Just because you have children doesn’t mean that your home decor has to suffer. When you have children, you’re likely to choose substance over style or practicability over chic, but you don’t need to give up your personal decor style or get rid of those fancy ornaments. As well as this, you want to create a home which is not only stylish, but comforting and welcoming to make both a memorable and enjoyable living space for many years to come. 

However, it does take a keen eye to figure out the best layout and use for your space which is both sophisticated and child-friendly. You want ideas for a comforting home, where you and your family can relax and unwind, but you also need it to be robust and child-proof, particularly if you’ve got toddlers! 

It is important that when you decorate your family home, you do so in a way which reflects your personal style, but also encompasses your children as they grow and get older. With that in mind, here are some ideas as to how you can create a comfortable family home which you won’t want to leave. 

Let your front door invite you In

If the front of your home is looking a little shabby, then you will naturally go “ugh” when you return home, even if you don’t notice it. This, in turn, will impact on your mood and no one wants that as soon as you walk through the door. Don’t underestimate the importance of curb appeal. 

For an instant refresh, give your front door a wipe over to get rid of any remaining summer dust or winter grime and give the area a sweep to remove debris which may have collected. Invest in a new fun and bright doormat, or get a new one if yours is looking a little tired. 

For instant welcoming vibes, then you could also add a leafy plant next to your door on the inside, so long as it fits of course. If your front garden is looking a little unloved, then turn this into a fun weekend project for you and the kids. 

Get them to remove weeds and dead plants and have a good clear out of the garden space, then plant some seasonal-appropriate plants and flowers which you can watch grow over the next few months. Not only is this a less labour-intensive way of gardening, but you also get to show your children how to care for the garden and add some fun pops of colour. 

Reorganise your seating arrangement

Do you and your family sit in the lounge in the evenings or during the day? If so, then this is likely to be one of your most-used rooms in the house and is one which can quickly become unloved and tired. 

For a peaceful home, it is essential to create a living room which works for you all. For older children and teenagers, a comfy armchair is a must for when they want some time alone, whereas for babies and toddlers, you want some more space for when they begin to move around. You also want to remember that when you want some child-free time in the evenings, that this is a space where you can just relax and if the space is filled with toys and clutter, you won’t be able to switch off. 

Your living room is the most sociable room in the house, so you want to ensure that there is enough seating room for you all to chill out in the evening without being cramped. Above anything else, your living room needs to offer unrivalled comfort. If your living room feels cold or has a chill, then you might want to consider adding soft textures to make it feel instantly cosier. A plush rug, big soft cushions and thick curtains will add warmth and this way, you can add touches of your own style.

You might also want to consider following the latest trends when it comes to your living space. Often, these are the best ways in which you can ensure your living room is family-friendly, but also stylish. Crushed velvet furniture is a popular choice for young families, as the texture of the fabric can hide a multitude of stains and spillages if you don’t get chance to clean up straight away, but it also looks incredibly luxurious and stylish. 

Create an area for play

We’ve all been there. It’s the end of the day and you’ve just put the kids to bed and go downstairs to watch some TV, or to work or simply unwind, but there are toys and clutter everywhere. If you don’t have a separate playroom or your kids just enjoy playing in the areas downstairs, then it is likely you will have to deal with clutter and toys from time to time, but it is easy to curb this so that you get your space back in the evening. 

If you don’t have a separate play area, then it might be best to dedicate an area of one of the downstairs rooms to be used as a play space. Make this area colourful, welcoming and make the rules clear that this is where toys must be stored at the end of the day. For quiet activities, pack a box full of colours, paper, colouring-in books and activity sheets. 

Many family homes have plenty of storage, so if you’ve got older children, make sure that everyone in the family has an area which is assigned to them where they can store their things. At the end of the day, you’re entitled to your own space, so don’t be afraid to claim it back!

Avoid light colours

Ironically, the colours typically used for nurseries and children’s rooms are probably the least-friendly colours you can use. Everyone knows that whites, creams, light greys and pastel yellows don’t mix with little kids, so why do we use them?! 

Light colours show up dirt and spills and can lead to stress when it comes to cleaning them up. When it comes to decor, you should consider darker colours, patterns and soft furnishings for your family rooms as these are less likely to show up. 

You might also want to consider natural materials which are meant to be “loved” and well used. Wool rugs are a great choice for family areas as they are a tough texture and can take a lot of use, whilst natural wooden tables are great for family dining.