Let’s be real: designing a home that is both stylish and kid-friendly can feel like trying to make a cake that is both delicious and calorie-free. It is tricky!

We understand that our clients want a home that screams "we’ve got great taste" but also handles spills, playtime, and the occasional crayon masterpiece without breaking a sweat. The real challenge? Balancing durability with style, while keeping it safe, fun, and totally Instagram-worthy.

Here is the good news: you do not have to choose between beauty and function. In this post, we are spilling the beans on how to create a space that is polished and playful, all while staying super kid-friendly. We willl show you how to pick the right furniture, materials, and design elements that make your home a chic, cozy, and totally kid-approved haven. Ready to get designing? Let’s make your space stylish and super fun for the little ones!

Balancing Style with Durability

Our favorite client enjoying her performance fabric covered chair!

Washable Fabrics

Creating a chic home that stands up to spills, scratches, and everyday wear and tear starts with smart furniture choices from the very beginning. We set our clients up for long-term success by selecting upholstery fabrics that are both durable and easy to maintain. Performance fabrics like Crypton are stain-resistant, spill-proof, and fade-resistant, making them ideal for homes with kids or high-traffic areas. Originally developed for the hospitality industry, Crypton has evolved significantly and no longer looks like the dated, utilitarian fabric you might associate with waiting room. In fact, we often challenge our clients especially those in Park City, with the rugged mountain lifestyle to see if they can tell the difference between Crypton and traditional fabrics. The usually cannot and the durability and sophistication are that impressive! To ensure our clients are 100% confident in their choices, we encourage them to take fabric samples home like a test run. They can "put them to the test" with their families We want them to spill, stain, and really put the sample to the test before the fabric ever touches the furniture. Why not let the kids have a little fun and see how the fabric holds up before the piece is officially in your home? It is the best way to experience how these materials really perform in real life!

Wood Materials

Wood is a classic choice for kid-friendly furniture, offering both strength and a timeless aesthetic. Hardwoods like oak, maple, and cherry are especially durable and resistant to damage. These materials can handle the rough and tumble of daily family life, from knocks and spills to the occasional child-sized tantrum. It is also worth noting that wood ages beautifully over time, developing a patina that only adds to its charm. Especially when toy trucks and cars get driven across the surface. As interior designers in Park City, we often suggest choosing wood that is already lightly distressed, so any wear from kids is less noticeable. The natural distressing also fits seamlessly into the mountain aesthetic of Park City homes. It is a win-win for both functionality and style. Who does not love that in interior design?However, be sure to choose finishes that are easy to maintain and clean—like matte or satin varnishes—since high-gloss finishes can show scratches more easily.

Cleanable Materials

In any home with kids, easy-to-clean surfaces are essential. Look for materials that are not only durable but also resistant to stains and grime. For instance, quartz countertops are a fantastic choice for kitchens or bathrooms since they are non-porous and require minimal maintenance. If you want more details on countertop options, check out our blog post on the best countertop materials. It is a good read and I promise, no bias here 😉.

For flooring, consider vinyl or porcelain tiles that mimic the look of wood but are more resilient to dirt and moisture. In mudrooms, we like to joke that we are always searching for tiles that "look like dirt"—and for good reason! This practical approach helps hide the mess, making your home feel cleaner, even during the busiest days with kids. These materials make it easy to maintain a pristine home with minimal effort, which is a huge bonus when you have little ones constantly on the move! Less time cleaning means more time for you and your family to hit the Park City slopes faster and for longer—hopefully without any ski suit bathroom meltdowns along the way!

Creating a Fun, Safe Environment While Maintaining a Polished Look

While it is important to create a space that is playful and engaging for kids, it does not mean your home has to look like a daycare center. A carefully considered design can combine safety and style, so your home feels welcoming for everyone, regardless of age.

Soft Edges for Safety

To ensure your kids are safe as they explore the space, opt for rounded corners on furniture pieces like coffee tables, bookshelves, and chairs. Sharp edges can be hazardous when little ones are running around or climbing on furniture. Softening these edges with either padded corner guards or simply choosing round or oval-shaped furniture can make a big difference in reducing risks.

Non-Slip Rugs and Mats

Adding area rugs can help define spaces in a room while providing a soft landing for any tumbles which are bound to happen. Look for rugs with non-slip backing, or use a rug pad underneath to prevent slipping. We recommend opting for a thick pad, not those flimsy plastic mesh kinds—they can actually damage your floors. Choose rugs made from natural materials like wool, which are durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Wool is our go-to material for rugs because it not only lasts but also cleans up beautifully over time. Plus, it is a natural fiber, which just feels safer for all the little ones running around. This is actually giving us an idea for our next post—carpeting! Do not worry, we will make it fun, maybe even a little funny, and definitely informative. Stay tuned!

Safe and Accessible Storage

Tidy homes with kids often come down to one thing: storage. It is important to have designated spots for toys, books, and other kid-related items. Opt for open shelving or bins that are easy for kids to access. This encourages them to take responsibility for their own things while keeping clutter at bay. Make sure all storage units are child-friendly, with soft-close mechanisms on cabinets and drawers to avoid pinched fingers.

Baby-Proofing for a Safe & Chic Home

Designing with kids in mind means considering baby-proofing elements in your home. While you do not want to compromise on design, safety should always be the priority. Outlets, staircases, and furniture placement are all key areas to address when baby-proofing.

Outlet Covers and Safety Plugs

Electrical outlets are one of the first things you will want to address in a home with toddlers or crawlers. Install outlet covers or safety plugs to prevent curious little hands from accessing electrical outlets. For a cleaner look, you can opt for childproof outlets that are flush with the wall and automatically close when not in use.

Staircase Safety

Staircases can be a major safety hazard for young children, so installing sturdy, child-proof gates at both the top and bottom is essential. Look for gates that are easy for adults to open but secure enough to keep little ones from squeezing through. We covered custom dog gates in a recent blog post and we highly recommend considering something similar for stairs. Not that we are comparing kids to dogs, of course, but safety and aesthetics are equally important for everyone in the family. We design with all family members in mind, not just the adults! For added protection, consider using soft corner guards on bannisters or railings to cushion any accidental bumps and keep things safe for your little ones.

Furniture Anchors and Sharp Edges

Furniture that is tall or heavy—like bookshelves, dressers, or cabinets—should be anchored to the wall to prevent it from tipping over if a child tries to climb or pull on it. Additionally, placing corner protectors on sharp furniture edges and keeping furniture out of high-traffic areas can reduce injury risks.

Playful Elements Without Cluttering the Space

One of the fun parts of designing a home with kids in mind is incorporating playful elements that spark creativity and imagination. But how do you add these fun features without overwhelming the space? Here are a few ideas for keeping it stylish while still keeping it fun:

Designate a Play Zone

Instead of turning your entire living room into a toy-filled mess, create a designated play area. It could be a corner of the living room or somewhere close to the heart of the home, like the kitchen, where you can keep an eye on things. We love placing play zones near central hubs to keep watchful parent eyes nearby. Use child-sized furniture, like small chairs and tables, along with fun, neutral-colored rugs to create a cozy yet playful space.

Incorporate Fun Art and Décor

Kids love seeing their interests reflected in their surroundings, and art is an easy way to add a personal, playful touch. Rather than covering the walls with cartoon characters, try creating a gallery wall with playful art prints, child-friendly illustrations, or even DIY projects. You can even go for a stunning wallpaper that transforms the room into a little jewel box—something sophisticated that will grow with your child over the years. Frame their artwork, create colorful paper collages, or use vintage posters at are easy to swap out as their interests evolve.

Furniture with a Twist

Add a little whimsy to the room with unexpected furniture pieces think quirky lamps, colorful storage bins, or even a fabulously patterned chair. These items are both functional and fun, offering storage and style without overwhelming the space. They allow the room to feel playful without giving off the “daycare” vibe. It is a place where both parents and kids can relax, feel comfortable, and enjoy the space together.

Designing a home with kids in mind does not mean you have to compromise on style. By thoughtfully selecting durable materials, functional furniture, and playful yet sophisticated décor, you can create a space that feels both polished and welcoming. With a little creativity and planning, your home can be a reflection of your family’s lifestyle that is safe, stylish, and filled with joy. So, go ahead and embrace the fun and create a house a home for you and your kids!

HOMES THAT STAY STYLISH, no matter how many crumbs or tantrums hit the floor!