Your priorities, needs and preferences change when you become a parent in terms of how you use your living space. When you welcome a new addition, it’s common to find that you value practicality as much as aesthetics. If you’re expecting a baby, or you have children and your home doesn’t work brilliantly, this guide is packed with ingenious ideas to supercharge functionality.
This is a collaborative post.
Prioritise Storage
Storage is essential when you have children of any age. From newborns to teens, it’s crucial to ensure that you maximise storage space and embrace clever storage solutions. There are lots of ways to create more storage at home if you don’t have enough or you’ve run out of room.
The first step is to buy storage containers and explore innovative storage solutions and systems. Products and designs, such as rails, racks, shelving, units, built-in cupboards and cabinets, can help you store stuff neatly and create more space. If you use your garage for storage, for example, you can fit a lot more in and organise items effectively using storage systems and garage shelving from sites like Tufferman. From outdoor toys and bikes to winter boots and books you want to donate, you can keep everything tidy while freeing up space indoors. Use boxes, crates and shelves in playrooms, bedrooms and living areas and add shelves, racks and hidden drawers in the kitchen. Furniture that has in-built storage is fantastic for living rooms and compact kitchens and bedrooms. Examples include beds with storage underneath and coffee tables and TV units with drawers and shelves.
The second step is to think about the way you store items. Getting into a routine can help you prevent clutter and keep your home tidy. Buy boxes, containers and tubs for toys and books and try to tidy at the end of every day. Fold clean clothes and place them in chests or hang them up in a wardrobe or on a rail. If you’re short on space in the nursery or a children’s bedroom, maximise space by using solutions like over-the-door shoe racks and coat hooks. Make the most of your wall space with shelves and shelving units. You can also use extra storage within wardrobes and cupboards to fit more in, such as shoe cubes.
Finally, consider options like using a storage unit if your home is packed to the rafters and you’ve got stuff you don’t use regularly. Items like furniture, seasonal clothing, outdoor toys and gym equipment you haven’t used for years take up a lot of space. Storage units are easily accessible and they help you free up room to use either as additional storage or living space.
Consider Changing The Layout
The conventional layout of our homes has evolved to cater to the needs of the modern-day family, but not all houses and apartments are geared towards family life. If you have an old house, you may find that you’ve got a lot of small rooms. Contemporary homes tend to be more open, providing versatile living spaces. Changing the layout can be beneficial if you want to design areas that cater to adults and children. If you have a compact kitchen and a separate utility area, cloakroom and dining room, for example, changing the layout could provide a more practical, family-friendly room. You could knock walls down to design a much bigger, open-plan kitchen-diner with space for a laundry room and pantry or a snug area. This will enable you to cook and eat while the kids play or enjoy activities like watching TV, chatting, playing games and eating dinner together.
Opening up living rooms can also enhance functionality if you don’t have a separate playroom. You can create distinctive zones within living spaces to cater to different activities, including relaxing, watching TV, reading, playing and working.
Make The Most of Your Outdoor Space
If you don’t have much space indoors, making the most of your outdoor space may provide a solution. There are various options to explore, such as adding a garden room, conservatory or orangery, buying a shed, cabin or summerhouse, or extending your home. The cost of these projects varies hugely. Before you decide what to do, consider your needs, your future plans and your budget.
If you want to stay in the same home, or you’re keen to add value to your property while creating more space, it’s an excellent idea to explore extensions and options like adding a garden room. Garden rooms are versatile and they’re increasingly popular, which means that your home may be more saleable. You can use garden rooms for many purposes, including home offices, studios for creative activities and exercise, gyms, bars and play dens. Adding an extension is a more expensive project, but it could provide you with the space you need and solve problems if you’d rather stay put than move. Ground floor extensions are fantastic if you want a big kitchen or you’re eager to add an office, playroom or guest suite. If you extend upstairs as well, you could create a new bedroom and bathroom, a study or a room for your hobbies and interests.
Buying a shed or a summerhouse is a more budget-friendly option. Sheds are great for storing outdoor toys, sports equipment, machinery and tools, while summer houses provide extra living space outside. You can also use a summer house for storage.
Complement Your Lifestyle
When you design a home or plan a revamp or renovation, it’s important to consider your lifestyle. How do you use your home, what are your interests and what do you want your home to do for you? If you love the great outdoors, for example, and you spend a lot of time going on nature walks and bike rides, it’s a fantastic idea to create a messy area next to the back door. Opt for low-maintenance, wipe-clean flooring and furnishings and add storage for muddy boots and wellies, coats and bikes. If you have young kids, you could also add a table and use this area for arts and crafts. For dog owners, there’s nothing more luxurious than a utility or cloakroom area with a dog bath or shower. If you like this idea, search for ideas and designs online or take inspiration from places you’ve been, for example, dog-friendly hotels.
Create Areas For Every Member of the Family
We all want our homes to be special places. As a parent, you want your child to feel safe and secure at home, but you also want your kids to have fun and feel relaxed and happy. Your home should also continue to be a sanctuary for adults once children arrive. It’s not easy to strike the right balance between a play zone and a restful retreat. Creating areas for every member of the family is an effective way to make everyone happy and ensure your home delivers on a functional level. Set aside zones for kids and adult-friendly areas and make spaces that are suitable for everyone. If you don’t have separate areas, such as a playroom or a formal living room, you can design specific zones within larger rooms. Use furniture, different coloured paint or accessories and screens to give each space an identity. In an open living room, for example, you can set up a sofa by the TV for family time, add a quiet zone with beanbags, books and blankets, make a workstation and turn a corner into a play area with toys and mini tables and chairs.
Many people find that their homes don’t work as effectively when they have children. When you become a parent, you have different needs, and this may mean that a house that was perfect for a couple isn’t functional. The good news is you don’t have to sell your home. There are lots of ways to improve functionality, including changing the layout, making the most of your outdoor space and prioritising storage. Consider features and design concepts that fit your lifestyle and create zones and areas that cater to everyone’s needs.