Living Room Inspiration:

When you enter the world of parenthood, your entire life shifts significantly. It no longer revolves around just your needs, but also around the needs of your family. It’s the same when it comes to the design of your home - you can’t just think about what you want and need from each space anymore, you now need also to be mindful of the needs of the rest of your family. 

A common issue for parents when it comes to home design is focusing too much on practicality and function and forgetting about the importance of style. Yes, a safe, family-friendly living room is crucial; however, creating this kind of space does not have to mean forgoing style. It’s just a case of getting the balance right and combining both functionality and style to create the perfect family-friendly living space. 

Wondering how you can do that? Read on for some simple tips and ideas for creating the perfect living room for you and your children. 

Storage is a must 

A crucial aspect of any well-designed family living room is adequate storage space. The fact is that family life comes with a lot of baggage, from high chairs and moses baskets to toys and games, which means that there is a fundamental need for adequate storage space.

When it comes to adding storage space to your living room, there are plenty of ideas that you can utilize. You can opt to invest in furniture that offers hidden storage space, such as sofas with drawers cleverly incorporated into them or coffee tables with lids that lift to reveal space for tidying items away. It doesn’t matter how you add storage to your living room, just as long as you ensure there is plenty of space available to keep the room neat, tidy and organised. 

Create a private space

The last thing you want when your little ones are playing in the living room or you are trying to relax is a nosy neighbour or passerby trying to peer inside your home. Protect yourself and your children with adequate window coverings. By adding curtains or blinds to each window, you can ensure that your family’s privacy is protected and that you feel safe and secure in your living room. 

Wipeable surfaces are vital

Children make a mess; that’s a fact of life. Whether it’s walking mud in from the garden, getting food on things, or using the walls for colouring on, there’s no getting away from the fact that kids often make a lot of mess. That’s why it’s a good idea to create a room that is entirely wipeable, from the furniture to the flooring. 

Pick paint that can be wiped clean. Choose hard-wood or tile flooring. Opt for a sofa made of leather, or alternatively that has removable, washable covers. You can pick stylish furnishings and flooring, but just make sure every design is easy to clean. 

There you have it, a few simple tips and ideas for creating a living room that combines both functionality and style.