5 creative decor ideas that are family friendly
This is a collaborative post.
After a stylish home but worried it won’t stand up to family life? When you’re a parent, having a perfectly curated space that looks great can feel like an impossible task. Sticky fingers, endless toys, and spilt drinks – while nothing to cry over – can make having an elegant environment seem impossible.
The great news is, with a little creativity, you can strike the perfect balance. These five décor ideas will help you design a beautiful home that’s also durable, functional, and safe for all ages. From choosing the right flooring for your home to functional furniture, let’s dive into how to create a space that the whole family will love!
Choose flooring that stands up to family life
Your floors need to stand up to a lot when you have kids. Whether they’re dragging muddy football boots through the front door, or zipping around on a scooter that should be outside, there’s plenty of opportunity for damage.
The last thing you want to do is spend your precious time cleaning and trying to buff out those inevitable scratches. When it comes to family-friendly flooring, durability and easy maintenance are key.
Luxury vinyl plank and tile flooring and hybrid styles are great options for households that see a lot of foot traffic. They have scratch and stain resistant properties, making them ideal for families. With a range of authentic timber designs, they give you the appearance of natural materials without the upkeep.
Top tip: To add a touch of warmth and colour to play areas, add a comfy rug with non-slip backings. Choose washable designs that can easily be thrown in the washing machine after inevitable spills or accidents.
Incorporate functional furniture with flair
Believe it or not, family-friendly furniture can be stylish too. That’s right, those play couches don’t have to take over all your living spaces (as much as the kids would love it). The trick is to focus on multifunctional pieces that are both practical and look great.
Storage ottomans, for example, can double as extra seating or a coffee table while keeping toys, books, or blankets neatly tucked away. Extendable tables are perfect for growing families and hosting, and modular sofas can be rearranged to suit changing needs as your children grow.
When choosing furniture, consider pieces with rounded edges to keep your littlest ones safe. Materials also play an important role – microfibre and leather are both durable and easy to clean. They can handle spills, stains, and daily wear, making them ideal for busy households.
Add personal touches with kid-friendly artwork
Ever feel guilty sneakily throwing those beautiful artworks your kids make into the bin? Hold onto them! These gorgeous masterpieces are the perfect way to add a personal touch to your home. Curate a gallery wall featuring your favourite drawings, family photos and some of your chosen bought pieces to balance the look. Use stylish, matching frames to tie everything together.
If you prefer something a little less permanent that can be updated as the kids grow, consider using a washi tape frame or magnetic strips instead. This way you can chop and change through the artwork and switch out photos without committing to one design.
It allows you to celebrate your family’s creativity while creating a stylish and unique look that reflects your dream home.
Add texture and warmth with family-friendly textiles
A home doesn’t feel like a home unless there’s a touch of warmth, and textiles are the perfect way to add it. Toss a throw over the couch or add some fun cushion covers for a burst of colour, choosing machine-washable and stain-resistant designs that can withstand everyday spills.
Don’t forget the windows. Soft, durable curtains made in cotton blends or polyester are easy to clean and add the perfect touch of colour to a space. Down on the ground, layer rugs for extra comfort. A large base rug paired with a softer one on top is nice and inviting for kids and bare feet.
Add natural elements for a soothing vibe
Finally, it’s time to bring the outside in to create a calming, welcoming environment for your family. Indoor plants add a fresh touch of greenery and improve air quality. If keeping plants alive feels daunting, opt for artificial alternatives or nature-inspired prints that bring the outdoors inside without the upkeep.
For furniture and decor, materials like rattan, bamboo, and wood offer a blend of durability and organic charm. Add these in the form of shelving, plant stands, stools and end tables.
Bringing it all together
Designing a family-friendly home doesn’t mean sacrificing style. By selecting durable materials, multifunctional furniture, and unique decor, you can create a space that’s both practical and beautiful. From family-friendly flooring and playful artwork, to natural accents, there are plenty of ways to blend functionality and aesthetics. With a little creativity and thoughtfulness, you can design a space that everyone loves coming home to.