New Trends in Design for Families

Ever think to yourself "once my kids are older, I can get my house the way I want" or " once we're empty nesters, we'll hire that designer" or "I just can't live the way I want to because I have kids"? Well, I'm here to tell you those are all lies. All of them. Having children does not mean your house shouldn't be functional AND beautiful. You can have a home that speaks to you and your design sense (even if you don't know what that is yet), and still functions for you AND your children!

I've done the hard work for you (I AM a designer, after all), and have curated a list of some of the top trends in design right now specifically for families.

The Rise of Multi-Functional Spaces

Design for versatility. With so many of us working from home these days, it's imperative that we have a space to work, but the little ones need a place to play! Divide multi-use rooms in to different "zones" to encourage the ability for everyone to use a room the way they need to. Just check out this gorgeous home office/playroom from Styleyoursenses.com

Photo courtesy of styleyoursenses.com

Creating rooms that serve a dual purpose allows a family to maximize their space and functionality, and provide a great opportunity to explore some real design space solutions.

Flexible furniture options. Innovative pieces like foldable tables and expandable seating that adapt to family needs are a must for these multi-functional rooms! or a living room that doubles as an office, try a sofa with a built in console/desk. Or check out this console on Amazon that transforms into a 12 seat dining table when guests come over!

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Design

Importance of sustainability for families. Families are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their choices. Not only do truly sustainable materials reduce the impact on the environment, they also last for generations to come. When searching for sustainable choices, opt for something made locally, or in your country, to reduce shipping impacts. Alternatively, search for great pieces at your local antique or vintage store. Not only will you be adding plenty of character to your home, you’ll also be reducing the impact to the mass-production industry. Win-win!

Adoption of natural materials. While not for everyone, using natural materials is a great way to reduce your environmental impact. Aim to use organic fabrics - such as cotton, wool, or bamboo - in your furniture and rugs. Most areas have a reclaimed woodshop nearby – a great resource for furniture, countertops, and even flooring. As a much simpler option low-VOC paints are available at your local hardware store, and reduce the amount of chemicals being introduced into your home.

Emphasis on Safety and Comfort

Child-proofing designs. Lean towards features in your selections that optimize safety. For example, opt for a large upholstered ottoman versus a wooden coffee table with hard corners. Or choose a vanity with a built-in step stool to make washing little hands that much easier! And, as always, be sure to anchor those large pieces to the wall!

Comfortable living environments. Aim to incorporate soft textiles and cozy layouts to encourage family bonding. Try to avoid difficult-to-maintain fabrics, like velvet, microsuede, and leather. Using a sectional in the living room allows space for everyone to sit together – great for movie night! Try using to storage ottoman to keep blankets close by for cuddly autumn days.

Personalized Spaces

Customization for individual family needs. It’s important to incorporate everyone’s personal styles somewhere in the home – at the very least it gives each member of the family a sense of belonging. For example, Mom’s home office shouldn’t look like the kids’ playroom – they serve different people, functions, and purposes. For a home office, opt for muted versions of your favorite colors – invoking joy while still encouraging calm and focus. For the kids’ spaces, bright colors encourage the stimulation their brains need to grow and are just more fun!

Inclusive designs for all family members. Be sure to create spaces that cater to the needs of every family member, including those with disabilities. Ranch-style homes with an open concept are ideal for wheelchair, crutch, and cane users. While divided spaces with clear division tend to be better for those who are neurodivergent, clear storage solutions are great for kids and those with ADHD.

Color and Ambiance

Choosing family-friendly color palettes. When choosing colors for your home, it is important to keep in mind everyone who will be using the space. For joint-use spaces, opt for more muted tones in soothing colors to create a calm environment. Neutral and cool colors (blues, greens, and purples) are known to induce feelings of calm and peace. Save the bright colors for the personal spaces.

Lighting solutions for family needs. Families use each space differently at different times of the day. Look for lights and switches with a dimmer option, to change the ambiance throughout the day, according to your needs. When using lamps (which I highly recommend), try to find options that have multiple settings to adjust as needed. Make sure you are also purchasing dimmer and 3-way bulbs for maximum benefit.

SO…what have we learned? Take some time, evaluate your family’s needs, and hire a designer to help you find the right solutions for you. Whether dealing with disabilities or small spaces, your home deserves to feel beautiful AND functional in every stage of your family’s life. And don't forget to give your favorite designer a call to help!

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