The Joys and Challenges of Being a Mum and an Interior Designer

Balancing the roles of motherhood and a career is an art form in itself. Add the dynamic field of interior design to the mix, and you've got a recipe for both challenge and creativity.

As a mother of two young boys, George, 5, and Victor, 2, and an interior designer, I've come to appreciate the unique advantages and insights that being both a mum and a professional in design bring to the table. In this article, I'll delve into the joys and challenges of this dual role, along with offering some tips on creating safe, functional, and stylish interiors with kids in mind.

The Advantage of Perspective:

Being a mum gives me a firsthand understanding of the needs and behaviours of children within a space. George and Victor are my constant source of inspiration. Observing how they interact with their environment, from their love for vibrant colors to their curiosity about textures, fuels my creativity as an interior designer. This perspective allows me to design spaces that are not only visually appealing but also practical and safe for kids.

The Advantage of Perspective:
Being a mum gives me a firsthand understanding of the needs and behaviors of children within a space. George and Victor are my constant source of inspiration. Observing how they interact with their environment, from their love for vibrant colors to their curiosity about textures, fuels my creativity as an interior designer. This perspective allows me to design spaces that are not only visually appealing but also practical and safe for kids.
Creativity Unleashed:
Motherhood has a way of unlocking creativity in unexpected ways. From improvising makeshift play areas to finding innovative storage solutions for toys, being a mum pushes me to think outside the box when it comes to design. It's a constant exercise in finding beauty in chaos and creating spaces that seamlessly integrate style with functionality.
Empathy in Design:
As a mum, I understand the importance of creating spaces that cater to the needs of the whole family. Whether it's designing a cozy reading nook for bedtime stories or incorporating durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of little ones, empathy plays a crucial role in every aspect of my design process. By putting myself in the shoes of my clients, I can create spaces that truly enhance their lives.

Here are my 7 Tips

for Safe, Functional, and Stylish Interiors with Kids:

Durable Materials:
Opt for furniture and fabrics that are durable and easy to clean, such as leather or microfiber sofas and stain-resistant or washable rugs.
Storage Solutions:
Maximise storage space to keep toys and other items organised. Consider using baskets, buffets, built-in to keep the clutter away once they’re in bed.
Kid-Friendly Furniture:
Choose furniture with rounded edges and soft corners to minimise the risk of injuries. Additionally, select pieces that are proportionate to your child's size for comfort and safety.
Washable Fabrics:
Select fabrics that are machine washable or stain-resistant to make cleaning up spills and messes easier. Slipcovers are also a great option for sofas and chairs.
Designated Play Areas:
Create designated play areas where your kids can be creative and messy without worrying about damaging other parts of the house. This could be a corner of the living room or a dedicated playroom.
Safety Measures:
Install safety gates on stairs, secure heavy furniture to the wall to prevent tipping, and re-organise your cupboards. Think ahead, anything that can be at their reach is a potential danger.
Personalize with Accessories:
Add a touch of personality to your space with kid-friendly accessories. Opt for decoration that can be manipulated by the kids without breaking, use throw, pillows, and frame their artworks.

Remember, they’re growing up so fast and it won’t last forever so have fun with them! And if you need help, I’m here!
Barbara x