Does Your Home Fit Your Family?

I pray you all are doing well during this crazy last month of an even more crazy year. I think one thing this year has shown us is that along with God, family is what’s important. No matter how big or how small, your family is top priority.

With this in mind, your home should reflect and fit your family. I started out my professional design journey in 2013. A little seed was planted after I gave birth to my daughter, and it was itching to get back to my creative side. Long story short, I took one design class while at the end of my maternity leave, and instantly found what I was missing. We bought this amazing home the year before, and had so many plans for it. Well, after I started interior design school, I knew exactly how to make those plans come to fruition and it was designing by family first.

A lot of guests come to our home (pre COVID-19) and we love to entertain. We have a huge family and a ton of friends to fellowship with. One common response from our guests is they think our home is beautiful, yet it’s also very comfortable and relaxing. Internally, I am leaping for joy when they say that as the “feel“ they describe was intentional. Since I knew we would entertain a lot, I wanted our home to feel relaxed yet beautiful. I wanted a place where kids could have fun, but it was nice to look at and be in as well. Nailed it!

You can be either single, married, have kids, no kids, planning for kids, empty nesters, multi-generational, roommates, a pet family or whatever your family is - ensure your home fits YOUR family.

Think about the products you’ll need. For instance, my husband and I LOVED a specific dining table when we first got married. It’s this cool modern yet timeless glass table. Well, that worked pre kids. The table is still beautiful, but it’s now definitely in the breakfast nook where our toddler won’t frequently bump his head. With this in mind, your family home design can change as your family evolves.

Do you love white furniture? I absolutely love the look of it! But do you have a furniture protection plan for it? Do you have kids, a lot of blue jean wearers, or are you just plain clumsy (hand definitely raised over here 🙋🏽‍♀️)? Well, white might not be a safe bet if you like to keep things clean, and hate stains.

Do you need a separate dining room, or will that space hardly get used? If it doesn’t get used, think about turning the dining room into a cool conversation lounge, an office, craft room, game room, or a pool table room. Whatever fits your family.

One of my first clients several years ago, was a family member. I’m so grateful for my family, and their space is still working for them today. Sadly, even though I may not get to see them this year (we have some cool family traditions that we’ll now have to “virtualize”) I know exactly where their Christmas tree goes. They might not know it, but their space was designed even with that in mind.

Any house can turn into a home. You just have to make it fit your family. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to your favorite designer. (😘 wink wink)

Sending virtual hugs to you and yours this holiday season. I wish you love, peace, joy, wisdom, clarity and finally hugging on family for 2021.

Make Everyday Beautiful,

Tiana