They say that moving is one of life's biggest stressors, but no one talks about the behemoth of toys that somehow grow and grow and grow in the shortest period of time when packing for said move. A few weeks ago, I moved into a 3-bed semi, and let's just say it wasn't a walk in the park!
I actually enjoy making lists and organising; however, with kids, it should be a national sport to get things aligned and in time for a major move! Lol.
One of the things that was important to me was that regardless of where I moved to, the space in the living room was spacious enough to provide clever storage solutions - you don’t need a huge living room to make this work. My new living room is about 4.4m x 3.2m. I decided to give my living room an entire revamp, and in this blog, I share with you my tips and actual shopping list for my current living room. It's still a work in progress, but I have included concept images of what I'm trying to achieve. So if you, like me, are trying to update or accommodate little growing humans, you too can achieve the same effortless luxe modern fresh look for your living space.
Hiding the Toys in Beautiful Furniture
I was drawn to this gorgeous piece that I stumbled across on Crate & Barrel; it's part of their exclusive collaboration with star designer Leanne Ford. Oh, the gorgeousness of this whitewash finish will open up any room! This tall storage cabinet is just so lush and practical. Inside boasts three shelves with amazing height to place baskets to house all those toys in the most attractive way! It's so dreamy and a great refreshing piece for a living room, dining room, or even hallway. It's also FSC®-certified furniture, so you're supporting responsible management of the world's forests. My entire living room was created around this statement piece.
Source Crate & Barrell
Sofas with Removable Covers
Ok, this is my wish list sofa from Zara Home - What an amazing find! The Sofa 01 by VINCENT VAN DUYSEN will set you back about £5,000; however, you can get a very similar style from IKEA with the HYLTARP in Gransel Natural for a fraction of the cost and with removable covers. So don't worry about trying to keep it painstakingly dirt and child-free from sticky fingers. Also, under the HYLTARP option, you can use SKUBB storage bags to add extra toy storage! Add three large 60cm x 60cm cushions in a similar linen mix fabric, and voila!
Source Zara Home
Jute Rug
Jute rugs are an excellent choice for families with kids. Their softness provides a comfortable play surface, while their durability ensures they can handle daily wear and tear. Plus, they're eco-friendly, non-toxic, and easy to maintain, making them a safe and practical option. There's a vast array of options on the market, but I love this option in particular by Lulu & Georgia as it's handwoven and has a great geometric pattern and texture!
Source Lulu and Georgia
TV Stand with Cupboards for More Toys!
I personally hate the TV wall mount. But I understand why it's become the norm. I believe you can still have a tasteful media unit, and I love this one by Restoration Hardware. It's reclaimed wood from decades-old buildings in Europe made by artisan Nils Verhoeven. Each piece is handcrafted of wood that retains its natural character, bearing the occasional knot, nick, or crack. No two consoles are exactly the same. I mean, I love a unique piece, and if you're the kind to have a living space where the TV is a natural focal point, why not make it a talking piece!
Source Restoration Hardware
Round Mango Wood Dining Table
Yes, please, to round dining tables! Smooth, child-free surfaces that also look solid and are attractive to the eye. They're durable and can withstand the issues of growing children who tend to be explorers. Round tables, at the time of writing this, are having a resurgence of popularity, and I love this Mango Wood Round Dining Table option that will look good even years to come by Sklum.
Source Sklum
Statement Accent Chair
Now, let me explain. What I want is The Gummy Chair by Too Good, which retails at £9,000. So while I digest pricing and wonder which organ I should sell to get that (it's not ideal for me right now, lol), I found this one by UK-based designer Olivia's in hunter green for £947. It looks like you could melt into the chair with a cozy book on those rainy UK weekends. The one on my sketch design is from a Paris based designer in red but has a very similar design.
Source Too Good
And there you have it, my lovelies! A peek into how I'm transforming my new space into a modern family home with undertones of approachable luxury living without sacrificing practicality. Remember, creating child-safe interiors doesn't mean compromising on style. With these clever kid storage solutions, you can keep those toys at bay while still achieving that elevated look we all crave.
Before
After
So go ahead, mix and match these pieces to suit your taste. I hope my living room ideas can help you create a space that's both family-friendly and fabulously chic. Happy decorating, and may your toys always find their way back to their chic hiding spots!
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