Details to Notice: Kid-Friendly Spaces

Of all the pretty things I see online, it’s funny that this picture of a scribbled-on kids’ table made me really stop. My first thought was “how sweet.” My second thought was “but I’d be ticked if this happened in my house.” Why is that? There’s something about not being right in the middle of the situation that makes you appreciate it. Why can our homes not look like kids live there? Trying to tuck their stuff away all of the time, after all, is a losing battle. I looked up the rest of Reath Designs’ work, and it looks like they fully embrace the idea of displaying all of the messy sweetness that comes with kids. Nothing is too staged or too fussy. Most of the photos look like real families have just stepped out of the rooms.

• Embrace the scribbles! One day, I’m sure these will be less of an annoyance and more of a treasure.
• Why not put a kids’ table and chairs in the middle of a living area? (And, the colorful chairs are a fun touch.)
• Scattered cushions in pretty fabrics are a comfy option–and we all know most cushions end up on the floor anyway. . .

• When the playroom isn’t tucked away somewhere, I like the idea of using a more grown up wallpaper as a backdrop.
• Fun with color! Painting the piano to match the walls is a pretty bold move.
• Incorporate their toys into your decor. The cowboy hat hanging on the art is a sweet touch.

• Mix their art in with pieces you already own for an eclectic gallery wall.
• Not every piece of kids’ art has to be framed to be displayed. There’s something about the chaos of colorful paintings taped up around the kitchen that I really like.

• Vintage (inspired) posters are a great go-to for color and whimsy. You can find them online in almost any size and in any color scheme.
• Check out that super simple window covering.

• Cork around a kids’ doorway becomes a fun bulletin board and display area.
• What do you all think of giving you kids painter’s tape and letting them go? No headboard needed.

• Flags provide such a big, bold statement around the perimeter of the room. (I used flags on a much smaller scale in my son’s room.)
• I love the mix of traditional wallpaper and poster beds as a backdrop for the toys and flags.
• Create little lounging and reading areas with smaller, layered rugs.

See more of Reath Design’s portfolio here.

And, thanks to USAToday for interviewing me for a recent article on decorating with kids. You can read it here.