As we all know, there’s no instruction manual when it comes to raising kids – it’s a bit of trial and error, you’ll be making it up as you go along, and you’ll need to have plenty of optimism. But one thing that’s going to make it all a lot easier in the long run is having a home that works for you – one that grows and adapts however you need it to, in other words. Because the truth is that what worked when the little ones were, well, little, won’t work when they’re bigger – and they’re not the only ones who are going to have changed in that time, so your home might not work for you any more either. 

So if you want a home that works for you, it’s really all about balance – you’ve got to make sure it’s functional, but also comfortable. And it should have a structure, but one that’s flexible. In other words, you want a home that works as hard as you do and that you can enjoy, and with that in mind, keep reading to find out more. 

All Rooms Can Be More

Once upon a time, you probably thought your living room was for, well, living… Maybe reading or watching some TV, perhaps hosting friends and so on. Fast forward to life with kids, and suddenly it’s pretty much anything and everything you can think of, including a dining room, a playroom, and perhaps a study. 

And that’s the thing about raising kids – every room can become a multi-purpose space, often without you choosing that route. So why not cut ahead and make the choice right away? That means knowing that each room is going to have more than one use in many cases, and picking furniture that gives you a lot of options, for example. Try to get as much storage in the room as you can as well, and make sure that everything you choose is sturdy and can survive a few knocks because it’s definitely going to get them! 

In the end, your goal isn’t to have a picture-perfect home; it’s to have one you can enjoy living in that feels good and everyone can be happy in – and be themselves in. If you can tick those boxes, you’re definitely on the right track. 

Bedrooms Need To Grow Up With Them 

Little children become big children (and teenagers, and young adults) much faster than you realise, and that cute pastel nursery you’ve designed may well not be the right choice in later years. That’s why flexibility in kids’ bedrooms is so important, and you need to know it’s going to change, no matter how difficult that idea might be at the start. 

Things that are going to help include furniture that can grow with them, like a cot that turns into a toddler bed, for example, or a desk that can be a good place for colouring, crafts, and more tricky homework as they get older. 

Storage is also really important here – shelves and under-bed drawers are going to help keep clutter under control, and built-in cupboards and wardrobes can evolve over time and become exactly what they need to be. Let the kids personalise their space with art or stickers and so on as well – they’ll be easy to change without too much DIY, and it’s going to help them feel more at home in their own rooms, which is sure to help when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep. Plus it means they’ll have a little bit of privacy and independence, and that’s important too. 

Family Life Revolves Around The Kitchen 

Isn’t it funny how so much of family life revolves around the kitchen? It’s where the school bags get dumped, the packed lunches are made, where snacks and drinks can easily be grabbed, where deep (and not-so-deep) conversations happen, and so much more. So you’ll want to make sure you’ve got a kitchen that gives everyone space to move, prep food, get comfortable, and sit together – it’s going to make everything feel better when you’ve got a space like that. 

Something useful you might like to consider is open shelving – that’s going to help to keep things nice and neat, but also it’s going to encourage kids to grab their own cups and bowls and get that little bit of independence we said was so important (and it saves you a job, which is always a bonus). And of course, wipeable surfaces that are easy to clean make a lot of sense – yes, you’ll still need to tidy up (or someone will, anyway), but it’ll take less time and be less of a chore. 

And we should also talk about how handy a breakfast bar or island can be. This is the kind of space that gives you somewhere to chat while someone’s cooking, help with homework, and generally make the space feel more connected to the rest of the house. 

Your Bathroom Is Crucial

If there’s one room that gets used and abused on a daily basis, it’s the bathroom. Whether it’s bath time with lots of bubbles and games or teenagers and their 45-minute showers, your bathroom has to be both practical and durable. And there are loads of different options you can try out. 

For example, a double sink can save a lot of morning arguments, and hooks or rails at various heights mean towels actually have somewhere to go. You can also think about using water-resistant paint, non-slip flooring, and enough storage to keep the shampoo collection from taking up too much space! And when possible, having more than one toilet in the house, such as a downstairs cloakroom or ensuite, is a fantastic idea – cut down on the queues and everyone will be happy. 

Have Usable Outdoor Spaces

Not every home has a massive garden, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of whatever space you’ve got. The fact is that kids love being outside, and parents love it too because it burns off energy, gets them off screens, and gives you a bit of a break as well. 

Even a small patch can be turned into something great like a sandpit, a water table, or a few planters they can grow things in, and that can all make a world of difference to them. And if you can fit in somewhere for you to sit and rest while they’re playing as well, that’s even better. Something else you’ll need is durable outdoor storage so you can keep everything tidy, and it might also be worth having a shaded area to get out of the sun, and once that’s all set up, you don’t really need anything else at all. 

Plan For The Unexpected

As much as we try to plan, life does have a bit of a habit of surprising us – one minute it’s all fine and we’re not thinking of any issues, and the next something happens and we have to think of issues – in fact, it’s all we can think of. That’s why it’s helpful to have some flexibility, and not just in your rooms, but everywhere, including your own attitude as well. 

Maybe that could mean creating multi-functional spaces, for example, or it could mean staying on top of things you can’t always see, like plumbing insulation, or your roof. When you think about it, there’s nothing like a rainy day to remind you that roof repair and roof replacement aren’t things you can just put off forever, and it could be that a little fix or upgrade now can save a lot of hassle in the future. 

Think About How You Use The Space

Sometimes it’s not about having a bigger home – it’s about using the space you have in better, smarter ways. A lot of people have a dead corner under the stairs, for example, but rather than ignoring it, could you turn it into a reading nook or a cupboard, for example? Or perhaps you’ve got a box room that’s literally full of boxes, but that could become a lovely playroom or study with a bit of thought. 

The more places you can use that are designated for certain things, the better – it keeps things tidier and ensures everyone knows where they’re meant to be – and you don’t have to have a complete renovation or a new extension to get those spaces when it’s highly likely you’ve already got the room you need if you just think about things in a different way. 

Final Thoughts

Your home isn’t just where you sleep and eat – at least for most people. It’s a place to enjoy your family and watch them grow, and it’s a place to make memories. And to do all that, it doesn’t have to be huge, and it definitely doesn’t have to be spotless – it just needs to work for you, in whatever way you need it to. So make some good choices and be willing to make changes, and you should be fine.