How to design a family home with The Living House
Designing a modern family home can be tricky – from open-plan spaces to child-friendly storage and planning for longevity. At The Living House, interior designers and co-founders Sophie, Catherine and Becky create beautiful, bespoke family homes that cater to every unique lifestyle, whether you need easy-clean flooring for muddy paws or lighting that works for all occasions.
“Every home should reflect the people who live in it, which is why we take a personalised approach to every design.”
Sophie Clemson, Co-Founder, The Living House
Making interior design accessible is at the core of The Living House, so we caught up with co-founder Sophie Clemson to get her thoughts on creating interchangeable atmospheres, making the most of box rooms and designing children’s bedrooms that can adapt and grow.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to create a home that looks great, but also caters for family life?
Storage is a key element in any home, especially a busy family home, as it helps create an organised and functional space. Think about what you need to be able to store away, and then look at how much storage you require – you can never have too much!
Storage solutions allow families to easily tidy away toys and clutter, transforming their space into a calm and relaxing environment to unwind and chill after a long day.
What’s your approach to lighting an open-plan space in a busy family home?
Lighting can make or break a space – it’s an important element in any room, but especially in an open-plan family space, where it helps to define different zones and create the right atmosphere.
We recommend layering the lighting throughout the space. For example, pendant lights over a kitchen island provide focused lighting for cooking while also creating an area for kids to do homework.
A statement light above the dining table, with softer lighting in the living area, such as table lamps and floor lamps.
Downlighters work well in open-plan spaces for task lighting to ensure the space remains well-lit throughout the day, especially during winter.
How can you make the most of smaller box rooms in a family home?
In smaller box rooms, where floor space is limited, it’s all about thinking vertically and making the most of the room’s height. If the space is a children’s bedroom, a bunk bed or cabin bed is a great option, providing toy storage underneath, a play area, or even a desk as they grow.
For storage solutions, consider utilising the walls with a wall-mounted bookcase or floating shelves to keep the floor clear and maximise the space.
What are your top tips for designing a children’s bedroom that has longevity and will grow with them?
This is a great question, and it’s something parents often want to achieve when designing their children’s bedrooms. Here are a few of our top tips:
- Avoid overly themed décor if you can – children’s interests change quickly, and a heavily themed room can soon feel outdated
- If your child loves a specific character or animal, incorporate them into easily changeable items like bedding, cushions, and blankets. Wall decals are also a great option, as they can be easily peeled off and replaced as their interests evolve
- Have plenty of storage – when designing children’s bedrooms, storage is essential, as kids accumulate a lot of stuff over the years!
- Investing in furniture with plenty of drawers and cupboards from the start ensures longevity, keeping everything from toys and books to clothes and gaming devices organised for years to come
Where would you advise to save and splurge?
When it comes to interior design, splurge on the main pieces for the room, like sofas and furniture. Choose durable pieces, such as solid wood furniture and stain-resistant sofas, that will stand up to the demands of a busy family home.
Save on accessories, like cushions, throws, and baskets, which are easy to change over time. A great tip for cushions is to buy covers and use feather-filled inserts – this gives them a more luxurious look without the high price tag.
Discover more tips and tricks from industry experts on our Interior Designer Secrets and follow @the_living_house on Instagram to get some beautiful inspiration for creating your family home.