Designing With Kids in Mind (Without Sacrificing Style)

One of the biggest myths in design is that once you have kids, your home can’t be stylish anymore. Suddenly it feels like you’re forced to choose between the sticky-finger reality of family life and the dream of a beautiful, pulled-together space.

I know you’ve been scrolling Pinterest and thinking “wow….that’s beautiful but my kids will destroy it.”

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to choose between beautiful and functional. The right design approach creates a home that works for your kids and still feels like you.

Here are 5 tips to a home that you (and your kids) will absolutely love and thrive in.

1. Start with the right materials

The best design decisions happen at the material level. That means choosing fabrics and finishes that look elevated but hold up to family life. Think performance fabrics (my “magic fabrics”) that wipe clean with soap and water, rugs that can survive spills, and finishes that are durable enough for everyday use.

I once had a client say “I want a white sofa….but I want my kids to feel free to play and have fun without me constantly yelling at them about the furniture” and I think we can all understand that!

These choices allow your home to stay gorgeous without you hovering over your kids in constant fear.

Interior Design in Los Angeles, Porter Ranch.

2. Storage is non-negotiable

Kids come with stuff. Toys, books, school projects, sports gear — it all needs a place. Without intentional storage, your home becomes a clutter battlefield.

We design storage solutions that are both functional and beautiful. Closed cabinets for the not-so-pretty things, open shelving for styled moments, and smart zones that match the way your family actually lives. When everything has a place, your home stays calmer and easier to maintain.

One of the biggest game changers for our whole-home projects is a drop zone area in the entry. Little shoes, backpacks, mail, (with maybe a few random candy wrappers ) can be dropped in this area and it makes such a difference.

A bonus? Set this up for optimum organization. When we are working on a full-service design projects we always offer organization as well. We bring in our favorite organizers to be involved from the very beginning, so we can make sure to have everything you need. We’ll do a full evaluation of how you use your space and what storage is needed, so that your space…just makes sense!

Interior Design in Los Angeles, Porter Ranch.

3. Spaces that evolve as they grow

Your kids are going to grow, and your home should grow with them. Designing with kids in mind doesn’t mean plastering superheroes everywhere (unless that’s your vibe). It means creating flexible spaces that can adapt. A playroom that transitions into a teen hangout, or a bedroom that evolves from toddler to young adult.

One of my favorite ways to do this is to choose neutral items for their furniture. For example, a gray upholstered bed with clean lines, a black nightstand with a strong enough finish to withstand that kiddo-energy, a metal storage cabinet for books and toys. I won’t say these items have to be super expensive, but they should be good enough quality to actually last. Then we add fun and colorful accessories, bedding, pillows, artwork, etc. which are items that can be easily (and affordably) swapped out in 3 years when superheroes are no longer their vibe.

So when they get to the point where their room feels babyish and they don’t want to have their friends over anymore, it’s time for an upgrade. Add more sophisticated art, bedding, lighting and you’ve got a new space worked around all of the neutral furniture items.

When we think long-term, you save money and stress while keeping your home looking intentional.

Interior Design in Los Angeles, Porter Ranch.

4. Beauty still matters

A lot of people think family-friendly design has to be purely practical. But beauty plays a huge role in how your home makes you feel. When you walk into a room and feel proud, calm, and happy, it impacts your entire day. Your kids feel it too. They learn to value their environment, to take care of it, and to thrive in a space that feels good.

I think it’s such a beautiful privilege to live in a beautiful and organized home. It creates structure and helps children learn how to take care of their space. Bonus: get them involved in the design and organization of their space.

These organizational systems are not just for you or your housekeeper, this is for your kiddos. And the best thing you can do for them is to teach them how to use them. 5 minutes a day of upkeep, and they’ll live in a calm and organized space where they can thrive.

Interior Design in Los Angeles, Porter Ranch.

5. The Balance of Style and Real Life

Designing with kids in mind is about more than picking durable fabrics and hiding toys. It’s about creating systems that support your family’s routines, spaces that grow with your children, and a home that reflects your style without being off-limits to the people who live there.

You don’t have to sacrifice style for family life. With the right design, you can have both — and that’s exactly what we create for our clients every day.

Interior Design in Los Angeles, Porter Ranch.

Designing with kids in mind doesn’t mean lowering your standards or giving up on the home you’ve always dreamed of. It means creating a space that truly works for your family — one that feels beautiful, supports your daily routines, and grows alongside your children. When style and function come together, your home becomes more than a place to live. It becomes the backdrop for your family’s best memories.

This is the heart behind my Whole Home Design service. From the very beginning, I spend time understanding your family, your routines, and the way you want to live. Together with my organizers, we create systems that make daily life easier, while layering in the design elements that make your home feel warm, stylish, and uniquely yours. If you’ve been feeling like your home isn’t quite keeping up with your life, this might be the support you’ve been looking for.

The first step is always a discovery call. You can book that below!