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Designing the Perfect Family Living Room: How to do you, whilst keeping it kid friendly!

As parents ourselves, we know how hard it is to create a family friendly living room that looks stylish but is also practical for our kids (and that we can keep tidy for more than 5 minutes, but we're afraid we can't help you with that part!!).


Its a place where the whole family comes together to relax, bond, and create happy memories, and is therefore an important hub of the home.


When designing a family friendly living room, it's important to strike a balance between style and functionality. You want a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for all members of the family, from the youngest to the oldest. In this blog post, we'll explore some creative ideas to help you create the perfect family friendly living room that suits all of your needs.


A blush pink scandi family living room with pink velvet armchair and sage painted door

1. Flexible furniture;


Design a living room with flexible seating arrangements to accommodate a variety of activities. Consider using occasional chairs and ottomans that can easily be rearranged for play time or family film nights.


A family living room with a large boucle upholstered ottoman with a woven wicker tray on top

2. Storage;


Storage is key in a family friendly living room. Invest in stylish solutions like built-in cabinets (if budget will allow) or freestanding bookshelves. Try thinking outside the box and see if there are any clever storage solutions such as ottomans with hidden compartments to keep toys or games. We're a big fans of baskets, dot a few around that you can easily throw stuff into them at the end of a tiring day.

Keeping the family living room clean and organised will enhance the overall environment, and will allow you to enjoy the room.


Modern style family living room with low plywood banquette seating, two children sitting on top laughing
Two woven baskets, one is slightly larger than the other

3. Just do you!


You want your family living room to still feel grown up and like its yours, you don't have to decorate the space to feel like a kids playroom (unless thats your usual style of course!). When designing family living rooms we use our 80:20 rule, 80% for the adults 20% for the kids. 80%; choose a colour scheme and furniture that you like first and foremost. 20%; add in tactile kid friendly textures and shapes, think big textured cushions and blankets, and choose rounded corners on furniture over angular ones.


A family living room with a cream sofa, rust accents on the cushions and occasional chair and a large upholstered ottoman in a dark grey fabric

4. Durable Fabrics


One of the key elements of a family friendly living room is choosing furniture upholstered in durable and stain-resistant fabrics. Consider options like microfiber, leather, or performance fabrics that can withstand spills, crumbs, and everyday wear and tear. These fabrics are easy to clean and maintain, ensuring your furniture stays looking its best for years to come.


folded durable fabric suitable for a family living room

5. Hard wearing materials


Finally, invest in scratch resistant materials for surfaces like coffee tables and TV stands. Hardwood, laminate and vinyl are all great choices for flooring, as they are not only stylish but also durable and simple to clean.


herringbone hardwood flooring in a light oak which is suitable for a family living room

Designing a family friendly living room is all about creating a harmonious space where style meets functionality. By incorporating durable materials, versatile furniture, and thoughtful storage solutions, you can create a space where your family can relax, play, and make lasting memories together. Remember that the key is to adapt the design to your family's unique needs and preferences, whilst ensuring that your living room still feels grown up and is a reflection on your own personal style.


Studio Mayfield are an Interior Design company based in Bath (UK) and online. We can provide our Onsite services to clients in Bath, Bristol and Somerset, find out more here. Or if you live further afield or are on a lower budget please check out our Online design services here.

















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