Contrary to popular belief, parents do not have to compromise on their dream home’s interior design to ensure the space is child-friendly—you can prepare for the possibility of spills and falls while still achieving your desired home aesthetics.
In this article, we will explore several interior design tips and tricks you can use to create a kid-safe environment.
Opt for Built-In Cabinets
If you have a child running around the house, it is essential to ensure a large enough space for them to move around without crashing into furniture pieces or falling over.
Built-in cabinets are great because they blend storage spaces seamlessly with the interior while eliminating obstacles blocking narrow doorways and corridors, allowing your child to roam freely and safely.
Install Vinyl Flooring
Most homeowners opt for popular floor tiles choices like hardwood, porcelain, and ceramics. However, they are undesirable for parents because they are slippery and may increase the likelihood of fall accidents. Additionally, these materials are hard and may be painful for children.
Vinyl flooring is an excellent alternative because it is softer and less slippery. Moreover, it is durable and easy to maintain; all you need to do is vacuum, sweep, and wipe the ground to keep the space hygienically clean.
As vinyl flooring comes in various styles, it is a versatile option that suits multiple interior design styles.
Use Non-Porous Materials
Materials like natural stone tables and countertops often look sleek and elegant but are challenging to maintain and vulnerable to damage: as these materials are highly porous, they are more likely to absorb liquids, moisture, and bacteria, making them a bad fit for young children, who are prone to spilling their food and drinks.
While you can use sealant to prevent damage, its effectiveness decreases over time, especially when spills occur frequently. As such, you would have to go through the trouble of reapplying it regularly.
Therefore, we recommend opting for non-porous materials like hard plastic and sintered stone.
Choose Washable Fabrics
Because children are prone to spill accidents, opting for machine-washable fabrics for your curtains, pillows, and bedding is best. This would make maintaining cleanliness much easier.
Choose Acrylic Fixtures
Glass fixtures are beautiful, often brightening and adding elegance to your home. However, they can be a safety hazard around young children, who may run around, bump into or break something, and get hurt.
Acrylic fixtures are a great alternative. Like glass, they are clear and transparent, creating a modern home interior. However, they are strong and highly durable and, therefore, safer for your kids.
Buy Furniture With Rounded or Curved Edges
Another safety hazard is sharp edges, which children may hit with their heads or legs. It is best to choose furniture with rounded or curved edges to reduce the risk of injuries.
Conclusion
Making your home child-friendly doesn’t necessarily mean giving up your interior design dream—there are numerous ways to build a fun and safe environment while maintaining a sense of style.
If you’re still worried about aesthetics, consider engaging an interior designerß with an eye for sourcing and arranging furniture. Consider contacting us at Flo Design—we provide interior design services in Singapore, including landed, condo, and BTO interior design services, that will help you create your dream home.
