Decorating Kid Spaces Life
Decorate With Intention: Love Your Kids and Keep Your Style
Don't resign your home to kiddie characters and endless vinyl. New options let you design for high style and real life
Follow
Laura Gaskill
I am a proud new mama in the process of creating a home I love on a tight... More »
1 Bookmark Email Embed
Click "Embed" to display an article on your own website or blog.
First it's the little plastic outlet covers, then safety gates and cabinet locks, and all of a sudden your not-so-little one is clambering over the furniture and creating "art" on the walls, windows and anywhere else crayons can reach. Rugs get crusted with Play-Doh, keyboards get ruined by rampant juice drinking, and pretty soon you start to wonder if you will ever have a stylish, pulled-together home again. The short answer is, yes. It may take a bit of extra planning and creative thinking, but there are some wonderful ways to build an elegant home that also caters to kids' needs. Here are 10 ways to get started right now.
Add to ideabook by Alice Lane Home Collection by Alice Lane Home Collection
1. Pair formal shapes with tough fabrics. Tailored furniture shapes (like wingback chairs and tuxedo sofas) feel fancier than loose, overstuffed pieces, so your space will instantly feel more pulled together. The trick is having them covered with hardworking fabrics: Neutral or dark colors, tough natural materials like linen and burlap, and stain-repellant fabrics will all hold up well against shoes, crayons and food spills.
Keep some stain remover on hand as well and be willing to live with a bit of imperfection. We live in the real world, not a museum — and it's much more fun that way!
Add to ideabook by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design by Jessica Helgerson Interior Design
2. Know that leather upholstery is a kid-friendly choice. Go ahead and get that sleek leather sofa or armchair you had your eye on, because it's actually one of the easiest materials to care for. Spills wipe right up, and a little wear and tear only makes it look better. Light-colored leather may stain more easily, and very delicate leather can get scratched up, but otherwise there is not much to worry about.
One of my favorite leather pieces is the superversatile Moroccan pouf (shown here). Used as a footrest, a coffee table or extra seating, it can fit in anywhere.
Add to ideabook by Pottery Barn by Pottery Barn
Tauna Recycled Yarn Kilim Indoor/Outdoor Rug - $49.00 »