Practical And Stylish: Interior Design Tips For Parents
If you’re anything like me, you may have noticed that since becoming a parent, you have to give a lot more thought to interior design. Gone are the days when you could just pick up ornaments that you like in a shop or go for the colour you like best for carpets or walls. Now, you have to think practically. Are cream carpets and cut-glass vases really the best idea with little ones crashing around?
The good news is that although you might have to be a little more selective, it is possible to combine style and substance. If you’re a parent looking for inspiration, here are some tips to help you create a home you love.
Flooring
One of the most important considerations to bear in mind when you’re renovating or decorating is the type of flooring you want to use. When you have kids or pets, there’s a higher risk of mishaps and spillages, and you don’t want to be on high alert every time a glass of juice comes within an inch of the carpet, or your toddler proudly strides into the kitchen with wellies caked in mud.
As a parent, you probably don’t need any extra stress, so opt for flooring that is easy to clean and maintain. If you like the idea of carpets, it’s probably best to go for a darker shade that won’t show up dirt and dust. Take a look at stores like Carpet One for ideas and inspiration. If you’re looking for something low-maintenance and hard-wearing for areas that need to withstand constant traffic, then vinyl is an excellent choice. Vinyl is more affordable than wood, it’s easy to clean and you can choose from a range of effects to suit the style of your home.
Storage
Clutter is a major issue for many households. If you walk through the door at the end of a long day at work to be greeted with toys, books, teddy bears, dolls and enough arts and crafts supplies to sink a ship, it’s time to invest in more storage.
Clutter can make you feel stressed, but it can also have a negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of your home and make it look cramped and unloved. If you don’t have a vast amount of space available, there are some really savvy storage ideas out there. Look for furniture that offers hidden storage, for example, coffee tables and beds with pull-out drawers, make use of wall space with mounted units and shelves, and hang racks on the backs of doors to stow away items like shoes, umbrellas, and coats.
Furniture
When you’re looking for furniture for a family home, it’s wise to search for pieces that look great, but also serve a purpose. You want to create a home that you love to look at, but also a space that suits your lifestyle. If you’ve got kids, why not have fun with your furniture and use it to make certain areas of the home more child-friendly? Consider a rustic, chunky picnic table and coloured plastic bucket chairs in the kitchen or modular, modern table and wall unit sets for the living room, for example.
If you’re a parent, you have to bear your child’s safety in mind, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a fabulous looking home!
