How to achieve a stylish, family friendly home

Photo Credit: http://www.cushionsonline.co.uk/bloomsbury-duck-egg-large-cushion

Photo Credit: http://www.cushionsonline.co.uk/bloomsbury-duck-egg-large-cushion

Home is where the heart is but it’s also the place where life happens, so it doesn’t take much to turn your calming sanctuary into a place of chaos – especially where children are involved. If you feel your home is looking worn around the edges it’s time to make some changes. Just a couple of amends here and there could allow you to achieve a more elegant lifestyle even amidst the madness.

  1. Invest in wicker baskets

You know all those odds and ends that clutter up the living room? We’re talking magazines, remote controls and pieces of Lego. By stowing them all away you’ll benefit from a room that feels much more organised because it’s clutter-free. Wicker storage baskets don’t even have to come in the same colour or size to look good – unless you want them to of course. Purchase unlined baskets for a country feel or lined versions for a little luxury, and place them in areas where clutter mounts up – for example, on the coffee table and by the side of the sofa. They’ll help you to catch bits and bobs before they start taking over.

  1. Cushions and throws

If your suite is looking a little on the threadbare side, cushions and throws can breathe new life into it – not to mention cover up a multitude of sins (like where Aunt Maud dropped the glass of red wine last Christmas.) Large cushions are the perfect antidote to home furnishings that have seen better days, offering support and style in equal measure. Plus, they’re very easy to swap and change when you fancy an update. Throws provide a barrier against disaster in the home as they can be cleaned much more easily than the suite itself. They’re also perfect for keeping out the chill on a cold winter’s evening, by warming up cold leather sofas and wooden chairs.

  1. Wallpaper

Brighten up the backs of old shelves with a touch of wallpaper. It adds a fun and funky look to your storage solutions and injects character into your home. This is a great idea for children’s bedrooms and playrooms. Wallpapering a feature wall to match can tie the whole room together.

  1. Frame children’s artwork

When your children return from school proudly brandishing their paint splodges, don’t just hide them away. These are images with meaning, worth more to a family than anything you could buy in a home decorating shop – and let’s face it, there are stranger things in the Tate than your little one’s squiggles.

  1. De-clutter your bathroom

If your bath is full of toys and you can’t see your window ledges and shelves for sanitary stuff, it’s time to minimise. Gather up the kids’ toys into a basket (pinch one of the wicker ones from the living room) and chuck out those empty shampoo bottles and gift sets. Place a candle on the window sill and keep your surfaces clear for only the bare necessities.

Remember, your home is your sanctuary – a place to unwind and escape. Just a few small changes can help you achieve a calmer, more relaxing environment to live in and enjoy.

This post was written by Emily Peel, who enjoys writing about all things cushion and interior related.

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