10 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOME DECORATING TIPS | FUNCTIONAL DECOR IDEAS

10 FAMILY-FRIENDLY HOME DECORATING TIPS | FUNCTIONAL DECOR IDEAS
Interior Designer: Kristen McGowan
I’m sharing with you 10 ways to design and decorate a family-friendly, kid-friendly home! You can have a beautiful looking space, without sacrificing style and decor! These 10 tips will help you achieve a stylish yet functional home for you family! I go through everything from paint choices, kid-friendly fabric options, machine washable rugs, toy storage ideas and more! I hope this gives you some ideas you can use to keep your home clutter-free, functional and beautiful for both adults and children. #homedecor #interiordesign
- S H O P T H I S V I D E O -
Washable rugs: amzn.to/3yb0o5D
Swappable picture frame: amzn.to/3BZ7v29
Dining chair cushion cover: amzn.to/3UTaGRH
Large Ottoman: amzn.to/3Crm28k
Leather Floor cushions: amzn.to/3rr4vHc
Performance fabric cloud couch dupe: amzn.to/3e5T18J
Kids Junior chair: amzn.to/3CqKxlU
Narrow Couch Baskets: rstyle.me/+D10LOcPcBf13pZJndr...
▶ SHOP MY AMAZON STOREFRONT: urlgeni.us/amazon/kristenmcgowan
- Shop My Bedroom Design -
Bed: go.magik.ly/ml/1ifpe/
Bedroom Rug (amber lewis/Loloi Georgie - Teal/Antique): amzn.to/38Q29Mm
Outdoor Rug: amzn.to/3PYtkVY
Woven bench:
Table Lamps: go.magik.ly/ml/1ifpg/
Floor Lamp: amzn.to/3MUAh8o
Wall hooks: amzn.to/3t2B13u
Curtains (clay): amzn.to/38VmgZt
curtain Rings: amzn.to/3N3iigk
Curtain rod: amzn.to/3a2tU4z
Waffle Throw blanket (khaki): amzn.to/3LVO9y7
Cord concealer: amzn.to/3wUvTkg
European Coastal Art Print: go.magik.ly/ml/1ifpy/
Duvet: go.magik.ly/ml/1ifqa/
Euro Pillow Inserts: go.magik.ly/ml/u6v4/
Euro Pillow covers (light linen): amzn.to/3z0tINy
Live Beautiful Design book: amzn.to/3MUM0Eb
Clay floral Throw pillow: go.magik.ly/ml/1ifpu/
Outdoor string lights: amzn.to/3M2psjC
- Shop My Living Room -
Sofa: rstyle.me/+dlOkOKmor12KroZp7E...
Boucle chairs: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd5e/
Olive tree: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6d/
Coffee Table: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd5g/
Ottomans: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd5h/
Etsy prints: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6i/
Canvas art: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6x/
8x10 Rosemarie Rug:
9x12 Jute rug: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd5o/
Rug tape: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd5s/
H&M vase: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd71/
Curtains 50x96 (oatmeal): go.magik.ly/ml/1cd5w/
Curtains 100x96 (oatmeal): go.magik.ly/ml/1cd64/
IKEA Vidga track system: go.magik.ly/ml/1c6uq/
Puck lights: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd65/
Black IKEA Knobs: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6a/
Coffee table book: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd67/
Sage Lumbar Pillow: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6j/
Velvet sage pillow: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6j/
Table lamp: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6o/
Narrow console table: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd62/
Decorative beads: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6q/
Ribba Frame: go.magik.ly/ml/1cd6v/
Octagon Wood Coasters: go.magik.ly/ml/1cqjo/
Square Wood coasters: go.magik.ly/ml/1cqjp/
- R O O M M A K E O V E R S -
MY GUEST BEDROOM MAKEOVER: • DIY EXTREME GUEST BEDR...
MY LIVING ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME LIVING ROOM MA...
NEW BREAKFAST NOOK MAKEOVER: • EXTREME BREAKFAST NOOK...
DIY ENTRYWAY MAKEOVER: • DIY EXTREME ENTRYWAY M...
LOUNGE ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME LOUNGE ROOM MA...
BATHROOM MAKEOVER: • DIY BATHROOM MAKEOVER ...
DINING ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME DINING ROOM MA...
SMALL BATHROOM (POWDER ROOM MAKEOVER): • EXTREME SMALL BATHROOM...
STAIRCASE DIY MAKEOVER: • DIY STAIRCASE MAKEOVER...
MY BEDROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME BEDROOM MAKEOV...
MY BEDROOM MAKEOVER ROUND 2 : • BEDROOM MAKEOVER ON A ...
BACKYARD MAKEOVER: • DIY BACKYARD MAKEOVER ...
BOHO TODDLER BEDROOM MAKEOVER: • DIY BOHO GIRLS BEDROOM...
FRONT DOOR MAKEOVER: • DIY FRONT DOOR MAKEOVE...
LIVING ROOM + ENTRYWAY MAKEOVER: • LIVING ROOM + ENTRYWAY...
MY LIVING & DINING ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME ROOM MAKEOVER ...
SHARED KIDS BEDROOM MAKEOVER: • BEDROOM MAKEOVER REVEA...
MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM MAKEOVER: • EXTREME ROOM MAKEOVER!...
- F O L L O W M E -
Kristen McGowan: Designer, Bachelors degree in Interior Design from Sheridan College
▶INSTAGRAM: @kristenmcgowan
kristenmcgo...
▶TIKTOK: kristenmcowan
www.tiktok.com/@kristenmcgowa...
▶TWITTER: @kristenmcgowann
▶SNAPCHAT: kristenmcgowan
▶BLOG: www.kristenmcgowan.com/
▶BUSINESS INQUIRIES: [e-mail]

[@KristenMcGowan]

Happy Sunday Everyone! This is a topic I get asked about a lot!! "How can I have a functional home for my family without sacrificing style!? I hope this video answers some of your questions so you can create the home of your dreams! ❤️

[@mariamangion21]

Watching it ❤️

[@shannonmcrae1364]

Yessssss kristennnnn tyyyyyyyy

[@fashionforwardmom]

Kristen are you pregnant? If so congrats!

[@KristenMcGowan]

@@fashionforwardmom lol! No just making a video on a topic people ask a lot about! :)

[@11Believer]

Hi Kristen! Love u channel and all your ideas. I've been contacted by someone saying it's you declaring that I won a prize and asking me money for delivery. Is it a scam?

[@oksamyta]

Adults only room! It's such a great idea. I think contemporary world is mad about giving kids everything and it forgot about adults needs. I wish everyone to have that toys free space :)

[@PathosConsultingGroup]

For anyone wondering, those long, tall baskets behind the couch are from pottery barn - "Aubrey Woven Oversized." Unfortuntely, they're well over $300 each

[@yeseniapena6819]

Thank you I was wondering but not for that price..

[@YOSHiiNES]

I was just about to google them. Thank you for saving me the trouble for no reason cuz that price..yikes! Lol

[@texasstardust6010]

.... absolutely ridiculous price. I will often take a picture of something screenshot it and believe it or not I have found some really good dupes for products that were really pricey you just have to do a little bit of research and searching but if you're not in a hurry and you really you know take some time to look you can find something comparable for a lot less money even on places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist OfferUp yard sales just have to sometimes be patient. :)

[@hsmd4533]

That’s an obnoxious price

[@PathosConsultingGroup]

@@hsmd4533 Yeah you know it costs like $15 to make them too lol

[@katek9603]

I would some tips for new parents to successfully function and retain sanity with small kids around - 1. A desk that you can raise up and down so toddlers can’t clamber over your projects, and enabling you to get paperwork done more easily when they are around 2) comfortable noise cancelling headphones worn over just one ear so you can still hear what is going on with the kids but you have some adult input via podcast audiobook etc. as you go from room to room doing whatever mind numbing household task. 3) lockable safe for adult chocolate supplies, learned this one the hard way, 4) a large playpen with lots of toys to keep toddlers safe when needed.

[@mikehumphrey2037]

Joyce Humphrey Nice reminder of some of the things I used to do when I was younger to my home I had a lot of baskets for toys blankets pillows cat toys etc. Had to let a lot of things go because they finally wore out like you I never wanted glass tables too dangerous. My home now is twenty five years old and needs help your videos are helping me think I can handle this. I am handicap now and need a knee replacement amongst other things. My family will not help much but I want give up. Everything looks fresh boy do I need that.

[@joysabate3432]

I love how you can still incorporate their artworks into your Wall art gallery and can be change anytime. Also how you can add their books into your design.

[@Meeshawill]

Dollar General has super cute baskets between $8-$14.

[@rachelenders8235]

A year later but this video is so relevant to me! I'm having my first child at the end of this summer and for as selfish as this sounds, I'm so bummed at the idea of my curated home being overrun with toys. It took me YEARS to get a space I love to be in and just when I finally feel there....things are changing in a major way. I love your baskets suggestion and the ottoman idea is great too - much better than having those ugly corner protecters slapped on the edges. Also love the artwork frames! So great. Thanks for the video, so helpful!

[@karinetekelch646]

I miss seeing your parents reaction on your makeovers 😊 They are so cute Hope to see one soon ❤

[@BenRebekah]

Thanks so much for the video!! I have small kids and I just thought I can't have nice decor until they are older. This gave me ideas

[@taneledlamini9505]

Thank you so much Kristen. We recently bought a new home and with two kids, 2&7years and watching all your videos has been really inspiring...The walls, the rugs, the play area....everything you said.. I only subscribed to your channel in 2022 when we were in the process of buying the house and i've never stopped watching your videos....."How to make your home smell nice" "How to make your home look expensive", "Guest room makeover"..." Breakfast nook, you name it.....its been really helpful. Thank you so much for such detail content.

[@fromtheriverhomestead4871]

Thank you so much for this video, you would think some of these would be obvious. BUT when you are in the middle of toys everywhere we forget the simple things.

[@carolyngrotaers4454]

Closed baskets are fabulous for storage. 😀

[@rondaborgert5170]

Kristen, you are such a happy, beautiful and talented young lady. You are very knowledgeable and I love all your tips in your videos. Your lake home is gorgeous. You need a show on HGTV.

[@pbooonvanich]

I love to hear your advice, thank you so much!

[@cassannethor]

Thanks to one of your other videos, I'm now actively seeking out great baskets! I just found a large, beautiful one at goodwill outlets that my living room blankets are rolled up in. It looks so beautiful and was only $3! Thanks for the tips

[@NguyenVinhHang]

Thank you Kristen, family friendly interior design can be a great series idea that I think you'll tackle well. I think anyone can relate designing or organizing for the young or old. The Swappable picture frames are items I'm definitely buying since the plastic stand-up ones break so easily 😊🎃🏡

[@cherishruggles527]

Love this!! Thank you so much!

[@GenerationYoga]

Great tips! ty sm

[@lenaghougas533]

Thank you kristen

[@shirleysammyperez9126]

Love this idea!!!!!

[@melb1124]

I absolutely love the shelving/ bookcase idea for the kids room and also framing their art. Thank you, such great ideas!

[@margui6224]

Thank you, Kristen for the video.

[@LalalalalaLauren75]

I’m a mom of 4 and I love every idea in this video! I’ve always wanted a coffee table but there just aren’t very many kid safe ones but an ottoman is such an amazing idea! Also I strongly second the paint tip. When we bought our house it had ONLY flat paint and keeping the walls clean has been a nightmare. I’ve slowly been painting the house with semi-gloss scrub proof paint. It’s been amazing! Thank you Kristen for another fantastic video!

[@kristinanoall]

We bought a big ottoman that opens for storage, and we keep our extra blankets in it. Easy access for when you want to curl up, and great to keep them hidden away the rest of the time and not waste space!

[@gracetem]

Thank you 💗

[@jennybeanzzz6811]

I really appreciate this video! I don’t have kids so I’m pretty clueless when it comes to having my home be kid friendly and needed ideas because I will be helping to care for my friends twins after they’re born in March. Thank you so much for the awesome tips for the future, so I can be sure they’ll be just as comfortable at my house as they will be in their own 😊

[@mariacabrera2850]

Great information for real living!❤️

[@rebeccalitardo6250]

I have been slowly adding baskets around the house for toys. It is definitely a game changer. Glad you mentioned couches for families and pets. We are looking for one and I'll keep the fabric choice you mentioned in mind.

[@sarafladeland102]

I love these tips for families :)

[@jayadama1301]

What a decor!!

[@lauraswann5543]

A good way to keep the house tidy is to have a playroom, one room with all the young kids' toys and toy baskets.

[@ellenwang6744]

Thank you SO much for all your videos. We're in the process of our home improvement and we don't have a designer. I love your style and I'm infinitely grateful for your videos. I've been binge watching your videos and so far I love, love all of your videos. Thank you 😁 💕

[@marylut6077]

Ideas I implemented - framed kids art, display antique toys as decor, patterned rugs, microfiber and leather upholstered sofas, toys in built in cabinets

[@wendydosmann5068]

This video actually helps me out so much

[@pamb2868]

When my daughters were small. They had a playroom. It was just a room full of all the toys they owned. And my kids had a lot of toys. Many from our families. Then they shared a bedroom. So their bedrooms were only for sleeping. We had a living room with no tv. And what was supposed to be the dining room we made into a tv room. That was our first small house. Then when we moved to a bigger house they were out of most of the toys stage. They got a basketball hoop instead. But they had their rooms and the whole downstairs to put stuff in. Now I just have dogs. And I have dog toys everywhere. You can trip over them, step on them and they squeak. It’s so fun.

[@thebeauty_minimalist]

Amazing tips! I love the floor cushion idea 💜

[@Sjp374]

We do baskets, slip cover couches (plus a Nugget play couch the kids are free to rough house on), play room/rec room, eggshell paint, keep food and drink in the kitchen or dining, create accessible places to store shoes away and don’t wear shoes in the house, and patterned rugs. Regarding rugs… in the main house, we’ve done real wool with patterns. Hides stains and also cleans well and can handle heavy traffic. For under the dining table, the BEST thing I’ve ever found is a vinyl floor flat that looks like a rug. It wipes right up. I just can’t deal with moving my dining room table and chairs regularly to pull the rug out to wash! I need to check out the seat protectors because we were gifted dining chairs with upholstery.

[@betsylatham5023]

We had a custom blanket chest made - a little lower, trim on all four sides and child safe hinges. That was our coffee table for years and was a great place to hide toys. It was pine (with a medium stained poly finish) so we knew it would get beaten up over the years, but at that point the kids were older and we put it in the attic for storage. Using a local woodworker it didn’t cost more than any good, solid piece of furniture and was just what we needed.

[@idk2427]

Wow ❤

[@briannamurchison5044]

Omg I have been searching for videos like this!!!!! Thank you!

[@erley643]

I love these ideas! A parent space and the kids space. Thank you so much. I Like make my home welcoming for my grandkids. Still look good nice, so this was very helpful!

[@poojasaralia9581]

Hey Kristen ....You are amazing 😘😘

[@Xela24]

Love your videos. So inspiring

[@KristenMcGowan]

Thank you for watching!!

[@samtakhandhia1012]

Great video. Would also recommend a pretty toy box for storage. We had one custom made with our child’s name carved on the front. The top was sturdy enough that a cushion could be placed on top for extra child seating

[@willhogan1334]

Thank you so much for this vid!!! It was so helpful. You’re so beautiful and so amazing at these videos! Keep it up girl❤️

[@kimandreasheroy]

Great vid!

[@riverview9320]

Love baskets - so handy. (also - I still remember when I was a kid, another kid's head actually hit the corner of one of those glass/metal coffee tables.)

[@MelissaCapriotti]

Love this video! I am always looking for family friendly decorating with three littles in my house:)

[@glendaromero7505]

Thanks for this I really needed to see this 😊

[@gulcinalkslar7571]

Please more family home tricks videos

[@yatiemajid7907]

Hi Kristen, your channel really help me how to decorate my home . Thanks a lot pretty❤

[@user-og5ud5fo1q]

I loove your tips and you channel ❤

[@stephaniebulloch3689]

Great tips! I also have been wondering what things I can use to decorate reachable things, such as a coffee table, that my kids wouldn’t be able to brake/ruin?

[@fb9001]

Great tips, saying as a nanny🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@eraber6738]

Good tips! Thanks, Kristen! Gotta say, though, when you mentioned multiple small ottomans, all I could envision was my kids setting them up and jumping from one to the other like parkour! 🤣

[@kristinanoall]

My boys already do that with our huge ottoman and sectional, no matter how many times we tell them not to! It seems ingrained in their boy DNA. 🧬😆

[@mapleleaf0]

Hey, your intro is back. It's so professional, quick, and highlights some of your most beautiful projects. Love it. :)

[@tinaburgard7814]

Great video.

[@TecyMotivation90]

New Subscriber 💖 Beautiful home 💖

[@andreavasquez6650]

This was a brilliant idea for a video!

[@melissakmiddleton]

Ack you spilled my secrets! I do 1,3,4,5,6,7 (expensive but I love this), hubby does 8, we love 9 (no toys allowed anywhere but there or the kid room), and absolutely 10 but not white/cream furniture, can’t take the risk🙈

[@mariamangion21]

One of my favorite KZbinrs ❤

[@idk2427]

Love your cat❤

[@ideasbyNasir]

Good info

[@bdazzlefromage]

I appreciate the ideas as most designs don't seem to take kids into consideration. Some good ideas, and it's cool you tackled it.

[@tanjacavlovic8053]

Great video! The tip regarding ottoman is my rule and I was telling everybody about it. "Performance fabric" was missing in my vocabulary. Thank you! ❤

[@dianejohnson7235]

I love baskets!!! I have a cat,so I keep all his toys in baskets!!

[@deborahb.277]

Round coffee tables and tables are safer, too. I picked barstools that are better for kids, too, they have a back and sides so little ones don’t fall out.

[@sherryidibo2304]

using baskets for decorates is a great idea, it saves alot of spaces since my apartment is pretty small. also it gives the house a vintage look. love all your tips. I am always looking forward to seeing your videos.

[@eleseclarke6038]

I have 4 kids under 10 one is a wheelchair user so safety is a must the large ottoman idea is great will definitely be doing that can't believe I never thought of that before also the art work framing it great idea I always feel guilty throwing it or they become clutter

[@cassiemarie9900]

Hi Kristen, I always hear the design world talk about performance fabric but I've heard anyone talk about if that fabric will hold up to dark jeans. Luv your content it's always like sitting in a class with your favorite teacher and I never want to leave🤩🧡

[@jlloeppke]

Yes!! We bought a cream couch and the jeans have wrecked the fabric! Ugh!

[@ef4zsv]

@@jlloeppke This is good to know. Thanks!👍

[@alumitatokotaha5544]

Bula vinaka Kirsten......Thank you for sharing....watching from Fiji

[@jlloeppke]

Yes!! Thank you for acknowledging that matte and flat paint don’t work well with kids. I’m painting our flat paint that came with the house and opting for eggshell. Even though I LOVE the look of matte, it has scuffed so badly with the kiddos that it had to be fully repainted anyway!

[@annekeller7828]

You can get a matt looking finish that is easy to keep clean from Benjamin Moore. Now I have many grandkids & a large black German shepherd I’m always wiping down the walls & works great.

[@jlloeppke]

@@annekeller7828 I’ll to give that a try! Thanks for the tip!

[@dahj5954]

Great parenting advice from someone who doesn’t have children

[@ellenl5626]

Can you do one about people who have pets but no kids?

[@marylut6077]

Alternative to slew of toy baskets is toy bench that doubles as seating

[@irinatchernychkova9462]

👍

[@nancyx6390]

I really enjoyed this video on family friendly home decor tips . I loved every tip that you gave in this video especially the kids rooms... well my kids are grown so it's a little too late for that but they look just so cute and having the baskets around the house is just an awesome idea I'm ready to run to the store and get me some baskets and last but not least I love the floor pillow. ..I saw one in this video in a creamer color with leather straps...do you know where I can get that one?. thank you so much Kristen for these ideas

[@highpockets359]

I like the look of baskets but they prove challenging to clean. Any suggestions for tasteful alternatives?

[@cassandramcfarland8277]

The future like the couch

[@charitodagupion7398]

Amazing, keep safe and may God bless you always, I do DIY and recycling, friend from Philippines

[@gailcarsten7903]

QUESTION-Does a living room area rug fit in a standard washing machine? They look too big. Great tips--thanks.

[@minatraveling]

Thank you for this video, it’s much needed!

[@HeronCoyote1234]

Excellent video! I don’t have kids, but appreciate all these tips, especially baskets and rounded soft furniture. Target has nice, reasonably priced woven baskets. Btw, Nick Lewis sometimes does collaborations on his channel. I mentioned your name as someone he should definitely contact for a possible collaboration. I hope you don’t mind.

[@paintersinasnap6427]

Can you make a video on small kitchen storage ideas also my bedrooms are in the attic and the closet space is real small. THANK YOU!

[@marissabadong]

I want the idea of using basket for decoration and also used for container for toys order other stuff

[@yvetteaguirre420]

Can you please make a video on ways to remodel and transform our 90s squared fireplace ?? Thanks !!!

[@lizhristova5]

Hi Kristen! Can you recommend a good brand for a slipcover for a 3 seater sofa with chaise? Im having such a hard time finding a good one!

[@michelleherman5298]

I love your channel! I’m very challenged with decorating my family room is all brown everything is brown how can I add color to it?

[@christinekeleher3578]

Question: What is that material for chesterfields chairs it looks cozy it has texture kind of like the chair is wrapped in a blanket. It is expensive but I can’t remember the name of it. That is a great idea washable rugs with that pad underneath it. I did the very durable washable paint in my hall and coming down the stairs. My girls are grown up but my grandkids come down the stairs like every other kid arm out hands on the wall all the way down. It worked out so good washes like a dream. I love all your ideas. So many things that got done or in the midst of getting done are ideas that came from you. Thanks so much for all you do and teach use.

[@umehjuliet6851]

Decorate with a black couch

[@bethanyb4478]

In my house, the cushions scattered around the floor are for the pets...😂

[@demasha9571]

which color of sofa should I go for if ama doing boho style

[@marilynweist2645]

Wonder where you can by the dining room chair covers?

[@instalookinteriors3797]

I did a similar video to this years ago that unfortunately got no views 😢😢 I’m a single mum with two cats and have tried many things to get to the point of knowing what works. We did have a couple of the same points

[@amiem6480]

Hi Kristen, any idea on a modern yet vintage inspired neutral rug that goes with a black, white, cream/ivory aesthetic? Think Studio McGee vibe without the price tag…please help kindly provide links. Pretty please 🙏🏽 thku

[@paolamontes6508]

Where do I find the rectangular woven baskets for behind the couch?

[@meggiemarkovska1760]

Hi Kristen I love watching ur videos , but not fan of the washable rugs In my opinion they’re very thin ( because we should be able to feed in the machine) but because they’re thin it’s very easy to wrinkle They don’t stay nice flat straight 😂 Love ur house ❤

[@wyldebill4178]

You can also place your lotion into the basket

[@idk2427]

Hi my dear Love your job ❤ Where do you find pictures for print for making frame ?? Thank you

[@ahl415]

😶

[@wendynguyen3197]

Kristen, do you have any advice for home with super chewer pet? My puppy chews on everything from dining table to chair legs. We’re still using our old furniture in our new home because of that reason. Im afraid of getting rattan chairs or woven baskets even though I really really love to have those around

[@kristinanoall]

Do you have lots of chew toys available? Also, look up Zak George on KZbin-he’s a dog trainer and has a free puppy-training course that’s amazing! (Truly free-he just talks about his sponsor for a couple minutes at the beginning of each video.)