9 Tips for Making a Kid-Friendly Home

By Toll Brothers 2 minute read

Last updated on September 21st, 2020

If you have children at home, you understand the need to create a kid-friendly environment. While homes can pose safety challenges for younger family members, there are plenty of ways to address common obstacles. Thankfully, turning your home into a family-friendly space does not mean having to sacrifice your preferred design style along the way.

Check out our 9 top tips for making a kid-friendly home below, including helpful information on kid-friendly décor and kid-friendly home tech, and learn how to create a safe, secure, and stylish space for your kids to enjoy.

 

1. Rounded Furniture

To minimize accidents involving sharp edges, choose furniture that has soft, rounded edges. Stay clear of sharp-edged coffee tables, couches, tables, and other pieces. If you have furniture with edges already in your home, consider applying edge protectors to limit the potential for mishaps.

Timnath, CO

 

2. Anti-Tip Furniture

It’s common for babies and younger kids to play on furniture. This may involve grabbing and pulling, which can lead to a large piece of furniture toppling over if not properly anchored. Luckily, there are plenty of anti-tip kits available to help keep your large furniture locked in place and sturdy.

Kids bedroom with built-in shelves that won't tip over
Lancaster, SC

 

3. Kid-Friendly Paint

Let’s face it, kids can make a mess, and sometimes they do so by drawing and spilling on the walls. Luckily, washable interior paints are available at most home design stores and are a great solution to such messes.

Kids bedroom with kid-friendly paint
Reno, NV

 

4. Area Rugs and Flooring

Kids are bound to spill things. For hassle-free cleanups, we recommend using hardwood and vinyl for your home’s flooring. Also, consider area rugs for your living spaces. These will provide a comfier space for your kids to sit and play while on the floor. 

kid-friendly great room with area rug and wood flooring
Tomball, TX

 

5. Storage Space

You can never have too much storage space for your kids’ belongings. From baskets to built-in shelves, consider where and how you can store your children’s toys, clothes, and other accessories. 

kids bedroom featuring dressers and storage chest
Boise, ID

 

6. Pool Safety

Parents understand that supervision around the pool is crucial for young kids. However, it’s impossible to keep watch over the pool 24/7, especially when the family isn’t using the area. Luckily, pool alarms are great for alerting when someone has fallen in, which can ultimately save your child from serious injury.

Backyard highlighted by luxe pool
Great Falls, VA

 

7. Baby Gates

Gates have been a staple of child safety for as long as we can remember, and for good reason. By attaching a gate to the top and bottom of your stairs, you can keep your child safe from potential falls. Retractable gates have become a homeowner favorite on account of their sleek look and convenient design.

2nd level floor and staircase
Herriman, UT

 

8. Surveillance Cameras

You can only be in one place at a time. However, home automation has made it possible to check in on your kids even when you’re not with them. Install security cameras in your home to have eyes on your living spaces, whether it’s your kids’ playroom, their bedroom, or basement.

Child playroom
Monroe Township, NJ

 

9. Locks and Covers

Locks are one of the most common safety measures a parent can take at home. From toilets to high cabinets to windows, there a plethora of features within the house that are best locked if kids are around. Additionally, outlets should always be covered with plugs as they are one of the most accessible hazards around the house to children.

modern kitchen with white cabinetry and natural lighting
Danbury, CT

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Embracing an unwavering commitment to quality and customer service, Toll Brothers currently builds in over 60 markets in 24 states nationwide, and is a publicly owned company with its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: TOL). In 2024, Toll Brothers marked 10 years in a row being named to the Fortune World's Most Admired Companies™ list.* Toll Brothers has also been named Builder of the Year by Builder magazine and is the first two-time recipient of Builder of the Year from Professional Builder magazine. For more information, visit TollBrothers.com. From Fortune, ©2024 Fortune Media IP Limited. All rights reserved. Used under license.

  • 2 Comments

    1. Asha Rao says:

      Do you have any or plan to build 2 bed 2 bath single family homes within 1200-1400 sq.feet sizes in CT in the near future. Common pool and gym are not a choice. Please let me know. Thank you.

      • Toll Brothers says:

        Hi, Asha. We appreciate your interest in our homes! We do not currently have home designs in CT that suit your criteria, but encourage you to visit our website to explore our available communities and learn more about what Toll Brothers offers in Connecticut.

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