Kids love to run around and make a mess. You walk around the house and will see a trail of mess from the living room to the bathroom, and everywhere else in between. But, that’s a part of life and there is nothing we can possibly do to prevent that from happening. What we can do is take a few things into consideration and create a home that suits your lifestyle while still being child-friendly. Whether you have very young children who are crawling about or teenagers, no matter what the circumstances, it is important to have a child-friendly home – not just for your children, but for you to have a peace of mind and knowing your kids are safe.
From fixtures to fittings, materials, flooring and having spaces for them to run about, a child-friendly home is possible to achieve. If you are planning on building a child-friendly home and want it to be a place where you can watch your family grow and be safe – here are some ideas to create a stylish and worry-free environment!
Image Credit: StaceyAlickman
AVOID SHARP EDGES
We are well aware that children run around all the time inside the house and end up hurting themselves on the sharp edges of furniture. Even if you live in a house with a lot of open space, kids will still somehow find a corner to bump into. To avoid that, try opting for round furniture pieces. They look modern and beautiful and will also keep your kids knees free of scratches and bruises.
THINK OF THE FABRIC/ WALLS
Having fabrics that are stain resistant, darker in tones and easily washable is a must to have when creating a child-friendly home. Having lighter colour couches or dining room chairs can definitely become a messy hassle if kids spill something on it. Opt for darker fabrics and even leather couches which are easy to clean than fabrics. The same goes for your walls. When deciding to paint, try to consider easy cleaning finishes or satin sheen as it will make the cleaning process much easier.
THE RIGHT FLOORING
Even though hardwood flooring is the choice for many people, it can be prone to damage. It can easily be scratched and dented from toys being dragged across it all the time. There are many other options that are durable and easy to clean such as tiles, wood or laminate floors. If you still don’t want to give up your hardwood floors, try to opt for a more rustic and pre-distressed hardwood
If you prefer to have carpet in all of the rooms instead of hard flooring, consider upgrading to a stain-resistant carpet. It is so easy (even for us adults) to accidentally drop liquid or food on the carpet then start panicking about the stain it’s going to leave. Although no carpet is hundred per cent stain resistant, having a stain-resistant carpet can make it much easier to remove spills and stains and clean up the mess quickly.
THINK FREE
If you have an open floor plan, embrace it. It will give your children the space to run around without getting hurt. It also allows you to keep an eye on them while you’re cooking or cleaning, letting you know that they are present in the room. Outdoor areas are also great for them to run around and burn off some energy. You can create a safe outdoor space with plenty of lighting, non-slip tiles and a partially shaded area with furniture that could be used all year around.
Thinking of building a home that reflects your lifestyle? Call 1800 184 284 or book a call with a member of our team today for free, expert advice!
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