Form & Function - Asheville NC

Design That Tells Your Story

  • Home
  • Interior Design
    • Services
    • Portfolio
  • About
    • About Us
    • Press
    • Praise
  • Blog
  • Contact Us

Kid Friendly Interior Design

July 10, 2018 by carole Leave a Comment

Kid friendly interior design means what exactly?

I thought this was a fitting subject with kids underfoot for the summer. It is definitely open to interpretation and very subjective. Some folks want high design, perhaps necessitating a “no” touching rule. Others prefer a relaxed atmosphere for the childhood years and allow kids’ stuff to take center stage. I prefer to think of kid friendly interior design as somewhere in-between these two notions. It should allow a safe environment, provide ample storage for “stuff”, and still yield a stylish sanctuary for the adults.

Safety First

When my kids were little, we exchanged the sharp-edged grain scale we used as a coffee table for a rounded pine table. Although it was still wood, it didn’t have the metal  pieces and sharp corners of our former table. Some people opt for no coffee tables during these years but respectable, stylish and safe options do exist.

I love this buttery, soft-looking leather ottoman…great style and very safe. It looks similar to this one linked here.

kid friendly interior design soft upholstered coffee table

I love this idea of multiple ottomans for trays, foot rests or additional seating for video game night or movies in this playroom…

multiple ottomans kid friendly playroom

This is a more “formal” but safe option, in the event that someone dives into it…

kid friendly interior design formal living room

It is still possible to have attractive dressers or bookcases in a room where children spend time. However, freestanding furniture should be attached to the wall, using furniture straps or similar anchors. Kids climb dressers, try to reach the TV and other temptations; their curiosity naturally piques their interest.  Better safe than sorry because you don’t want this to happen…

furniture safety straps anti tipping furniture ideas

Window shades have improved their cord safety but I generally install cordless shades for my young families. There are some width limits but I generally have worked around that by dividing larger windows in two and have found some beautiful options. Cordless are not only safer, they provide a streamlined more modern look and I love the texture of these woven shades…

woven bamboo cordless window shades

Material Choices

Dark fabrics or patterns seem an obvious choice for kid friendly interior design. Love the look of this cozy, dark couch for some reading time…

dark fabric kid friendly upholstery

But with today’s option of high performance fabric, you can also consider lighter colors as well. They repel dirt and can be wiped easily.

For rug options, a busy Persian or Kilm conceal even the worst spill. Patterned pillows on the couch won’t show greasy fingerprints as much and, if made from high performance fabric, even better. I love the stylish and kid friendly pattern play in this room below…

family room kid friendly interior design pattern play

Storage

Having ample storage means quick clean-up when the adults want to entertain without toys strewn about. I loved open basket storage for my kids so they could see everything easily but also conceal toys attractively. Built-in shelves give a lot of space for baskets, books and other storage needs…

toy basket kid storage tv media cabinet

But there are equally attractive free-standing options (**as per safety notes above, freestanding furniture should be attached using furniture wall straps or similar safety anchors**)…

playroom basket toy arts and crafts storage

Similar storage found here and here or here.

concealed toy storage family room

I love a coffee table with drawers for arts and crafts storage or, with deeper drawers, it could hold games and toys. I love this one with rounded edges and mid-century design. And you can’t beat the charm of a vintage one with great function…

stylish living room patterned rug coffee table storage

This was often taking place on our coffee table while I cooked or worked nearby…

Form & Function

Ultimately, there will be chaos with toys and kids and all sorts of fun. But when it’s packed up and concealed away, there is an attractive room underneath where parents can entertain as well…

kid friendly interior design stylish family room

…or set up a bar where moments earlier there was a homework session…

ktichen built-in desk homework area

It’s all about kids fitting into the life of parents who still want a life and adults accommodating the play and freedom of childhood. It can be done stylishly and with a nod to kid friendly interior design that adults love too.

Related Posts

  • Modern House in Asheville NC

    Habitat for Humanity "De-Con Crew" did the demolition on this modern house in Asheville, sparing…

  • Interior Design Mood Boards

    INTERIOR DESIGN MOOD BOARDS After showing you some completed work yesterday, today we thought we'd…

Filed Under: Interior Design, Organization

« Home Decor Scores on Amazon
My Very Best Tips for Buying Vintage Furniture »
10 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Free (or Almost Free)

More Good Tips!

Want to know Ten Ways to
Refresh Your Home for Free
(or Almost Free)?

Click here to find out

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Want Ten Ways to
Refresh Your Home for Free (or Almost Free)
?

10 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Free (or Almost Free) Click Here
Carole Marcotte

My name is Carole and I am a caring, efficient and passionate interior decorator. I help clients create stylish, functional homes that respect their past while designing for their future. After extensive research, I work tirelessly to blend clients’ existing and new decor into the overall design scheme. I love what I do.

My ideal for the design world in general (I can dream big, can’t I?): People will stop buying crap, refurbish and highlight their existing treasures and, if they absolutely need more stuff, buy only resale items (vintage, antique, consignment or the like). And if it must be new stuff, it will provide significant function, environmental sustainability or support our artists and thereby feed our soul. I am on a mission…care to join me?

My blog is a little bit decorating tips, a little bit travel, and a whole lotta love and design musings. Xo

Our most popular posts

  • Picking the Right White Paint
  • Minimalist Interior Design
  • Frank Lloyd Wright Inspiration
  • How to Create a Gallery Wall

Categories

  • Antiques
  • Architecture
  • Art
  • Auction & Estate Sales
  • DIY
  • Festivals
  • Furniture Redos
  • Holidays
  • Home & Garden Tours
  • Interior Design
  • Organization
  • Out & About
  • Press
  • Redesign
  • Seasonal Decor
  • Thrifting
  • Travel
  • Upcycling & Reuse Decor

Carole’s Favorite Tips

Want to know Ten Ways to Refresh Your Home for Free (or Almost Free)?10 Ways to Refresh Your Home for Free (or Almost Free) Click Here

Interior Design

  • Interior Design
  • About
  • Praise
  • Portfolio

Contact Us

Form & Function
305 Town Mountain Rd
Asheville, NC 28804
Phone: 919-696-8141
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
Schedule
a Consultation

Form & Function Logo

Privacy Policy | Sitemap

Copyright 2022 Form & Function. All rights reserved.

Web Design and Development by Glory & Brand