A living room designed with kids and pets in mind doesn’t have to be short on style. Here are some great tips on creating the ultimate family-friendly living room.
Rocker With a View:
A rocker is a must-have piece of furniture for families. Not only is it great for lulling little ones to sleep, but it’s also the perfect spot to watch the beautiful Colorado mountains while rocking your little one! Luckily, rockers come in all shapes, sizes and styles, so find one that fits right into your design. Also, with kids, you spend a lot of time on the floor, so consider having comfortable throw pillows around for lounging.
Choose Right Fabrics:
Neutral furniture is a smart choice for the base of any living room. Layer on throw pillows in a variety of textures and colors, and you’ve created a stylish space for the whole family. Look for fabrics that are nubby or woven, as they’re more likely to hide stains and smudges than smooth, flat upholstery.
Make Furniture Work for You:
Look for pieces that double as storage. For instance, a round coffee table featuring a flat top for playtime, along with a handy deep drawer for stowing away toys. Quick clean up options are a must for maintaining a clutter-free and stylish living room.
Give Pets Their Space:
Designer Brian Patrick Flynn converted a drum-style side table into a cozy hideaway for dogs or cats. Want to make your own? Hit thrift stores to find a side table that’s large enough for your pet to be able to stand up and turn around. Remove the doors and add padding and upholstery fabric to the table’s interior. Finally, add a cushy pillow for lounging.
Invest in Leather:
Leather is a durable material that will stand up to years of wear and tear from kids and pets. It’s easy to wipe down and keep clean, and will maintain its good looks over time. If you’re worried about scratches marring the finish, look for a distressed leather, where scratches will blend right in!
Match Upholstery Fabric to Their Fur:
Okay, this may sound a little extreme, but for any pet parent who has spent time cleaning black pet fur off a white sofa, or white pet fur off a black sofa, this tip is a sanity saver.
Show Off Your Own Style:
Creating a family-friendly room doesn’t mean you can’t include your favorite design elements. Mix in high-end pieces; just make sure they’re made of durable materials.
Create a Cheerful Space:
Happy, cheerful colors evoke a fun, kid-friendly atmosphere. In her own home, designer and mom Alison Kandler paired a navy sofa with wicker furniture and a distressed coffee table. The brightly striped area rug and candy-colored pink and floral pillows help tie all the hues together. The family space serves multiple functions: a place for kids to create art and play, a home office and a spot to relax as a family.
Unleash Your Creativity:
Whimsical design brings childlike wonder to a living room and makes kids (and guests) feel right at home. Painted blue birds decorate the walls and ceiling in this bright space. The pretty blue is carried throughout the room in the curtains and tufted pouf.
Make Spaces Multifunctional:
Make the most of the space you have. Here, designer Claire Paquin incorporates a mudroom in this open living room. Keep the space tidy with hooks for coats, baskets for out-of-sight storage and shelves for shoes.
Corken + Company is here for all your real estate needs!
For more tips on creating family-friendly spaces visit:
