Jennifer Sheahan: How to create a child- and pet-friendly home
And Perry Picture: Sheahan Moya Nolan Jennifer
Are you designing you living space for a young family — whether it includes small children and/or pets? While I am very aware that children and pets are wildly different beings, the design considerations for both largely overlap and so I will cover them together here.
Young children and pets care not for your delicate fabrics and fragile items, so consider materials that can withstand a bit of a beating. Make your life easier by going for stain-resistant, wipeable materials in high-traffic areas like the living room and dining room. Leather or velour fabric sofas are ideal for withstanding spills and stains and consider using semi-gloss or washable paint for when your toddler gifts you a crayon drawing on your living room wall. Choose flooring that’s easy to clean, such as engineered wood, laminate, or vinyl, all of which can stand up to spills and scratches.
Toys, books, clothes, leashes, and pet paraphernalia have a way of multiplying overnight. Investing in quality storage solutions throughout your home will keep clutter at bay.
Think about built-in storage, such as bench seating with storage underneath or custom units with cupboard doors below so you can control access more easily. In the bedroom, ottoman beds or under-bed drawers will provide a huge amount of easily accessible extra storage.
Multi-functional furniture that doubles as storage, such as ottoman stools with hidden compartments, is a brilliant way to dot hidden storage around your home so that you can tidy up quickly.
As children grow, their needs will change rapidly, so think ahead with versatile furniture. For example, a dining table that expands or a modular sofa with removable cushions can accommodate more people and various layouts for watching children’s movies during the day or hosting adult friends in the evenings.
If you’re investing in children’s furniture, look for adaptable options such as cots that convert into toddler beds or desks that can be adjusted for height as they grow. Not only does this help you save money in the long run, but it also minimises waste.
Save on expensive accessories made from delicate fabrics or materials that are likely to face wear and tear, such as throw pillows, rugs, and art. Instead of buying high-end items, opt for budget-friendly decor (second-hand or DIY are good options here) that you won’t mind replacing as tastes change or as pieces get damaged.
Your dog will vomit on your rug and your child will pour glitter all over your coffee table, so now is not the time to invest in delicate heirlooms. Store anything delicate at a height that your pet will not be able to jump to or your creative escape-artist child will not be able to climb to — ideally behind closed doors. It’s only for a few years!
Glass coffee tables, fragile ceramics, and lightweight shelving may look elegant, but they’re not ideal with young children or pets in the house.
It’s best to avoid decor made from fragile materials or items that are easily scratched or chipped. Instead, go for sturdy materials that can handle knocks and bumps, such as wood, metal, stone, or plastic. If you already have fragile items, consider adding corner protectors, available on Amazon or in hardware shops.
Children’s interests and tastes change quickly, so avoid committing to permanent decor that might not appeal to them in a few years. Rather than painting their walls in bold colours or themes, consider using removable wallpaper, wall decals, or posters that can be easily swapped out as they grow.
Similarly, keep children’s rooms flexible with neutral furniture that can accommodate their evolving tastes without requiring a full room makeover. Race car beds are cool… but not forever!
So how do you make your home child- and/or pet-friendly?
Child- and pet-proofing doesn’t have to mean bulky, unattractive plastic gates and locks. Modern safety products are designed to be both stylish and functional. Look for minimalist gates in neutral materials like wood or bamboo, adhesive cabinet locks that are invisible from the outside, and minimalist corner protectors in clear materials that blend seamlessly into your decor.
Establishing a designated area — whether it’s a corner in the living room or a separate room — can help to contain clutter and mess. Consider low, accessible shelves with baskets for toy storage, a soft washable rug for floor play, and a small table and chairs for crafts or snacks.
You can even use colour-blocking to paint this area with wipeable paint or even blackboard paint to allow your child full creative freedom in their play zone.
Pets also love their own domains, so designated beds, crates, or blankets on furniture will provide them with a space they feel safe in while protecting your furniture.
When arranging furniture, keep pathways clear for kids and pets to run and play safely. Place breakable or valuable items high up and out of reach, and consider padding sharp corners on tables and shelves.
Additionally, try to create a layout where you can easily keep an eye on things as you move around the house. Open floor plans are often ideal for young families — you can always add partition walls later as needed.
A young family home requires a careful balance of style, durability, and practicality. By investing in resilient materials, adaptable furniture, and flexible design elements, you can create a beautiful home that works for the whole family. While safety and durability are key, remember to let your personality and that of your little ones shine through. After all, your home should reflect the life you’re living—full of energy, joy, and endless creativity.
This stage is about embracing the joys and challenges of family life in a way that makes your home feel welcoming, functional, and uniquely yours. And don’t stress about keeping it spotless all the time — these years are short, and even Marie Kondo gave up on staying tidy when her kids came along!
- This is the third in Jennifer's November series on design considerations for every life stage. Check out the earlier features, on rental apartments and starter homes, in our Home & Garden section