Keeping the Peace with Kids in the Home

How to have fun with kid decor and toys while keeping things organized and beautiful.

Managing a home that is stylish and organized can be hectic on its own. With the addition of kids and their ever changing needs, the task seems daunting. However, with a few quick tips and tricks, the kids’ toys and projects can blend seamlessly into your environment, keeping the peace for everyone.

When you first walk into the main living area of the Treehouse (link) project, it doesn’t seem like kids are around. Look a little closer and you will find their things tastefully blended into the room’s framework. In the living room, all of the kids’ games and fort building props are in the bookshelf cabinetry. In the main office, there is a beautiful basket that is typically used for blankets, instead, we use it to house wood building blocks that are not only beautiful but offer a sense of warmth.

In the dining room, the walnut hutch holds 6 bins with all of the kids’ arts & crafts so they can easily grab art supplies at the table before and after school. Off the kitchen, they have more bins with playdough, toy animals, cars & trucks, and more. When they were really little, the play kitchen was also off the side of the kitchen so my little sous chefs could be in on the dinner action with us. This is also where the mudroom is painted in a floor to ceiling chalkboard wall so the family can keep organized, and the kids can draw on it. 

Heading downstairs, it becomes more apparent kids live in the home. The walls are decorated in frame wallpaper on which the kids’ art and fun family photos are displayed. They step on watercolor pads to enter their room that is neutral in color but full of vibrant art, books, and toys. The guest room where grandparents stay has their piano, so they can play with them when they are there. They also have a dedicated playroom with all of their favorite toys, a place they can getaway to when friends come over. 

In terms of decluttering, clothes and toys are gone through every quarter to see what is outgrown or not treasured any longer. As new toys come in, we donate old toys to kids who need them. Whatever clothes the kids don’t take we give to friends or if they’re too worn, we give them Goodwill/ a local shelter. 

Whether you like a lot of color in your home like we do, or you lean closer to Kim Kardashian’s neutral look, you can still get the same results in your home. For example, the frame wallpaper can be mellowed out by using all black and white or neutral colored photos/artwork. Or, the playroom could have a white hammock instead of orange, etc. The point is to focus on how you and your kids live in the space and how to include everyone’s interests.

Now that you’ve seen our organization expertise in action, check out our Home Organization consultations.