WHAT MY TODDLER TAUGHT ME ABOUT DECORATING
Don't be affraid to mix your child's art with other pieces of art.
After arriving home from hospital, I hadn’t factored in how a small bundle of joy would affect my living space. Toys, mess and a growing person, meant I had to make changes to a house that had only known adults and a dog.
Here are 5 decorating tips that I learned from my toddler:
You don’t need a coffee table – My glass coffee table was quickly put away when Miss S started to move. Even at my parent’s place, their sturdy wooden coffee table posed safety issues with its corners. While I was initially disappointed at putting the coffee table into storage, I realised how much space I gained. As an alternative, I used simple round stools that could double as a table for my much needed morning coffee or could be used as extra seating.
Toys can be decorative –By chance one day, I noticed that Miss S’s knitted orange fox that had been thrown on the sofa, looked fantastic next to the blue cushion. So I decided to place him on the shelves above the TV along with some building blocks. Carefully selected toys (maybe the Frozen Elsa doll is a bit much) can bring colour and fun into a living room.
Storage is important and can be beautiful– Plenty of parents can tell you about the pain of stepping on a piece of Lego!. I quickly learned you need easily accessible storage for toys. I’m not a big fan of plastic storage containers, as they can look very utilitarian. I prefer large wicker baskets, especially those with lids. Smaller baskets can also be used decoratively on shelves to contain little toys. Other ideas are low rectangle wicker baskets that slide under sofas, tall wire baskets for bigger items such as bats and balls and ottomans with storage.
You can create a gallery wall using your child’s art– Keeping your child’s artwork is a great way of capturing a moment in time. There might be a colour or pattern that is eye catching. Miss S brought home a beautiful pattern of autumn colours using crayons and paints from kindergarten that now sits proudly on a shelf. Don’t be afraid to mix your child’s art with other pieces of art. Similar frames, sizes and colours can help unify the pieces.
Throw rugs are useful – They look good, but can also cover up any stains! And they are great to put down to protect your sofa from sticky fingers. I used a throw rug that I could easily wash after Miss S spilt milk while getting used to the sippy cup. Get one that can easily be washed (such as cotton) and is colour fast.
My coffee table recently returned to the family room. I love having it back as it is a favourite piece. As I walk past it after dropping off Miss S at school, I sometimes see the dance floor where the table now stands. I can picture Miss S copying dance moves from Playschool while I laugh and sing along. Above all, I’ve learned that it’s about creating a home for a family.
To receive helpful tips and inspiration direct to your email inbox, please sign-up to receive my “All Things Interiors” newsletter.
