“I love to use woven textiles color & to add texture.”
Precious heirlooms and cherished collectibles bring distinct history and handmade craftsmanship to our homes. However, combining treasured antiques and active children sometimes leads to accidents. How do we furnish our rooms to reflect our style and accommodate our children’s or grandchildren’s boundless energy, insatiable curiosity and sometimes-sticky fingers? Holly Weirick, the mother of three young children who love to roller-skate through the house, manages to strike a balance so her children and treasures can happily coexist. “I want my children to feel a sense of home,” she says. “You know, kick off your shoes, get comfy and prop up your feet. I want our house to be lived in, and it sure is.” She came up with several strategies for creating family-friendly spaces.
Display valuable collectibles out of reach— on top of furniture, on shelves or in wallmounted cabinets.
Install childproof latches or locks on furnishings to protect the treasures stored inside.
Select chests of drawers, cupboards and trunks that provide out-of-sight storage for toys, games, books and art supplies.
Consider furniture with dark and distressed paint finishes. Scuffs, dents and scratches provide character.
Cover floors with durable, stain-resistant braided area rugs that can withstand high traffic and spills. Or, look for indoor-outdoor rugs that match your style. These can be easily rinsed off and revived.
Add washable primitive-style blankets and pillows to children’s favorite sofas and chairs for a splash of color or pattern.
Designate an area for arts and crafts. Furnish it with a table and chairs that have stainresistant, simple-to-clean surfaces.