PET AND KID FRIENDLY DÉCOR
Just because you have kids and pets doesn't mean you have to give up your personal style or get rid of your fancy coffee table (unless it has sharp corners—then you may need to compromise). Admittedly, though, it takes a keen eye to figure out how to create a space that's both sophisticated, stylish and Sippy cup-friendly.
One of the very first things you want to do when it comes to creating a kid and pet-friendly space is to remember that pets, whether you have a dog, cat, bunny, or even a hamster tend to shed. Children are almost guaranteed to slip milk, cool drink or tomato sauce. There is nothing quite as tedious than having to clean hair or spills all day long from the couch. This is why when seeking the perfect upholstered furniture, you want to find something that is quick and easy to clean. Avoid delicate material that will gather hair quickly and soak up spills. Consider tapestry, leather and even synthetic material that is smooth to the touch and any hair or spills will slide right off.
OPEN UP THE FLOOR PLAN
If your space needs to accommodate a large or growing family, consider an open dining, family room, and game room which will allow you to keep an eye on your kids and spend more quality time together. To help the spaces look and feel consistent, consider using a neutral colour palette with some edgy (but smooth!) finishes.
AVOID LIGHT-COLORED CARPETS
Ironically, the colours that are intended for all nurseries are probably the least kid-friendly colours. The light colours show dirt, spit-ups, and spills vividly and there's little to do in cleaning them. Consider a darker colour or a carpet that has patterns.
KID AND PET FRIENDLY PILLOWS
Pillows are the most affordable way to spruce up a space as well as bring in colour and texture. Whether you’re looking to dress up your furniture or to have a family pillow fight, we have a handful of pillow options to suite your style. We suggest opting for pillows that have a removable cover. If the kids decide to wipe their greasy hands or spill milk, it is easy to toss them in the wash – they will be as good as new.
KEEP BREAKABLE OBJECTS UP HIGH
Kids are sticky, clumsy, and awkward. Anything that you don’t want to be transformed into a toy really needs to be kept out of reach. If you’re feeling limited in your options for decorating with kids or pets running around, just try to get a little more creative with your placement and think about the places that aren’t a typical pathway for the madness.
LOOK FOR MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PIECES
We love using furniture that looks good, serves a purpose, and helps keep kid or pet supplies tucked out of the way. For example, an entryway table – it’s stylish and it serves as a great place to drop off your keys when you get home from work, but it’s also has room for baskets that hold toys, dog supplies, and household essentials.
