7 Tips for Creating a Family-Friendly Home
Building a home that caters to every family member’s needs requires thoughtful planning and smart choices. The most family-friendly designs foster togetherness while also allowing personal space. Above all else, a family-friendly home ensures safety for all. Here are seven tips for designing a safe, functional, and welcoming home in the Oklahoma City metro area.
- Include open spaces for togetherness: An open floor plan encourages family interactions. Merging the kitchen, dining, and living areas into an undivided great room creates a communal space where family members can cook, eat, and relax together. This layout encourages communication and makes it easier to supervise children while attending to household tasks.
- Offer private retreats: While togetherness is essential, having quiet, distraction-free spaces is equally important. Make sure your family-friendly home has sufficient room to escape the noise. This balance between communal and private areas ensures everyone has a place to focus on work, homework, or personal activities.
- Use durable, stylish materials: Choosing kid- and pet-friendly materials that withstand daily wear and tear is crucial in a family home. Opt for leather or linen-blend upholstery, furniture with rounded edges, and washable slipcovers to maintain a chic yet practical living space.
- Provide ample storage: Clutter can quickly accumulate in a busy household. Savvy storage solutions keep your home organized and safe. Consider built-in cabinets and bookshelves, under-stair storage, and multi-functional furniture to maximize space.
- Put safety first: Safety features of a home with kids include soft-close cabinets, cordless window blinds, and temperature-controlled faucets. Pets need a safe and comfortable environment, too, so keep toxic plants, small objects, and electrical cords out of reach. For aging family members, install bathroom grab bars, non-slip flooring, and adequate lighting to improve accessibility and prevent falls.
- Think about the future: As your family grows and changes, so do your needs. Design flexible spaces that can adapt over time to ensure your home remains functional. For instance, a playroom for young children can transform into a study area as they grow older. Also, a guest bedroom and bathroom may be a suitable in-law suite if aging parents ever move in.
- Plan outdoor areas strategically: The backyard is important for many families, as it offers additional space for activities and relaxation. Create a safe, inviting backyard that encourages children and pets to play and allows adults to relax. Features like a privacy fence, deck or patio, outdoor kitchen, and grassy lawn extend your living area outdoors.
Landmark Fine Homes builds great homes for great people. With over 25 years of experience serving the Oklahoma City metro area, we understand the importance of a home that grows with your family. Our design studio allows you to customize every detail to fit your needs without compromise. Whether you’re looking to build on your own lot or live in one of our curated communities, we would be thrilled to make your dream home a reality. Contact us today to start creating your family-friendly home.
