7 Ways to Make Your Home Super Kid-Friendly

Leanne, The Toast Rack Residence:

“I think kids (and grown ups!) enjoy happy spaces, where we can see and reach things with ease, making it easy to fall into play mentality. Lego on display, family artwork on the walls, cupboards organized by type- books/ puzzles/ playmobil etc, all make for a warm and friendly environment.” 

Vincent & Natasha, The Copake Lake House:

“When you’re remodeling that’s when you really have the opportunity to consider something special and unique for children. Bookshelves accessible from their bed so it’s easy to get cozy in bed and choose a book to read on their own or with a parent. We built bunkbeds into the wall each with their own bookshelves and reading lamps. You can also make sure there’s a beam or blocking in the ceiling or walls so you can hang a hammock indoors or a children’s swing seat.”

Simon, The Rustic Canyon Residence:

“Our home is a playground for children to explore. Scavenger hunts, rope swings, and sand castles – nature is magical for kids growing up. For us it’s all about being outside. With its open design and wide views, it’s more than just a house. It connects the indoors with the outside world, inviting us to look out and feel part of something larger. Here, we don’t just live in a space, but in a whole universe full of magic and possibility.”

Antonio, The Rua Dos Açores Residence:

“For us, to make a home super kid-friendly it’s important that they have a sleeping room (a more calm space) separately from a playing room (where they can expand and spend their limitless energy!).

We also made an effort to include a kid’s space within the adults area, such as the living room (where they also have their books), or the kitchen (where they have their own playing kitchen).

Finally, we think it’s also relevant to create conditions for kids to use the different areas of the apartment in an autonomous way, such as having a small bench in the bathroom, so that they can reach the sink to wash their hands / brush their teeth; or having plastic cups inside the lower cupboard in the kitchen, so that they can reach to grab a cup and drink some water independently.”

Clio, The Clova Road Residence:

“Being kid friendly can be especially hard when you want to make a stylish family home too. What we’ve found works well is to have all the baby and child equipment ready to go for guests (and us) to use, as this makes far more of a difference than making sure you have soft surfaces everywhere. Kids grow up and those baby-appropriate furnishings you chose might seem a bit irrelevant in future years. But good quality highchairs, cots, potties, toys and having changing mats and monitors available on request is what makes your experience a great one. For parents, not having to remember all of those things makes the biggest difference.”

Jo, The Somerleaze Residence

“Transforming a home into a kid-friendly haven involves embracing a relaxed and laid-back vibe, catering to the energetic and curious nature of little ones. Begin by creating cozy nooks for reading and snuggling, filled with soft pillows and blankets. Opt for washable and durable materials for furniture and décor to withstand the inevitable spills and messes. Integrate fun and whimsical elements like a mini indoor tent or a DIY sensory play area with bins of rice or kinetic sand. Encourage outdoor exploration by setting up a dedicated play space in the backyard with swings, a sandbox, or a mini gardening area. Embrace a flexible layout that allows for impromptu dance parties or indoor picnics.”

Claudia, The Campo Nell’Elba Residence

“Becoming a mother initiated a need in our own house and then I transferred it to our holiday homes. Having two daughters with a 10 years age gap helped us to collect and pick a wide variety of toys and books to cover quite a big age range. You don’t need many toys for each age but you do need good-looking and well-built toys, possibly made of natural materials which should be much more resistant that the average plastic ones. 

With books we have everything from soft baby books to Harry Potter, and sometimes books in a few different languages!”