When designing a new home for you and your family, it's essential to consider how it’ll fit each member’s lifestyle. And, although it’s important to plan for how a family functions now, it’s also necessary to take into account how their needs will change as time passes by, especially if you intend to inhabit the property for a long time. Also, when you have kids, you need to factor in more aspects that’d ensure their wellbeing, such as hazard-free surfaces and corners, as well as areas where they can be as free and creative as they can be, of course, without compromising their safety.
That being said, here are some steps to achieving a family-friendly home:
1. Have An Open Floor Plan
Open plan living boasts light-filled, spacious, multifunctional spaces, that’s why more and more households are opting for it over having separate rooms for cooking, dining, and lounging.
For one, a kitchen with plenty of space that’s usually connected to similarly spacious areas, such as the living and dining rooms, allows parents to supervise their children as they cook or relax, while giving the rest of the family space to spread out and do their own thing.
But, despite that, it’s possible to create a sense of intimacy and keep an eye on things by zoning your open floor plan by installing varying ceiling heights, adding screens, or strategically positioning furniture.
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2. Make Room For Storage
You can never have too much storage space for your belongings. Consider using baskets or built-in shelves to store clothes, accessories, and other similar items. Having enough storage can help keep things in order.
It’s best to incorporate storage spaces in the bedroom, living area, and even the kitchen. Consider clever ways to incorporate additional cabinetry, such as bulkheads. In addition, assemble the garage's shelves and racks for shoes, sports equipment, and outdoor gear.
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3. Consider A Playroom Or A Second Living Room
If space is limited, it may be a luxury to have a playroom or a second living area. If you can create one, however, it will be worth it and will be a valuable space in a family home. On the days when you don't have the energy to fight the kids to clean up the toys and clutter, you can close the door in this area.
Moreover, having a desk or craft area in this space is essential if you have younger kids; here. they can draw, pain, and the like. Furthermore, the extra space can also be an area in the house to do homework as they grow up.
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4. Go For Round Furniture And Soft Edges
Choose furniture with rounded edges to reduce accidents involving sharp edges because kids are constantly rowdy. Fortunately, today, you can find many great-looking pieces that are child-friendly. And, of course, make sure to get pieces of furniture that are durable enough to endure the chaos of everyday life, especially with young children around.
If you already have existing furniture with edges that you wish to use, consider applying edge protectors for safety purposes. Safety should be the topmost priority, as prevention is better than cure.
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5. Create A Practical Laundry Area
When you have kids, you’ll spend more time doing laundry, so having a functional and multifunctional laundry area will be efficient and will make your life easier.
Even though you have a small laundry room, allocate plenty of bench space and keep it clear with built-in hampers for dirty and clean clothing. You can save space by adding retractable ironing boards, drying racks, and slide-out work surfaces. Also, consider purchasing a separate washer and dryer if you;re doing multiple loads.
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6. Add Surveillance Cameras
As mentioned above, the safety of your family always comes first. Even when you aren't at home, you can still keep an eye on your family with a surveillance camera. In today’s world, security is critical. Installing security cameras in your home, especially in the bedrooms, living room, and kitchen area, is now a wise choice. Additional one in the outside vicinity are also advisable.
Final Note
When designing a family home, you must think about the needs of each family member, especially if you have kids. Considering an open floor plan, adequate storage, a second living room or playroom, a functional laundry area, and a set of surveillance cameras installed in vital areas of the property can surely make your home family-friendly. With such features, you can achieve a functional and organized home, improving the everyday dynamics of your family life.
