(A big “thank you” to our friends at Laurimar for sponsoring this post!)

As your family grows your home will undergo some necessary changes, yet that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style in order to have a hardy kid-friendly interior. Check out our ideas below for inspiration to create your own magazine-worthy home that’s practical and can handle everything that’s thrown to it by little people.

Make Use of Texture and Patterns

This is an easy and inexpensive way to achieve a more sophisticated look. It’s also practical since washable throws and pillows will help protect your furniture from accidental spills and unsightly stains. Also, opt for upholstery in patterns that will add energy and colour to the space.

Choose Durable Upholstery

Regardless of how well-behaved your children are, an all-white linen sofa doesn’t make the cut for family-friendly homes. Life will be much less stressful for you and your children if you select durable upholstery for everyday pieces such as lounge chairs and sofas. A wide variety of family-friendly fabrics are available that provide a high rub content, durability, and can be easily cleaned.

Avoid Surfaces That Show Every Fingerprint

Glass surfaces, anyone? Surfaces that show all can cause a lot it’s time for cleaning. A glass coffee table does look good in the magazine but having one in your home will lead to it being covered in fingerprints, food, and spills in no time. Choose surfaces that don’t reveal a trail like leather, timber, or resin, which are great alternatives to glass, brass or chrome.

Find Attractive Storage Options

Having kids usually means having lots of stuff and you’ll be surprised at how quickly their items accumulate. Rather than buying an ad hock collection of plastic toy boxes that will cheapen your home’s look, find solutions that will work with your style. Choose furniture that can double as storage, use baskets that boost personality, or get a custom made and well-designed cabinetry.

Select Materials That Age Well

Want to maintain your home’s stylish aesthetic? A solid timber dining table, for instance, is a great option since it ages well regardless of heavy use. Timber will handle hours of homework. Moreover, it wears well even if hammered by toys. It may mark and dent over time, but this also adds personality and becomes a story of your kids’ childhood without it looking run down. (And with four kids at home I’m sure ours will have some stories to tell!)

New Home, New Look

 If you’re planning to move and are looking for decoration tips for your new home it’s a great idea to turn to an interior designer to make sure you make the most of your new space. For our readers in Australia—or those planning to relocate to Australia– for home options be sure to check out Laurimar house and land near Melbourne CBD. It’s a new community that’s packed with facilities, including a full line Woolworths supermarket. The neighbourhood makes for a convenient lifestyle, while the abundance of green open space and a close-knit community give the area a country feel. Plus, it’s just 30 kilometres from the Melbourne CBD. It’s a perfect location to start a family and design a home that suits your lifestyle.

Finally, no room should be off limits. All the spaces in your home must be liveable. After all, you’re not in a boutique hotel, but a home. Be creative, flexible and style your home to accommodate the entire family’s personalities and the growth. Don’t forget to have a little fun while decorating your house and you’ll end up with a home that exudes character, personality and sophistication.