Level Up Your Home Style: Top 10 Interior Design Hacks for Mums
As we hit that stage of life where our roommates have upgraded to full-time little humans, creating a home that's both chic and kid-proof can seem like a real-life game of Tetris. As responsible adults (supposedly), we strive to flaunt our style while also ensuring that our pint-sized tornadoes can roam freely without wreaking havoc. Get ready for some expert tips on interior design that will make your space look awesome while surviving the chaos of family life!
1. **Choose Durable Fabrics:** When selecting furniture and soft furnishings, opt for durable fabrics that can withstand spills, stains, and rough play. Materials such as leather, microfiber, and performance fabrics are great choices for withstanding the wear and tear of family life. Before you buy it, ask yourself, “can I clean smashed avo off this”?
2. **Create Kid-Friendly Zones:** Designate specific areas in your home that are dedicated to your children's activities. Incorporate toy storage, low shelves for easy access to books and puzzles, and a play area where they can let their creativity run wild.
3. **Embrace Washable Finishes:** Say goodbye to the never-ending battle with fingerprints, food smears, and mysterious boogers on your walls! Choose washable paint finishes like semi-gloss or satin that make stains surrender at the mere sight of a damp cloth. You can finally have the last laugh in the messy war zone of your home.
4. **Opt for Multi-Functional Furniture:** Maximise space in your home by choosing furniture pieces that serve multiple purposes. Look for ottomans with hidden storage, coffee tables that double as play tables, and bunk beds with built-in desks. These spaces are great for hiding blankets, toys, books and dad’s car keys.
5. **Incorporate Indoor Plants:** Bring the great outdoors indoors by adding some leafy green roommates to your space. Not only will they brighten up the place and improve the air quality, but they'll also give your kids a crash course in plant parenthood. Just be sure to pick out safe plants that won't turn your living room into a salad bar.
6. **Personalise with Easy-to-Change Decor:** Spice up your space with some personality! Swap out throw pillows, rugs, and wall art to keep your home looking fresh without breaking the bank. And hey, if you've got carpet, rugs are like the superheroes of the home, protecting your floors from spills, stains, and whatever else life throws at them.
7. **Safety First:** When you're decorating with kids in mind, safety comes first! So, be sure to anchor heavy furniture to the walls (because toddlers like to test gravity), install cordless window treatments (to avoid any Tarzan reenactments), and don't forget those safety plugs for all the little explorers who might think outlets are like treasure chests (spoiler: they're not). We all know a kid who's tried to turn a power point into a fork buffet, right?
8. **Designated Art Display:** Don't forget to carve out a "Hall of Fame" for your little Picasso's masterpieces. Whether it's a "wall of wonder," a corkboard carnival, or magnetic panels, give them a place to shine and show off their skills. Acoustic wall panels aren't just for sound - they're also great as a pinboard with pizzazz. Cut them, arrange them, and watch the mini masterpieces take center stage!
9. **Flexible Seating:** How about adding some flexible seating options like floor cushions, bean bags, and poufs? You can switch things up, move them around, and turn playtime into a cosy adventure.
10. **Childproofing with Style:** Upgrade your home with childproofing products that not only keep your little ones safe but also look sleek and stylish. Say goodbye to clunky baby gates and hello to fancy, shmancy baby barriers, secure your cabinets with locks that are as chic as your wardrobe, and give your doorknobs a makeover with handles that are sure to make your guests jealous. Because who said childproofing couldn't be fabulous?
I hope that with some of these interior design tips and ideas, you can create a home that is stylish, practical, and perfect for your busy family. Remember, your home should be a reflection of your unique style and personality, so don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own. And if all else fails, just remember they won’t be doing whatever it is they are doing, when they are 21. Enjoy this stage and happy decorating, mums! Embrace the chaos and make your home fabulous.
