Designing for families
- Liz Bell
- Jul 10
- 3 min read
We love the challenge of designing homes for families: Thinking about the current and future practical demands on the space, and how to create truly child-friendly environment while also reflecting the personality and style of the adults.
If you are starting to think about a renovation of your family home, consider these key elements for a successful design:
Storage
The more the better and in every room! Choose a range of storage options for each space and consider changing needs as your family needs change. Some useful storage options:
Low level toy/ book storage. This should be easily accessible for kids so they can lead their own play and/ or tidy up (wishful thinking…?). It’s good to include movable shelves and allow for standard depths and heights so you can use boxes to group & store items. Choose hidden storage or pretty (non see-through) baskets in rooms you want to feel restful.
Functional storage- e.g. for cleaning products (or snacks). These should be easily accessible on a day to day basis but out of reach (or sight) for some. High up shelves or cupboards which can fit child locks on them work well.
Wardrobes with multiple storage types e.g. mixed heights hanging spaces, drawers, shelves, pull out racks and large open spaces (e.g. for suitcases). Consider what quantity/ sizing you need for each and ensure you have overflow options for the future!
Fabulous bespoke lounge joinery for mixed storage needs
Versatility
Creating flexibility in you layout, style and finishes.
A family’s needs change all the time. You might need pram space by the front door now, followed by more space for shoes and bikes later. When you start potty training or have elderly relatives visit adding a GF WC might become a priority. It’s good to think about your current and potential needs when designing a space. If you’re not sure talk to your designer and they can suggest some useful inclusions based on your plans (life and home).
Style: Opt for timeless style, even in kids bedrooms. Yes, children’s rooms should be fun and a space to experiment, but do it in a sensible way because they are likely to outgrow bold designs quickly. Opt for timeless designs and natural/ neutral finishes for fitted furniture (which can be expensive to redecorate well) and furnishings – and then add style in easily changeable finishes like the wall-paint colours/ artwork or bedcovers. Repainting walls or changing small soft furnishings like cushion covers can provide a low-cost/ minimal ecological impact change, with high impact results. Other practical solutions, like corkboard walls, allow children to add their evolving mark on the space.
Finishes should also be chosen carefully to ensure they’ll work/ last as long as possible and/ or can be easily changed or refreshed when needed. For example, wood flooring is fabulous: we always suggest getting engineered boards with plenty of detail/ knots to better hide marks/ bashes. It’s also worth paying more for a thicker top layer (6mm) so you can have the floor sanded and refinished multiple times if necessary.
Quality: If you opt for great quality products/ finishes, they will ultimately look good for longer and therefore last longer. Make sure you go for something which can be maintained. We love oiled wood flooring as it can be patch repaired and easily maintained rather than a lacquer finish which has a higher ecological impact and needs fully sanding + reapplying when it’s damaged.
This nursery can be easily transformed into the future home study by changing the furnishings and wall hanging. The wall hanging works with lots of other colours/ styles and can move with the child into new spaces- providing familiarity and ensuring it can be used for many years.
Peace and Joy
Yes it sounds like a Christmas card but ultimately shouldn’t your home be a place where you can relax and feel happy?
Artwork, photos, furniture can all invoke feelings of belonging and joy to your home- choose pieces you love and display them.
Calming colours and spaces which are easy to use (think functional utility rooms/ plenty of storage) will make life easier and enjoyable.
When the kids are small, it may be unrealistic to expect them to ‘zone’ themselves, but as they grow older you may be able to create spaces dedicated to play and children’s entertainment, allowing other spaces to feel more ‘grown up’ and relaxed.
For more inspiration, have a look at some of these lovely (and practical) family homes on our portfolio:
