Decorating with kids in the house and creating a beautiful space can seem like an impossible task.  You see a beautiful white couch, for example and your first thought is “my kids will destroy that in a week”.  You’re not alone, that is something many moms face.  We have all had kids that write on the wall, stickers on the hardwood floors and finger paint in strange places.  The truth is there is no secret to it, it really is a matter of mindset more than decorating style.

Creating a Home

First thing you need to realize is that they are just things and your kids won’t be that small for long.  Buying things that you love is great, but if you’re going to be devastated when they break then you might want to wait a couple of years.  The toddler years don’t last that long and then you can put in all of the small breakable things that you like.  At this point worry more about creating a home rather than a show piece.

Choose Value

At this point in your decorating style, choose things that provide value rather than something expensive.  Here is a couple of example that you can apply today, starting with the window treatments, grab a pair of brightly colored Ikea curtains that add flair to the room.  They are inexpensive, washable and if you tire of them in a couple of years replacing them with a nicer custom set.  The same thing can be applied to the sofa, instead of getting that gorgeous red couch that looks stunning but costs a small fortune, opt for a brown one that hides stains and costs far less.  You won’t feel so bad about replacing it in a couple of years.  Put colorful throw rugs around the house that way you don’t have to worry about scratches to your flooring.

 House Rules

Your home doesn’t have to be a free for all, although it may feel that way some days.  There are a couple of house rules that you can put in place that may cut down on the stains and the breakages.  For instance keep all food in the kitchen it can cut down on the grape juice stains or finding peanut butter and jam under the sofa cushions.

Use Storage Wisely

You can make your home a comfortable spot for adults and children and not look like you live in a preschool.  If you’re lucky enough to have the space to give to your kids to play then take advantage of that.  Trade off the home office for a playroom.  Storage bins can be the best investment you will ever make, find some brightly colored storage bins where toys can go and get them off your floors.

Be flexible, your family will only be this small once.  You will have plenty of time to turn your home into the show room that you want when your kids are older.