Don’t get us wrong, we’re big fans of the beautiful custom furniture, delicate details, and splurge-worthy pieces that often accompany luxury home design. While it may look beautiful in a photograph, is it really practical? That antique vase is just waiting for a toddler to tumble into it, and that custom wallpaper is no match for Fido after a mud puddle.
But fear not, there is a way to strike a balance between functional and beautiful, and working with a designer is a sure-fire way to anticipate all of life’s little messes and ensure your investment remains.
Here are three ways we ensured our clients’ homes are perpetually kid- and pet-proof.
Cleanable Wallpaper
Dogs need baths. Cats track litter. It’s a fact of life and a reality for any pet parent, but it doesn’t have to be an ongoing battle between a clean furbaby and a clean home. We recently renovated a laundry room to pull double duty as a pet wash station – complete with easy-to-clean tile and wallpaper for rogue shakes and splashes.
The function doesn’t stop there, though, we also incorporated steps for pups to get in and out of their wash station with ease, a detachable showerhead to rinse all the furry nooks and crannies, and plenty of storage to house cleaning products and treats for the goodest boys.
Thoughtful Storage Space
Daydreams about a house full of kids can sometimes be overshadowed by that little voice whining, “But the design!” Your interior dreams DO NOT have to be put on hold while you grow your family. In fact, working with a designer to make thoughtful choices can help your home evolve right alongside it.
In a family living room, we added built-ins with shelving high enough to deter little hands, with lower cabinets perfect for storing toys, diapers, and everyday essentials for easy access. The best part? The facade of the cabinet doors is beautiful and seamless, perfectly hiding whatever chaos may be going on behind them.
Seamless Essentials
Kids and pets require a lot of stuff. Often bulky stuff. And while strollers and pack-and-plays may just have to clutter up living spaces on occasion, there is a way to integrate these essentials into your home design. Case in point: a chic playpen.
Keep your little tike entertained and safe in their own dedicated play area – in this redesign, we selected a neutral playpen that blended in with the home’s decor, and added a perfectly-sized rug to make it even more comfortable and attractive. As baby grows, it’s an easy temporary space to take down, store, and pop back up for the next one. When you’re all done? Give us a call and we’ll spruce up the space.
We love planning around kids and pets and would be honored to be part of your home design in any phase of life. Let’s connect.