Creating a home that is both beautiful and functional is a difficult task, made even more difficult by a large family with different tastes and needs.

A family home should be an energetic, joyful and occasionally chaotic place, but that doesn’t mean it can’t also be stylish. With some careful planning and clever design tricks, you can have a gorgeous home both you and your kids will love.

Choose fabrics wisely

To hide stains and scuffs, you might think you have to settle for dark, hardy fabrics, but this isn’t necessarily the case.

If you have your heart set on a light, bright colour scheme, go for it. You’ll just need to be a little more selective about fabric choices. Teflon-coated, washable fabrics with a rub count higher than 30,000 will be safe from even the messiest toddler, and last at least until they’re an equally messy teenager. 

If you find a stunning fabric for your sofa that doesn’t meet these standards, don’t fret. Simply choose seating with slip or removable covers, so you can stick them in the wash whenever sticky hands or muddy paws find their way onto them.

Soft edges

Sharp edges and corners may look chic, but when there’s small children running around, they are more of a safety hazard than design statement.

Round shapes and soft edges never go out of style and will stop you from coming to resent your coffee table or ottoman as a scraper of knees and bumper of tiny heads.

Plenty of storage

Children come with a lot of stuff. There’s the clothes they grow out of every few weeks, the toys they like to leave strewn everywhere, the prams, the bedding, the special food, the books, the school supplies, and so much more. If you’ve always hoped for a clutter-free home, they’re going to do everything they can to stop you.

That is why, when refurbishing a family home, storage should be forefront in your mind. Invest in attractive baskets and boxes for toys and trinkets, shelving for books and school things, and allocate them their own snack cupboard in the kitchen.

Also consider multi-functional furniture. Sofas and beds with built-in storage, tables with a rack or shelf underneath, kitchen island cupboards, and hooks on the backs of doors will save you so much space.

Future-proof

The difference between a three-year-old and a six-year-old is staggering, and the difference between a six-year old and a thirteen-year-old is like night and day. 

Any parent knows how quickly children grow up, and how vastly their needs and desires change from one year to the next. Take that into account when designing your home. An open plan living-dining-kitchen space might sound appealing if you have toddlers you want to keep an eye on while you’re cooking dinner, but will it still be appealing when you have teenagers who want their own space?

Flexible plan, rather than open plan, might be a better choice in the long term, incorporating areas into your living space which can be closed off should the need arise.

Leave no space unused

Most homes have some areas of wasted space. The space under the stairs. An unused corner of the living room. A hallway that serves no real function. 

These spaces have the potential to make your home a more interesting place for your kids, and a more organised one for you. Set up specific areas for your children in these spaces – a play area, an art station, or a homework hub – and tell them this is their place. It will make them feel more connected to their home, and make it easier for you to keep tabs on them and their possessions.

Designing a stylish, family-friendly home takes time and effort, but in the end, it’s more than worth it.

If you’re looking for your dream North East home, you’re in the right place. Explore the stunning developments from Homes by Esh right here on our website, and book your appointment with us here.