How to Create Kid-Friendly Spaces That Don’t Sacrifice Style

Got kids?

According to United States Census Bureau estimates from 2024, almost 40% of U.S. households included children under 18. That’s a lot of homes that need to be kid-friendly!

If you see yourself in this figure, there’s a chance you feel your space looks more like a kindergarten classroom than a magazine spread.

Or, hey, maybe it just looks like a tornado just came through. Don’t worry, we don’t judge.

The good news is that modern, kid-friendly spaces can be safe, durable, and aesthetic. And achieving a look you love is just a few key steps away.

To create kid-friendly spaces that don’t sacrifice style, you’ll want to:

• Choose materials carefully
• Prioritize safety
• Keep storage top-of-mind
• Ask for input

Choose Materials Carefully

When it comes to creating a kid-friendly space, durable materials will be key. And today, there are plenty of durable and stylish materials on the market.

For upholstery (sofas, recliners, armchairs, ottomans, etc.), consider:

• Performance fabrics, like polyester and cotton blends. These will hold up well against kids and pets.
• Stain-resistant materials. So, your heart won’t stop at every spill.
• Removable and/or washable covers. Need we say more?

For rugs and carpets, consider:

• Lower-pile, easy-to-vacuum options (anything extra fluff can quickly become a problem.)
• Durable materials like wool, sisal, or nylon. They’ll handle foot traffic best.
• Washable or outdoor rugs. For that next-level toughness or cleanability.

For solid furniture (dressers, tables, credenzas, etc.), consider:

• Hardwoods, like oak or maple. Flimsy furniture could be a safety risk.
• Durable metals like steel. Longevity is key with kids.

For hard finishes (flooring, countertops, etc.), consider:

• Solid wood, laminate, or vinyl. Mopping up spills should be a breeze.
• Tile. Generally low-maintenance and high durability.
• Durable stones, like quartz or granite. They come with various levels of resistance to heat, scratches, and stains.

Prioritize Safety

To create a truly kid-friendly space, safety always comes first.

Luckily, organic interiors are firmly in style! That means rounded edges on furniture, plush materials, and soft-close doors and cabinets can all help you structure a stylish and safe space.

You might want to pay a little extra attention to paint, stains, and other supplies when creating your stylish, kid-friendly space, though. Some paints and adhesives can contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause irritation, shortness of breath, and even memory loss. In the same vein, certain composite wood products, like plywood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF), can contain formaldehyde. When inhaled, formaldehyde can irritate the skin, eyes, and other membranes.

Of course, this isn’t the case with every building material on the market, so don’t let the worst-case scenarios scare you off. Just do your due diligence so you can design with confidence!

Oh, and one final safety-related tip? Consider keeping those extra valuable items (family heirlooms, priceless artworks — you know the stuff) away from high-traffic areas. That way, when you hear a big crash, your heart will sink just a little less.

Keep Storage Top-of-Mind

It’s no secret that, once kids are in the mix, suddenly you seem to have so. Much. More. Stuff. So, practical storage solutions are king.

Some of our top suggestions here include:

• Paring down your belongings. You know what Marie Kondo would say: “Does insert item here spark joy?” If so, great! If not, it’s time to sell or donate. Depending on age, this might be a great activity to loop the kids in for.
• Take advantage of free space. Maybe you have an empty corner just begging for a credenza. Or some vertical space that would benefit from a floating shelf or two. The right answers here will depend entirely on your unique space, but don’t be afraid to get creative.
• Explore multi-use furniture. When your furniture does more, turns out you need less of it! So, think: ottomans with built-in storage or dining chairs that are comfy enough for a homework session or two.
• Invest in a few accessories. We’re talking bins, baskets, pegboards, or any other tools to make quick clean-ups a breeze. And remember, just because the main point is function, doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice form. There are plenty of aesthetic options on the market to explore!

Ask for Input

The ultimate kid-friendly move? Implementing their thoughts and ideas!

Assuming it’s age-appropriate, ask your kid what they think would make the space that much cooler. 

Is your kid super into superheroes? Maybe some tasteful, modern, themed art could make its way onto the walls.

Or maybe they have a beloved teddy bear. A twin version snuggled up with the couch’s throw pillows could be a sweet touch.

The key here is inclusion — to the extent that makes sense for your space and family, of course!

Wrapping Up: Kid-Friendly Spaces That Don’t Sacrifice Style

At the end of the day, there’s no reason your kid-friendly space can’t be stylish and functional!

From thoughtfully choosing materials to asking for input, there’s plenty of room to experiment with design while keeping practicality in mind.

And, honestly, we wouldn’t be surprised if your house quickly becomes the coolest hang on the block. Happy decorating!