Just because you have kids doesn't mean you have to give up your design style. We asked top interior designers for ideas on how they create a space that's both sophisticated and sippy-cup friendly.
More
Children's art projects are given the artist treatment with frames in this Park Avenue apartment's kitchen. "I thought the apartment should reflect the fact that it's for a young, modern family with three children and a broad, cosmopolitan view of the world," says designer Eric Cohler. "We wanted it to be open, bright, fresh — everything it wasn't." A David Weeks lighting fixture animates the corner.
Designers Barbara Westbrook and Kim Winkler opened the kitchen of an Atlanta house to the family room. "The space had to accommodate a family of five, as well as a lovable golden retriever, Westbrook says. "The openness makes it easy for everyone to mingle and not feel separated. But it was important that the two rooms look coordinated." Those chose a neutral and white palette, with a mix of rustic antiques and unfussy contemporary pieces. Stainless steel Sub-Zero.
Add Some Words of Wisdom
In the dining area of a beach house in Marin County, California, designer Erin Martin and owner Kim Dempster added an inspiration quote on the wall: "The pieces of a ship taken by themselves will sink. But when combined together, will take you anywhere you want to go." "For me, it's about family and loving one another, no matter what life brings you,” Martin says. “It's something we know in our heart and soul, but we need to be reminded occasionally." Shaw ceiling lights from Urban Electric Co. hang over an antique trestle table, paired with vintage captain's chairs. A banquette, with more storage underneath, doubles as a guest bed.
Use an Outdoor Rug Indoors
There's no rule that says outdoor rugs can't be used indoors, too. They're easy to clean—just hose down and dry in the sun. Another option is to use a rug that's meant for high-traffic areas. For a San Francisco house designed by Ken Fulk, "I wanted the house to be family-friendly in every sense of the word — whether that means a cousin visiting, kids in the dining room, or a dog from the neighborhood walking through," Fulk says. "So I used this rug, Leopard Cub by Stark. It's a Mack truck of a carpet. I have the same rug in my own house, where we have three big, hairy golden retrievers who are always coming in with muddy paws."
There's no rule that says outdoor rugs can't be used indoors, too. They're easy to clean—just hose down and dry in the sun. Another option is to use a rug that's meant for high-traffic areas. For a San Francisco house designed by Ken Fulk, "I wanted the house to be family-friendly in every sense of the word — whether that means a cousin visiting, kids in the dining room, or a dog from the neighborhood walking through," Fulk says. "So I used this rug, Leopard Cub by Stark. It's a Mack truck of a carpet. I have the same rug in my own house, where we have three big, hairy golden retrievers who are always coming in with muddy paws."
Choose Durable Materials
"With four young children, durability in the family room was key for the owners," designer Meg Braff says of this East Hampton, New York, house. "The dark blue on the sofas, the leather ottoman, and the sisal rug are practically bulletproof." The sofa is upholstered in Hinson's Rawlston in Dunham Blue. Walls are covered in Africa Raffia in Key West Teal by Phillip Jeffries. The Farra Cocktail ottoman is by Hickory Chair; table lamp is by Christopher Spitzmiller.
"With four young children, durability in the family room was key for the owners," designer Meg Braff says of this East Hampton, New York, house. "The dark blue on the sofas, the leather ottoman, and the sisal rug are practically bulletproof." The sofa is upholstered in Hinson's Rawlston in Dunham Blue. Walls are covered in Africa Raffia in Key West Teal by Phillip Jeffries. The Farra Cocktail ottoman is by Hickory Chair; table lamp is by Christopher Spitzmiller.
Lighten Up
"Everyone thinks a family room needs to have dark upholstery because it's where the kids hang out, but I didn't want to go too far with this camel color," designer Pat Healing of this family room in Scarsdale, New York. Only the cushions of the custom U-shaped sectional are covered in Holland & Sherry's Rive Gauche mohair. The frame is upholstered in Dedar's Giulio Cesare. Light-colored pillows brighten it up even more, and can easily be switched out or cleaned.
"Everyone thinks a family room needs to have dark upholstery because it's where the kids hang out, but I didn't want to go too far with this camel color," designer Pat Healing of this family room in Scarsdale, New York. Only the cushions of the custom U-shaped sectional are covered in Holland & Sherry's Rive Gauche mohair. The frame is upholstered in Dedar's Giulio Cesare. Light-colored pillows brighten it up even more, and can easily be switched out or cleaned.
Pull Up a Pouf
The Moroccan poufs in this Strathmere, New Jersey, beach house are a signature for designer Mona Ross Berman, who uses them a lot in her work. "They make great extra seating, especially for kids," Berman says. "And here, they give you a chance to get a shot of leather into the room." The curtain and blue pillow fabrics are from Duralee's Seaglass Elements print collection, orange pillows are Meloire Reverse by Quadrille, and the yellow pillow is Arcadia Sulphur by Raoul Textiles.
The Moroccan poufs in this Strathmere, New Jersey, beach house are a signature for designer Mona Ross Berman, who uses them a lot in her work. "They make great extra seating, especially for kids," Berman says. "And here, they give you a chance to get a shot of leather into the room." The curtain and blue pillow fabrics are from Duralee's Seaglass Elements print collection, orange pillows are Meloire Reverse by Quadrille, and the yellow pillow is Arcadia Sulphur by Raoul Textiles.
Don't Stick with Pink or Blue
Display Books Like Art
