Designing your home can be a creative and fun process, but add kids into the mix and the situation becomes quite interesting. You want your home to be kid-friendly, but at the same time, you don’t want it to look like a daycare. With these tips, you can ensure your home is both kid-friendly and stylish. Add Color to Your Decor You probably favor the pearl finishes and silken upholstery, but it will be a good idea to hold on to that thought for a few years and switch it up by adding some color. Add a colorful rug in your living room as that is an area that experiences quite a bit of foot traffic. To avoid any spill stains, a dark colored rug would be more conducive, or you can forgo carpeting altogether and opt for hardwood floors. The Play Area To give your kids space they need to play (and for you to keep an eye on them), it’s a good idea to create a play area next to the living room rather than in the nursery or bedrooms. Keep your child’s toys and treasures organized and out of the way once she’s finished playing by utilizing toy chests and storage ottomans. Investments That Go A Long Way Investing in solid wood furniture as opposed to buying furniture made out of MDF will ensure your coffee and side tables will survive the whirlwind that is your child (or nieces and nephews). That means glass tables and other breakable items will have to take a backseat and stay out of reach until your child is older. If you’re looking to update the flooring in certain parts of your home, such as the living room, home gym or your child’s play area, consider installing interlocking foam floor tiles. Designs range from neutral aesthetics to wood designs, and the tiles are scratch resistant and shock absorbing, making them beneficial additions for your child and home. When it comes to designing a kid-friendly home, some compromises will be required but your style doesn’t necessarily have to take a backseat. With these solid tips, you have a starting point to design a home that fits your child’s needs and your lifestyle.