Interior Design Secrets for Busy Families: Making Your Home a Haven Amidst the Hustle
Photography and styling by Megan Garrett Bales
By Jill Rossi, Co-Owner of Dolce Design Co.
Amidst the whirlwind of managing schedules and navigating the complexities of daily family life, we all have a desire for at least a semblance of refinement and order in our homes, no matter how busy. Picture this: a haven where every corner whispers comfort and charm and also pulls its weight in the functionality department. Here are my top interior design tips tailored especially for you, dear busy families:
Embrace the Power of Multipurpose Furniture: Maximize space without sacrificing style by opting for pieces that serve dual purposes. Pick an ottoman or side table that doubles as storage, or a sofa bed for unexpected guests. Dining tables with self-storing leaves make sure you are ready for holiday dinners without having to sacrifice space the rest of the year. Solutions like these make it easy to have necessities close by, but quietly concealed until needed.
Declutter with Finesse: We all have things we need on-hand, but don’t enjoy looking at. Hide them with style! Find attractive baskets or bins in which to store loose clutter like toys and shoes. Utilize decorative boxes to hide away small things, like remotes and batteries. Create a tucked-away “drop zone” with dedicated space for everyday items like bags, keys, and leashes. Bonus points if you can do this inside a cabinet or spare closet so you can shut the door on the visual noise. Go through your home and eliminate duplicate items. Sticking to the essentials will save you space and be less to keep up with. Remember, less clutter means more space to breathe and thrive.
Pick fabrics and surface coverings that work as hard as you do. With little ones and furry friends scampering about, durability is key. Opt for fabrics that can withstand the wear and tear of daily life, like performance fabrics or leather upholstery. Some performance fabrics, like Revolution can even be bleached! Patterns and textures do a great job of camouflaging stains as well. If you don’t already have a stain-resistant finish on your existing upholstery, adding fabric protection can make a big difference in the longevity of your soft seating. And don’t forget to vacuum your upholstery on a regular basis. This keeps the everyday dirt and debris from working its way into the fabric, where it is harder to remove. On the floor, consider using well cushioned low pile rugs for easy cleaning, or vinyl floorcloths in spaces where messes are inevitable.
Add soul to your home with art and accessories. Choose art and accessories that are meaningful to you. Create a changeable art board to display your kids’ latest masterpieces. There are also frames that will display and store multiple pieces of art inside. This will keep your kiddo’s creations in sight but also give you a way to keep them organized. Try creating mini vignettes with cherished keepsakes throughout your home. You can also arrange items together on a tray. These methods will consolidate the items visually so you perceive one group rather than lots of individual objects. And, make sure to clear some horizontal space in each room for your eyes to rest. In a world full of stuff, nothing feels as luxurious as nothing.
Lighting matters. Set the right mood with a variety of lighting options. Bright, direct lights are needed for homework and cooking. Warm, diffused lights create a cozy ambiance for bedtime, signaling to your kids’ brains that it’s time to settle down. It is best to have several table and floor lamps in a room to give you the flexibility you want for any situation. Invest in lamps with dimmers to tailor the atmosphere to your needs. Pay attention to the color temperature of the light as well. Bright “daylight” bulbs will give you a cooler look that signals your brain to be at attention. Warm white or incandescent lights feel more cozy and relaxing.
Childproof with Style: Safety first, but style can be a close second! Consider those little noggins when it’s time to look for new furniture. Stay away from glass and sharp edges. Go for softer, rounded corners to protect those heads (and your shins,) from bumps. A cocktail ottoman in place of a coffee table is a great option to consider for this. When shopping for baby gates, check out wooden options instead of the industrial-looking plastic kind. Opt for interior-mounted safety latches on cabinets rather than the ones that mount on the cabinet door face. Get non-slip rug pads or carpet tape for high-traffic areas. This will keep your carpets in place and your kids on solid ground.
Invest in Quality Essentials: For your workhorse pieces like your sofa, or dining table, buy good quality furniture that can take a little bit of a beating. If you purchase well-made upholstered furniture, you won’t have to hold your breath every time Junior decides to use the sofa as a trampoline. And, if you purchase a solid wood dining table, even if the kids decide to use it as a drum set when you’re not looking, it can be sanded down and refinished to look as good as new. With inexpensive, lower quality furniture, it’s one and done. Any harsh treatment means you’ll be looking to purchase a new one in no time. You’ll be better off investing a little more up front so you can expect years of service from your furnishings.
By implementing these friendly tips, you can create a home that's not only functional but also a joy to live in—a true reflection of your family's unique style and personality. So here's to turning your busy household into a stylish and harmonious sanctuary!
