Our Top 3 Considerations when Planning a Home with Kids and Pets
From the littlest people in our families to our furry family members, designing a space often calls for taking into consideration the little luxuries that will make everyday comfortable for each and every member of the family. Getting to know a family and how they live in their home is an important part of our process and helps drive decisions when bringing a space together. Here we breakdown some of the features we pay attention to while designing with kids and pets in mind.
1. Adaptability to different life stages. While it may seem like the toddler toys will be around forever, they are really just a part of our lives for a few years. Then, come the crafts, hot wheels and legos. Followed by video games and the comings and goings with friends. When we design family and play spaces, is is always important to keep in mind how the space can evolve over time.
2. Storage for different areas of the home. From the shoe pile at the main family entrance, to the book bags, sports bags, snow gear, keepsakes, hand-me-down clothes and on and on, kids have a lot of stuff. Having smart places where it all can live can make a home feel less cluttered and more organized. And, pets - where will their food, toys, leash, bed or crate and dirty paw towels live? Thinking through mudroom, closet, basement or laundry room storage with each family member in mind is so important.
3. Durability and scrubability. Performance fabrics, scrubbable paints and tile considerations all come into play when you plan for inevitable messes. A sofa or chair upholstered in a performance fabric can no only be cleaned easier when spills happen (and they do!), but they can also provide a little peace of mind. It is no fun to be worried about a chair every time you see sticky hands. Why kids touch the walls when the walk up and down hallways or stairs is beyond us - but they do. Scrubbable paints (and a magic eraser) can make a simple solve. And, we always recommend tile behind the potty. Just tile all the way up to 42” - those messes are never fun, but tile takes it easier than drywall.
Thinking through the current and evolving needs of every family member can take some time and advanced planning. But, when there is a convenient place to wash the dog or a tucked away place to store off-season sports equipment or a readily available place for toddler toys today, legos tomorrow and homework down the road, a home can function more smoothly and comfortably.