Finding a suitable family-friendly home can often seem like an impossible task, so one of the best options to explore is to design the space yourself. Figuring out which features and ideas contribute towards a child-friendly home needn’t be as difficult as you might expect, as there are several simple tips and tricks that you can make the most of to create the perfect property in no time at all. So, if you would like to find out more, then simply read on.
Make Safety A Main Priority
Safety has to be your main priority when designing a family-friendly home, as little ones can encounter all manner of risks and dangers whilst exploring a property. Creating a safe environment for your children doesn’t have to be hard, as there are many resources online that can help you to figure out the basics. Start off by steering clear of sharp edges and corners, as a fast-moving distracted child could easily do themselves real damage by running into such an obstacle.
Always opt for secure furniture that will not topple or fall over when pushed or climbed on, as certain items like sets of drawers can be top-heavy which causes them to come crashing down within a few seconds. Opt for storage that’s high up, perhaps mounted on walls to ensure little arms can’t reach and pull down any dangerous objects.
Be sure to put child locks on any cupboards or drawers that contain potentially harmful items such as cleaning chemicals or cutlery. If your child isn’t old enough to navigate the stairs inside your home on their own, install gates that can keep them away from the stairs to avoid the chance of serious injury. Make sure their bedroom is suited to their needs and age, as babies will require a cot that’s secured at all sides to ensure they do not crawl or fall out, whilst toddlers may simply need a bed guard attachment to ensure they do not roll out.
Consider Ease Of Cleaning
Keeping your home clean and free from bacteria is so important when you have a family to look after. Adapting your home to make it much easier to tidy will improve your family’s quality of life considerably, as it’s sure to be a welcoming and comfortable space that your children love coming back to. Installing some luxury lvt flooring is the perfect place to begin, as hardwood floors are so much simpler to clean compared with carpet.
Carpeting is near impossible to maintain, as dirt and grime can work their way into the fibers and stay put despite heavy vacuuming. Hard floors can be cleaned with antibacterial wipes, mops, and many more options that can be sourced with ease, so it’s a far better option for a family home.
Utilizing several storage options within your home will give you the chance to tidy up in a matter of minutes, as adopting an ‘out of sight, out of mind’ approach can transform your home when you’re in a real rush! Storage benches can double up as seating, making perfect use of small spaces. Going for a minimalist design will also make your home easier to clean, as you won’t have the stress of lots of different materials and surfaces to maintain.
Minimizing the dirt and bacteria inside your home will make sure your family can stay out of harm’s way, avoiding viruses and nasty illnesses that can be passed through ingestion. Always keep your cleaning materials in a safe location out of reach so that your children can never access them.
Let Them Contribute
Letting your family contribute towards design decisions inside your property can help to make your house feel more like a home, as there’s nothing worse than having to move into a bedroom that’s a color or style that you really don’t like! Even if you just let your child pick one paint color to use on a feature wall, they will feel as though they are involved in the process and better appreciate having their ‘own space’. It’s also a good idea to implement a chore schedule that encourages your children to maintain a clean and tidy bedroom, as it’s a great opportunity to learn some key life skills that they will utilize in the future. Offer a reward for things like making their bed, folding their clothes, or putting their toys away.
Consider Child-Friendly Alternatives
It can be extremely beneficial for your family to consider child-friendly alternatives to many aspects of your home, as Montessori style learning can be a brilliant option for the development of your little one. Giving them their own miniature wardrobe and mirror will allow them to put their clothes away themselves, as well as choosing their own outfits and getting dressed independently.
Purchasing a kitchen step to help them reach the countertop along with their own set of child-friendly cooking equipment will introduce them to the world of food, whilst sourcing them their own personal washing kit with tear-free products will help them maintain good hygiene. Children love to copy their parents doing many different tasks around the home, so giving them access to their own equipment will help them feel much more fulfilled whilst improving their skills at the same time.
Designing a child-friendly home has never been so simple when you can take the time to make the most of the brilliant tips and tricks that have been carefully described above. Always focus on safety as your main priority, as there can be a wide variety of risks inside any property that should be properly acknowledged and avoided. Utilize hard flooring and a minimalist design to make your family home easy to keep clean, and stay on top of your cleaning schedule to get rid of viruses and bacteria. Let your little ones contribute towards your new home by making decisions such as paint colors, as this will help them to feel much more involved.
