HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME LOOK AND FEEL GOOD (EVEN WITH KIDS AROUND)
By Nicole Fuge
Let’s be honest, “stylish” and “kid-friendly” aren’t always words you see in the same sentence. Once children enter the scene, interiors often shift from curated to chaotic. But creating a home that feels good and functions for family life? It’s possible. You don’t need to sacrifice aesthetics for practicality, you just need a few smart strategies.
Here are some realistic home decor tips for mums who want a space that feels calm, stylish, and still wonderfully lived-in.
1. Choose your materials wisely
Forget high-maintenance fabrics and delicate finishes. Opt for durable, wipeable, and low-fuss materials that still look elevated. Think leather sofas that get better with age, washable slipcovers, outdoor fabrics on indoor cushions (they’re spill-proof lifesavers), and jute or wool rugs that hide a multitude of sins.
2. Storage is your secret weapon
You know what makes a space look stylish? Not tripping over plastic dinosaurs. Baskets, built-in benches, ottomans with hidden compartments, and cube shelving units are your besties. Keep toys in every room if you need to, but make sure they’ve got a home to return to at the end of the day.
Pro tip: Rotate toys every few weeks so things feel fresh for the kids (and a little less cluttered for you).
3. Curate, don’t clutter
You don’t have to decorate every surface. A few well-chosen pieces, like a large print, a sculptural vase (placed out of reach), or a lamp, can make your space feel pulled together. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s personality.
4. Go for neutral foundations
A neutral base gives you flexibility and calm. It also makes the inevitable chaos (think: rainbow toys, rogue art supplies) feel less overwhelming. Add colour through removable, swappable accents, like cushions, throws, or wall decals, that can evolve as your kids (and taste) change.
Bonus: Light walls bounce more light around, perfect for homes that never seem to stay tidy for long.
5. Embrace the art gallery wall (kid edition)
Who says your walls can’t be both chic and sentimental? Frame your children’s artwork in matching frames for an elevated, cohesive gallery wall. It adds heart to your space and turns your little one’s creativity into a design feature.
Even better? It keeps the fridge door clear.
6. Set style zones
You don’t have to kid-proof every room. Set boundaries, like a grown-up nook with your favourite armchair and books, or a candle-lit bathroom sanctuary, for your own sanity. Let the kids have freedom in shared spaces, but don’t forget to carve out corners just for you.
7. Lower the bar, not your standards
Perfection is overrated. Instead of chasing a magazine-worthy home, aim for a space that feels like you. One where the cushions are sometimes on the floor, but the vibe still feels good. Where your style shines, even if it’s layered with Lego.
So go ahead. Light the candle. Buy the lounge you love. And let the kids live in it.
MUSE PAPER
ISSUE 04