Creating a family-friendly home is important. Family homes are functional and fit for purpose, and they are spaces where you can bring everyone together. To make a family-friendly home you have to think about how you will use a space, and also what you want to get out of each space or area of your home. When rooms or areas have a purpose, you can be sure that they will be used to their full capacity. So, what should you be focusing on when creating a family-friendly home?
- The Budget
Changes, renovations and improvements all have a cost attached to them. Ensuring that you have a good budget to spend will ensure that you get the results you desire. If you do not create a budget from the outset of your project you will spend more than you want to, and this may then impact other areas of your home.
- Creating a Play Room or Play Area
No matter how old your children are, they are always going to need to have an area in which they can play or relax. When they are younger they need an area for their toys, and as they get older, they need space to play their video games. When it comes to creating a play area or playroom, you need to start by thinking about what is needed. For instance, is storage high on your priority list (especially when you have little ones)? Or is comfortable seating a necessity?
- Focus on Outside Areas
You have to focus on the interior of your home, but you also need to ensure that you do not neglect outside areas. To create a family-friendly exterior, you have to think about how the area is used. For example, if you want a specific area for toys and games such as a trampoline, you will need to know how to build a solid trampoline base, and you will need to know where to build it. Having specific spaces for toys is important, but so too is having specific areas for sitting and eating. A family-friendly outside area is about more than just areas and spaces for the kids, it is about places for the whole family to get together, and to enjoy each other’s company.
- Focusing on Washable Soft Furnishings
Going back to your home interiors, you have to think about ease of use and functionality. Having soft furnishings (including drapes, sofa covers, and cushions) that are easy to clean, and even washable, should be one of your top priorities when purchasing new homeware. With children and families, accidents happen, and having easy-to-wash soft furnishings will ensure that your space stays looking and feeling good at all times.
- Using Easy to Maintain Paints and Color Schemes
As well as using washable soft furnishings, you may also want to look at using easy-to-wash paints and versatile color schemes. Neutral color schemes may look fresh and clean, but how long will this last? Think about sticky finger marks, crayon fests, and finger painting, and then think about how easy it will be to keep clean white walls.
