There's this story that I was told involving Jeremy, his mother's coffee table, and a screwdriver. I think you can figure out the end. There's another story about a girl who spilled fingernail polish remover on her mother's formal dining room table. (Yup, fastest way to take off a finish...er, so I'm told.) There are countless other stories involving markers, Mod Podge (Jeremy again--this time on my area rug), and whatever else kids get their hands on to destroy furniture. It happens, but I am still a firm believer that you can have both a nice house AND kids. Do you honestly think I would wait until my kids are 18 to have nice things? Didn't think so. Now, if I can just figure out how to husband proof my house...Here are my tips for finding your style with kids:
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image from Pottery Barn |
(1) Get Organized: I personally think it's fun to organize. I may be weird, but I do. I love containers: bins, baskets, totes, I love them all! Find containers that you like, and keep your kids' toys in them. For many of us, it's unrealistic to keep all toys in the bedroom. I need toys in the living room--because that's where I live! Really, it's just another excuse to purchase a great basket!
(2) Be Practical: Though there are hundreds of beautiful fabrics I would just LOVE to have in my home, it's not going to happen (at least not with a one-year old). On the flip side, there are tons of beautiful fabrics that are kid proof. If you are purchasing a sofa, consider micro-suede. I swear to you, this is a miracle fabric. How do I know? Not because of Stella, because of my other child, my husband. He spilled red enchilada sauce on our white couch the day we bought it. It came right out with a little soap and water. Another great tip? Look at outdoor or indoor/outdoor rugs. They can literally be sprayed off if needed.
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image from Pottery Barn |
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image from Decor Pad |
(3) Be Safe: Try to restrain yourself from buying that glass end table you love or the coffee table with extra sharp corners. Instead, opt for a leather or upholstered ottoman. In our house, the ottoman is the center of most of Stella's activities. I get a little extra piece of mind knowing she's not going to gouge an eye while cruising around. (Even if she did, it would wipe right off of the micro-suede couch and indoor/outdoor rug! Ok, that wasn't funny. I hope that never happens.)
(4) Don't Lose Your Style: Your space needs to work for everyone. While your living room shouldn't look like a daycare, it also doesn't need to look like a museum. It's okay if there are signs of children, they live there, too! If you are looking to purchase your child a table and chair set, buy one that matches the style of your home--not everything has to be pastel with Disney characters (unless that's your decor, I'm not here to judge)! There are so many wonderful, contemporary-looking toys and baby equipment. Paint the tables and chairs, find a fun, retro mini-kitchen. There are even modern baby swings! If you have to have it out, make it work! (So in love with this highchair!)
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image from Monolo Home |