that isn’t too ‘adult’.
2. Built-in storage
Double-duty furniture is a great storage hack for any room in the home, but it works particularly well in busy family areas for hiding books, toys and blankets out of sight when not in use. Window seats are a great example of in-built storage that looks stylish and discreet, and they’re also the perfect height for little ones to grab onto when they’re learning to walk, or for older kids to clamber onto to read or take a nap.
Wondrous ways with window seats
Double-duty furniture is a great storage hack for any room in the home, but it works particularly well in busy family areas for hiding books, toys and blankets out of sight when not in use. Window seats are a great example of in-built storage that looks stylish and discreet, and they’re also the perfect height for little ones to grab onto when they’re learning to walk, or for older kids to clamber onto to read or take a nap.
Wondrous ways with window seats
3. Crafty corner
Having activities on hand for the kids will come in very useful when you’re entertaining guests or busy in the kitchen. Try making a craft corner with pencils and paper, adding a chalkboard or whiteboard with markers – plus a table and chairs of a suitable height. Puzzles and board games are good additions as well.
Having activities on hand for the kids will come in very useful when you’re entertaining guests or busy in the kitchen. Try making a craft corner with pencils and paper, adding a chalkboard or whiteboard with markers – plus a table and chairs of a suitable height. Puzzles and board games are good additions as well.
4. Extra-long sofa
Whether it’s a movie night, story time or simply a family gathering in the living room, ample sofa space will come in very handy. A darker colour such as navy or charcoal will stand the test of time, while cushions and throws bring personality and colour.
Whether it’s a movie night, story time or simply a family gathering in the living room, ample sofa space will come in very handy. A darker colour such as navy or charcoal will stand the test of time, while cushions and throws bring personality and colour.
5. Rounded corners
When it comes to minimising hazards, avoiding sharp edges applies to all furniture – however, it’s especially important when choosing a coffee table. Be wary of marble and glass, and look for low-set options that will minimise the chance of a bumped head.
Browse family room photos
When it comes to minimising hazards, avoiding sharp edges applies to all furniture – however, it’s especially important when choosing a coffee table. Be wary of marble and glass, and look for low-set options that will minimise the chance of a bumped head.
Browse family room photos
6. Baskets galore
Leaving a few baskets in your living area is a quick and easy way to keep toys in order, and encourages kids to tidy up when playtime is over. Mix and match the shapes and sizes, and look for materials such as felt, straw and rattan, which are safe for little hands and will also add texture and depth to a room.
Leaving a few baskets in your living area is a quick and easy way to keep toys in order, and encourages kids to tidy up when playtime is over. Mix and match the shapes and sizes, and look for materials such as felt, straw and rattan, which are safe for little hands and will also add texture and depth to a room.
7. Versatile seating
When it comes to seating, having plenty of options available means almost every situation will be catered for. Introduce pouffes, oversized cushions and rugs for a cosy and comfortable space that everyone can share.
When it comes to seating, having plenty of options available means almost every situation will be catered for. Introduce pouffes, oversized cushions and rugs for a cosy and comfortable space that everyone can share.
8. Luxe touches
If you thought it wasn’t possible to have glamour and kids in the same room, think again. Little touches of luxe are great for bringing some style to a mostly utilitarian space – the trick is to keep them up high. Add a little glam with a copper pendant light, and display artwork above arm’s reach.
6 cool ways to store kids’ bits and pieces
If you thought it wasn’t possible to have glamour and kids in the same room, think again. Little touches of luxe are great for bringing some style to a mostly utilitarian space – the trick is to keep them up high. Add a little glam with a copper pendant light, and display artwork above arm’s reach.
6 cool ways to store kids’ bits and pieces
9. Easy-clean surfaces
For high-traffic rooms designed for relaxing, entertaining and playtime, sturdy and washable fabrics are essential. Hard-wearing natural materials such as rattan and sisal are great for armchairs and rugs, while sofas and cushions with removable covers will make light work of cleaning up after spills.
Your say
Have you made your living area functional and fabulous for kids and adults? Share your tips in the Comments.
More
Browse more living room photos
For high-traffic rooms designed for relaxing, entertaining and playtime, sturdy and washable fabrics are essential. Hard-wearing natural materials such as rattan and sisal are great for armchairs and rugs, while sofas and cushions with removable covers will make light work of cleaning up after spills.
Your say
Have you made your living area functional and fabulous for kids and adults? Share your tips in the Comments.
More
Browse more living room photos
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More fans of built-in storage and multi-purpose rooms!
Emeco navy chairs sturdy, stackable and easy to clean. Leather sofa and chairs with tight backs. No throw pillow collections. Limit amount of toys and books by giving them their own dresser in the living room or bookshelf to store their toys and games. Don't let their toys and games take over your home. Teach them useful skills.