#ScribbleSafeSpaces
My Toddler Just Painted the Wall - Here’s Why I’m Not Panicking (And You Don’t Need to Either)
Designing a Kid Friendly Home That’s Stylish and Sanity Saving
Okay, picture this…it’s unusually quiet in the house (red flag #1) and I walk into the living room to find my two year old proudly presenting his latest masterpiece…a scribbled crayon across an entire section of the wall!
And you know what?
I don’t panic.
Not because I’m some superhero mom (I like to think I’m one) but because as a professional interior designer and mom of two littles, I’ve learned the magic of designing a beautiful, kid friendly home that can handle real life markers and boogers. Yup. I said it…boogers!
Choose Materials That Can Keep Up With You Kids
If you’re designing a home with toddlers or young children, material selection is everything! Many “disasters” are either preventable or easily fixable when you plan ahead.
Walls - Opt for washable, scrubbable paint. Brands like Benjamin Moore Aura or Sherwin Williams Duration Home make it easy to wipe off crayons, food, and finger paints.
Fabrics - Choose performance fabrics like Crypton or stain resistant velvets. These are lifesavers for sofas, ottomans, and even some draperies in heavy use areas.
Rugs - Low pile or patterned rugs or even indoor/outdoor options can help hide spills and survive the glitter bomb that your toddler may have just unleashed.
Design Around How You Actually Live
One of the most common mistakes I see is designing for the life you imagine and not the one you’re living! If you’ve got littles running around, it’s important to prioritize safety, storage and flexibility. When I design for young families, I focus on:
Rounded corners on furniture
Hidden storage to contain the toy tornado
Multipurpose spaces like a kitchen nook that doubles as an art station
If your space feels too delicate to live in, it’s not working for you!
Interior design, especially for families, should feel lived in and not hands-off. Kids will spill. Dogs will shed and pee. Crayons will wander and that’s okay.
Need Help Designing A Home That Works For Your Family?
Let’s chat! Whether you’re remodeling a room or starting from scratch, we can make the process feel easier and a lot more fun!
*all images created by AI