CREATING KID-FRIENDLY SPACES

How to incorporate space kids can call their own, without relinquishing a home’s style & sophistication

Maintaining a home that is welcoming and kid-friendly can be challenging. Children are full of energy and often put fun ahead of tidiness. But no matter how energetic their youngsters are, parents can still employ several strategies to ensure their homes are both sophisticated and child-friendly.

Consider an open floor plan —

Rooms that flow into one another make it easier to keep tabs on children. Such rooms also allow residents and guests to mingle in separate rooms but not be too far away from one another.

Choose washable fabrics —

Upholstery will need to stand up to the abuse kids can dish out. Sofas and chairs with slipcovers can be advantageous because many slipcovers can be easily removed and laundered.

Patterned fabrics will hide some stains, while treated fabrics may resist liquid spills for easier cleanup.

Create a catch-all spot —

Special bins or other organizational tools in the entryway can help to cull clutter when children come in the house from school or play. Be sure to keep cubbies, containers and coat hooks at a child-friendly height.

Look for high-traffic rugs —

Rugs designed for high-traffic areas will be more forgiving when children march across them several times per day. There are no rules that say you can’t bring an outdoor rug inside, and these rugs tend to be easier to clean.

Ensure there is plenty of seating —

Sectionals give children ample room to spread out. And ample seating ensures there is enough room for kids to invite their friends over to hang out.

Think outside pink and blue —

For children’s rooms, make sure they’re colourful, but consider other hues to give the rooms some personality. Focus on a hobby or activity and borrow the colour scheme from the accessories used for decorating.

Hang whimsical artwork —

Employ framing and lighting to make kids’ artwork look like professional pieces. Routinely change the pictures when a new look is desired.

Designate a place for play —

Devote an entire room or a nook in a house for imaginative play. Store toys here so these items will not create clutter in individual bedrooms.

Creating child-friendly spaces while ensuring a home maintains a sophisticated feel is easier than parents might think.

VINCENZO D’ALTO, MONTREAL GAZETTE FILES Basement areas often allow for large open playrooms like this one, where parents can easily keep an eye on — and clean up after — kids of varying ages enjoying a wide range of toys and activities. Colourful storage containers will help keep the area neat and tidy when not in use.