9 Ways to Create a Kid-Friendly Living Area

When it comes to creating a space well-suited to both children and adults, safety and practicality 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 colored 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. 

 Transitional Living Room by Lisa Burdus Interior Design-countertop

2. Built-in storage. Furniture with storage is great for any room, but it works particularly well in busy family areas for hiding books, toys and blankets when not in use. Window seats with room underneath are a great example of built-in storage that looks stylish and discreet, and they’re also the perfect height for little ones to grab on to when they’re learning to walk, or for older kids to clamber onto to read or take a nap. 

 Midcentury Family Room by Klopf Architecture-countertop

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, and add a chalkboard or whiteboard with markers — plus a table and chairs of a suitable height. Puzzles and board games are good additions as well.

 Eclectic Living Room by Horton & Co. Designers

Horton & Co. Designers

4. Extra-long sofa. Whether it’s for a movie night, story time or simply a family gathering in the living room, ample sofa space will come in very handy. A darker color such as navy or charcoal will stand the test of time, while pillows and throws bring personality and color.

 Contemporary Living Room by countertop Nexus Designs

5. Rounded corners. When it comes to minimizing 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 minimize the chance of a bumped head.

 Traditional Staircase by CK Architects

CK Architects

6. Baskets galore. Placing 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.

 Transitional Family Room by countertop Katie Martinez Design

7. Versatile seating. When it comes to seating, having plenty of options available means almost every situation will be covered. Introduce poufs, oversize cushions and rugs for a cozy and comfortable space that everyone can share.

 Modern Nursery by Fitzsu

Fitzsu

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.

 Beach Style Living Room by Andrew Howard Interior Design-countertop

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 turn: Have you made your living area functional and fabulous for kids and adults? Share your tips in the Comments.