When I think of a family home, I think of a warm and inviting environment where kids grow up into adults and a place that adults establish as their nest…a place called home. Of course, the most important element in any family home is love. That element is key. Then comes all of the other necessary things to consider when building a space that is comforting and pleasant for family members. With the hustle and bustle of kids and adults and animals and young people, it is a challenge I am sure to also make a family home stylish and good looking too.

For the first time in my life, outside of my parents house, I am living in a family home. This time I am with my guy TE and his son and two dogs (and a few of his son’s friends are staying with us too). I have been thinking a lot about setting up house and creating a nice space over the last year as we have renovated a house in Malibu. TE thinks I am obsessed with cleanliness. Uh…I am. Organization is the next on my obsession list. I am also obsessed with figuring out the balance between making a home a home and making it look good too – this is the fun part…finding just the right point where design, decoration and function all meet.

So here are some tips on stylish family friendly home decor as illustrated through a revived 1880’s Victorian family home in Sydney Australia – the home in this post is owned by a family of 5 with 3 children under the age of 12!  Who says a family home filled with kids cannot be chic and stylish?

1. Bright Family Spaces

Create an open kitchen that looks out onto an open den or living room. This allows family to enjoy each other’s company in the more public areas of the home. Nice to be able to have some engaged in cooking and others engaged in living all in the same space.

2. Slip covers

Slip cover living room chairs, dining chairs, sofas and anything else you can think of so you can easily clean if need be. If you have young children (and frankly older ones too), slip covers can give you peace of mind from the day to day wear and tear.

3. Have fun

A well dressed home doesn’t have to be a stodgy home. You want the home to breath and live and help make memories. Creating statement rooms that are a little more fun than the rest house can help define a families personality. Make sure to have fun with wall coverings, whimsical knick knacks and a bold print. Chic does not mean boring. A well edited room with a some fun design elements always works.

4. Performance Fabrics

Make sure your main living space has plenty of comfortable seating that is covered in performance and/or outdoor fabric. Goal is to keep rooms inviting, well designed and comfortable. You want people to enjoy the space. Using durable performance fabrics that repel water/dirt and or outdoor fabrics on your upholstery will allow you to enjoy your space without worrying about spills or marks.

5. Stylish Storage

Make sure to create lots of good looking storage. Families tend to have lots of stuff. Try to find unique ways to store your families things that look good and are functional.

6. Color Mood

Colors like blue and green are known to be calming. Purple connotes luxury, wealth and romance. White walls are great in my book but a colorful room painted or wallpapered in a saturated color can also set the mood for a busy and lively family.

***

What are your tips for stylish family friendly home decor?  Do share!  Please!  I could use the advice!

Happy Monday!

xo
Coco

Photos: Vogue