How To Design A Childproof Home
Building a new home for your family requires a lot of decisions to make. You’ll be choosing a design that would fit your lifestyle, and if you have kids, you’ll have to put them into consideration too.
Kids are active and love to run around. They would also make a trail of mess around every corner of the house. That’s normal, and it is part of having children.
What parents should focus on is making the space safe and suitable for the kids during each stage of their lives. It is vital to have a child-friendly home not only for the children but for parents to have peace of mind knowing that the kids are safe.
From fixtures, flooring, and materials, having a child-friendly home is possible. In this article, we’ve listed some ideas to create a stylish and worry-free environment for children.
Floorplan
It’s best to have a floor plan with plenty of open space, wide passages, and easy to access areas. Open spaces will allow kids to play, run around, relax, do things, and spread out while parents can still supervise them.
Consider getting an open kitchen because it offers easy access to other areas of the house. The dinner should be side by side with the kitchen, and the common area should also be spacious enough to accommodate everyone.
If you have babies or toddlers, their bedrooms should be close to the master bedroom, while the teenager’s room should be spaced apart for a little privacy.
Walls
If you decide to paint your walls, consider darker colors on areas that are reachable by the smaller kids. Darker colors would prevent any stain from showing.
Also, consider getting paint finishes that are easier to clean like satin sheen. You can also use a semi-gloss paint on areas that kids would likely play. Markers, crayons, and chalk wash off easily on semi-gloss finished walls.
Fixtures and Fittings
Children tend to run around all the time and might end up hurting themselves on the sharp edges. It’s best to get fixtures with rounded corners and taps that swivel.
Also, make fixtures like sinks, countertops, and benchtops accessible and just the right height so children could reach them.
A bathtub is also essential if you have kids. You can install one in the main bathroom. Bathing kids would be more comfortable and safer inside a bath, with only a few alterations like adding a washcloth and non-slip mats to prevent slips.
You can also never go wrong with having enough storage spaces when you have children. It’s the best remedy for keeping toys and other clutter out of plain sight.
Install a mix of drawers and different types of cabinets that could accommodate several things. Just make sure to secure cabinets and drawers by installing an interior latch or an external lock.
Floorings
For floorings, it’s essential to invest and choose durable flooring materials that would last longer, especially with the constant foot traffic and activity of a large family.
Most homeowners would choose hardwood, but it is prone to damage as toys can easily scratch and dent it. You may want to opt for other materials like tiles, vinyl, or laminate floors. These materials are more durable and easy to clean.
If you prefer to get tiles, make sure that they are non-slip, most especially to the tiles inside the bathroom. Non-slip tiles help prevent accidents when kids splash water everywhere.
If you want a carpeted flooring, consider getting a stain-resistant carpet. It would be easier to remove spills and clean up stains. You can also get carpet tiles instead of broadloom because it is easier to lift and clean.
Furniture
Get pieces of furniture that can easily be washed, wiped, and cleaned. For couches and beds, get materials that are water-resistant and can endure jumps, bumps, and scrapes.
Prefer types of furniture with fabrics that are stain-resistant, washable, and in darker tones, so you won’t have a hard time keeping furniture clean.
You should also get furniture with rounded edges, without any sharp corners to prevent kids from bumping in them. Avoid pieces of furniture with breakable glasses and hard metals that can be dangerous for kids.
Play Spaces
When planning your home, it is also essential to include additional space that can function as a playroom.
A playroom can prevent the kids from taking over the entire house while they can still enjoy working or playing. Though it is crucial to keep this area close to you or your workspace so you can always supervise them.
Once the kids are older, you can convert the playroom into a media, library, or music room where your teenager can relax or hang-out with their friends.
Outdoor Space
Ample outdoor space is vital for every home with children. Playing outdoors can help kids develop and reach certain milestones. It can also help them burn energy and improve their health.
Just make sure to provide a great balance of shade and sunlight where kids can still sweat out and relax. You can also have an alfresco area where you can sit and watch the kids.
Secure the entire house by installing high-quality fencing and gates. Fences can keep intruders outside and children safe inside your premises.
It can also prevent children from roaming outside the house and near the streets where they can be lost or catch any accidents. Fences can also provide privacy and protect children from anyone lurking.
Check out different types of fences and gates that you can install or customize to fit your property at https://www.skilledfencing.com.au/.
Takeaway
Designing a home for your family and children means considering things that would ensure their safety and comfort. By following these ways, you’ll have the perfect child-friendly space for the entire family.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind