If you have an active family, the last thing you need is a home that can’t actually be lived in. And while one might think that style has to be sacrificed for durability, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It is more than possible to have an attractive home that’s both comfortable and tough. Let’s take a look at some tips that will help get that family-friendly design you need.
Consider how you live. This is probably the most important thing to do before you start making big purchases or redecorating. Who do you live with and what life is life like on a daily basis? What will you need to accommodate them, as well as the activities you like to do as a family? Giving this some serious thought will impact what you purchase and how you decorate the space.
Go for no-fuss and durable. Whatever you want to call it no-fuss, low-maintenance doesn’t have to mean bland, boring or ugly. It simply means that keeping it nice won’t consume too much of your time. Clean lines, weathered finishes, exposed-legged furniture, and minimal clutter can cut back on your cleaning efforts.
Durability matters when it comes to walls, floors, fabrics and furniture in a family home. Walls covered in semi-gloss paint tend to withstand more than those covered in flat paint. Floors made of tile, laminate, linoleum or wood will withstand heavy traffic well, as will carpets made of nylon or wool-nylon blends. Family-friendly fabrics include vinyl, denim, velvet, felt, wool, twill, ultra-suede and leather (note: stain-resistant finishes and/or slipcovers are a plus). In regards to furniture, get the best you can afford. It might take time to save up, but higher-quality pieces can withstand abuse for several years and can be reupholstered as needed.
Carve out spaces for the kids. Kids need room for creative play, so be sure to include them in the design. Having space in their room is great, but it’s important to provide additional areas throughout the rest of the home as well. Bean bag chairs for reading or movie watching, chalkboard walls or an easel for creativity, and a large table for games or puzzles are just some of the ways you can make them feel as though the living space belongs to them as well.
Get everyone involved. A great way to have a space you love is to get everyone involved. Even the little ones can give input on things such as paint colors, fabric patterns, storage and furniture, so be sure to include them as well. The more people involved is a surefire way to cover all the bases when it comes to your family-friendly home.
If you are looking for a fabric store near you in Cinco Ranch, we have just what you need! Come by our location in Houston where you will find everything from comfortable cotton fabrics, to luxurious Dupioni silks and even some of the best faux leathers!
