It may seem that having children is completely at odds with having a tidy, attractive and ordered home. Their reputation as little whirlwinds of destruction was hard won but there are steps you can take to ensure your home is child-friendly, while also looking the absolute best it can.
Designated play area
If you allow a particular area for play time it should, theoretically, stay more confined. A designated area of your living or dining room is perfect so you can keep an eye on them. Remember, you don’t have to give over your entire house to toys and games. Use easy to reach but attractive storage for toys, and create a simple system for where things belong, so it’s quick and easy when it comes to tidy up time.
Accessible furniture
A big, comfy sofa is an absolute must for cuddling and watching television, but getting up onto that can be like climbing Everest for a little one. A cute little box is a great alternative to ugly plastic steps, to help your child get up onto the living room furniture.
Storage for toys
Plastic stacking boxes are not the most attractive addition to a home, but seem to be quite a common solution to the problem of toys everywhere. Double duty seating and storage is a great addition to any home, as toys can be put away under the seat. Low shelving units with pretty fabric baskets also allow you to hide games without too much hassle, and are much safer for your child than big storage units.
Bathroom antics
If your kid is finally potty trained, chances are they’re still too short to reach the towels properly. Inevitably they pull them down and scatter them around the room, so it looks like a tornado hit. Lower your towel hooks and toilet paper holder so they can be more independent and a little less messy. If it’s not possible to lower everything, introduce a small step to the room to make going to the bathroom a little bit easier for them.
Lockable cupboards and drawers
I know there’s nothing particularly attractive about lockable cupboards and doors, but it’s kind of crucial to stop your kids from accessing knives/medication/bleach and anything else they can get their hands on. You don’t have to overhaul your entire kitchen to make it safe, all it takes it small child-safe latches on the insides of cupboards. Anything particularly dangerous should be kept in one lockable cabinet.
Kid’s reading nook
Any bookworm child would go mad for a reading nook, and I bet a lot of adults would too. Any corner with space for bookcases, shelves, and a few cushions is all you need. It can stay in keeping with the decor of the rest of your home, while also being an excellent way to encourage kids to engage with reading.
It just goes to show, you don’t have to compromise your beautiful home to make it accessible and fun for your children too. It just takes a little imagination and a few ingenious storage solutions.
