Do you want a stunning, organized home while living amidst the chaos of raising children? It is actually possible, and easier to incorporate than you may think.
First lets start with materials.
Investing in solid wood pieces of furniture will stand the test of time and hold up to rambunctious children. Opting for a rustic finish with natural imperfections will also hide the inevitable dings that arise along the way. Avoid glass as it can shatter, as well as MDF, which will warp and crack easily, and you'll wind up replacing it over and over again. Be sure to anchor the furniture to the wall to prevent any tipping from those little climbers.
For upholstered items, opt for a durable performance fabric that resists stains. I personally select performance fabrics for my clients that are inherently stain resistant without the use of harmful chemicals. After all, we are designing with both the comfort and health of families in mind.
Finally, what to do with all the STUFF??
The answer is storage. Everywhere. All different types.
Consider built ins to house board games and books. Provide shelving to display cherished items and utilize small bins to organize tiny ones.
Baskets are your best friend. They are aesthetically pleasing and make cleaning up a breeze. Place them in corners, under tables, anywhere makes sense visually and functionally. When you ask your kiddos to do a quick clean up, they simply drop the toys in the baskets. Boom. Clutter is out of sight.
As a mom of two young boys, I live this every day. I often joke with friends saying my goal was to create a home with such a strong design that it looks good even if there are toys everywhere. I've accomplished that, but still have secret toy stashes throughout the home because clutter just isn't good for the soul.
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