Many people think that when children come into the picture, style must be sacrificed. However, it is possible to maintain a stylish home and accommodate children. Of course, there will be some changes that need to be made – especially issues that may concern the child’s safety. Here are a few tips to help you maintain a stylish, yet child-friendly home:- 

Color – As we all know, the one thing that is a certainty when children are in a home is spills, some of which may result in stains. The best way to conquer this problem is to use darker colors that will conceal stains. Busy patterns work well for hiding and concealing stains from spills. 

Traffic Areas – Your traffic areas should consist of enough space to accommodate for a child’s less than graceful movements. Arrange your furniture to allow the child plenty of space to move around freely. 

Furniture – In choosing furniture for a home with children, safety should come first. Glass- top tables and sharp corners are things to avoid. The safest furniture for children is wooden furniture with round, smooth edges. When choosing sofas and chairs, choose items that are plush and allow easy access for children. If you have hard floors, be sure to use plush shag area rugs in order to provide a safe place for children to play (again, the busy patterns work well with children). You will want to choose furniture that is multi-functional – for example, tables that provide storage space for games, toys, and books in the living room. 

Materials – Materials should be rugged and washable (remember, child = spills). Both furniture and flooring should be made of materials that are sturdy and easy-to-clean. Also, it is important to choose patterns and surfaces that can stand up to heavy traffic, scratches, and dirt. 

Arrangement – Arrangement of furniture and other decorations should be done with the child’s safety in mind. Knick-knacks, candles, and picture frames are just a few of the accessories that should be arranged out of the child’s reach whenever it is possible. The general measurement for a child’s ‘safety zone’ is 45 inches from the floor. 

Kitchen – One of the most important rooms in your home is the kitchen. You should arrange kitchen furniture so that children can easily maneuver without risking burns or spills for overhead. A great idea is to place a low shelf in the kitchen just for the things that the child is allowed to have – for example, a low, wire shelf containing snack items that are freely given to the child, dishes and silverware for the child, and toys for the child to play with while Mom or Dad does the cooking. Arrange the kitchen so that there is a space available for the child to spend time with the family – maybe a beanbag chair in a corner or even a child’s table and chair. 

As you can see, it is possible to maintain a stylish home even with children in the picture. By selecting colors, fabrics, furniture, and flooring that will withstand the traffic and normal activities of children, you can assure that your home is stylish yet child-friendly. Be sure to use beautiful art objects and pictures in your home in order to help your child learn to respect and appreciate some of the finer things in life – although, it is a good idea to keep them out of reach when the children are small. Be sure to close off any rooms that are not child-friendly (Dad or Mom’s office space, formal living room, etc) and place your most expensive pieces in these rooms. Live stylishly and instill a sense of style in your child!