Since the pre-release of Gray’s new children’s book Be Our Guest!, we’ve been thinking about the details in our little ones’ spaces, and how we can make them both stylish AND child-proof. Unfortunately, kids generally do not treat furniture with the kindest touch. They jump, climb, and stuff Cheerios inside the seat cushions of your favorite sofa (anyone relate?). That being said, if you’ve got kiddos running around your space then you’re undoubtedly posed with this question: how do you protect your precious interiors from these adorable but wild little ones?

Our design contributor Tamara Eaton will be answering this exact question below, so stay with us to learn a few insider tips on how to make any space a place where your littles can roam free—all without the nail-biting anxiety that they’ll demolish your favorite décor.

P.S. While Tamara will be sharing a few of her favorite kids room designs below, keep in mind that these tips can be applied to any space in the house, not just your little one’s bedroom! First up…

Consider Your Textiles

First and foremost, the fabrics you choose for a space play a huge role in how “kid-friendly” said space will be. For instance, if you shell out on that pricey high-end silk, it’s probably only a matter of time until your little one spills their sippy cup all over your expensive purchase. To nip the problem in the bud, here’s what Tamara suggests:

“We often use very durable sofa and chair fabrics such as Perennials or other acrylic indoor/outdoor fabrics that are resistant to stains and spills.” –Tamara Eaton

Cut Corners

Afraid of your little one getting banged up on sharp furniture corners? We don’t blame you! Let’s just say you never knew your coffee table could be so dangerous until you had a two-foot tall person running around… Here’s the solution:

“If you are furnishing a living room, an easy substitution for a coffee table is an ottoman, which is soft and won’t be a danger for your young tots practicing their acrobatics on your sofa. It is also a lovely spot to put your feet up while watching TV or hanging out.” –Tamara Eaton

Introduce Color

Even as adults, we love a good a pop of color in our space, so adding a little vibrancy to a room immediately makes it feel more kid-appropriate. However, if this doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice sophistication to appease your child’s taste. Here’s what Tamara has to say about color:

“Kids are attracted to color, so I like the idea of introducing some fun, happy, vibrant colors in accessories and pillows (or perhaps artwork!). To keep the room feeling sophisticated, the colors should be cohesive and not too primary—and you only want to add a dash of color in a room without going overboard.” –Tamara Eaton

Let the Art Do the Talking

Believe it or not, Gray Malin pieces are not just for adults! In fact, series like Gray Malin at the Parker and Far Far Away have been known to make their way into quite a few nurseries and kids rooms, and we love the whimsy they bring to these spaces. But beyond our favorite GM prints, have you ever thought of framing your child’s own artwork alongside it? You’ll be convinced after Tamara’s thoughts on this concept:

“We love when our client’s young children create wild and abstract finger paintings or drawings because they can be framed and hung on the wall to feel like an exquisite piece of modern art.Kids art is all too frequently cast aside or put in memorabilia boxes (read: the trash when they’re not looking!) but we think they can have a place in your home. At an earlyage,the images are typically quite abstract which is great, but once they start drawing the family pets, we think it's too much of a giveaway, so stick with the abstract. A white matting with a white or black gallery frame can elevate an abstract art piece to something you could hang on the wall.” –Tamara Eaton

What tips do you have for making your interior design more kid-friendly?

We hope you found some of these suggestions helpful! And of course, thanks to Tamara for her insight. You can follow her on Instagram @tamaraeatondesign and visit her website here.

And if you didn’t catch Tamara’s first post on the blog, you can read it here!

Xx Team GM

Photos: Tamara Eaton Design