You may have started your family with just you and your spouse in mind. But as soon as you begin to have kids and they start growing, many things about your home will have to change. You’ll have to make adjustments and modifications to accommodate their evolving needs. Clever Upgrades for Homes will become essential as you adapt your living space to better suit your expanding family’s requirements.
In most cases, these changes may involve creating a comfortable, safe, and practical space for your kids and everyone else in the family.
While many areas in your home could benefit from an upgrade, here are some major improvements that can help you provide a safe, functional, and enjoyable environment for your family to thrive in.
Kids Grow up Fast, but so Should Your Home
Kids are among the most unpredictable creatures on earth, and this applies to their growth and every aspect of their well-being.
One moment, they’re tiny newborns in your arms, and the next, they’re running around the house doing only God-knows-what. This is why, as their parent, it’s essential to think ahead and make upgrades that will serve you now and in the years to come.
One of the biggest problems many parents face is renovating their home so it can adapt to their kids’ growing stages. And in most cases, they get it wrong. A playroom designed for a toddler may not be suitable for a school-aged child, and a bedroom that works for your six-year-old may feel cramped and uninspiring when they become a teenager. That’s why it’s crucial to design with flexibility in mind.
You must always estimate the value of any improvements you’re making in the years to come. Will these ivory sofas remain this neat when my infant grows up? Is this hardwood flooring I’m about to install going to be safe for my kids when they’re running around the house in a few years?
These are some of the critical questions you must ask yourself when upgrading. And in case you’re looking for areas to focus on now, here are some suggestions:
Invest in Stain-Resistant Furniture
A child will always play because it’s in their nature to be easily amazed by anything and everything they see, and this includes your furniture.
So, if you’re the type of parent who loves delicate, aesthetically pleasing furniture, it may be time to change your taste because that ivory sofa you and your spouse have been enjoying will soon have spilled juice or crayon masterpieces all over it.
And trust me, there’s no way to prevent it (well, except you have psychic powers). A good idea would be to switch to a stain-resistant and easy-to-clean fabric you can maintain.
Look for sofas, chairs, and ottomans covered in microfiber, leather, or performance fabrics designed to repel liquids and stains. And go for dark shade colors like charcoal grey, navy blue, chocolate brown, or forest green, which can effectively hide stains and dirt.
However, if you don’t have the budget to shop for new furniture now, consider slipcovers or throws you can easily remove and dry-clean when stained. This way, you can protect your existing pieces and extend their lifespan without spending too much.
Create Dedicated Play Areas
As a parent, having a designated play area for your child is essential. Not only does it help keep them busy, but it also provides them with a stimulating environment to play in while at the same time training them to explore and learn.
However, when creating their play area, it’s essential to consider your child’s growth pace, age, and developmental stage. If you have a young child, look for soft, cushioned flooring and plenty of room for crawling, rolling, and tumbling as they age.
And don’t leave out storage from your plans. The last thing you want is to have toys and different play objects littering everywhere. Clever Upgrades for Homes can make a big difference in maintaining order. So, consider adding low shelving and storage units (like colourful bins, baskets, or cubbies at your child’s eye level) to keep toys organized and within reach.
Oh, and please! Include your child when creating their play area. Allow them to personalize their playing space with stickers, decals, or artwork they love. You’ll be surprised to discover that what interests your child is entirely different from what you think they like. So, please give them a little role in the creation process.
Rethink the Family Bathroom
Another area to consider is your bathroom. As your child grows, they’ll want to use the bathroom for many activities like bathing and brushing their teeth, just like you taught them. And in some cases (depending on how grown they are), they may do so without informing you.
Your job is to ensure that they can easily use the family bathroom and that all objects or factors that can cause them harm (like slippery floors and sharp edges) are removed or upgraded.
A good idea to start with is installing an anti-slip grip on your shower door to make it easier for your child to open and close the door safely. You can easily buy this piece of hardware online from a brand like Glass Simple and fix it yourself.
The good thing about Glass Simple’s shower door hardware is that it’s durable and comes with all the accessories you need to fix it. So, there is no need for a handyman.
Aside from a shower door grip, another upgrade is the height of your bathroom vanity and sink. Your child will get to a stage where they’ll have to brush their teeth themselves, and due to their height, it may be hard to use the sink for such purposes. So, consider installing a step stool or a lower vanity to accommodate them.
Wrapping Up
These ideas may be simple, but they can improve the convenience of your home for you and your kids. So, implement them now and thank yourself later.
Thank you for reading!