As parents ourselves we get it! “Family-friendly” and “elegant” don’t always feel like natural bedfellows. But as experienced interior designers, we’re here to tell you that they absolutely can be. At Studio 3 Creatives, we specialise in renovating period homes, and one of our favourite challenges is designing living rooms that work beautifully for grown-ups and children.

Here are some of the ways we bring comfort, sophistication and practicality together in perfect harmony.

Balancing Plush Fabrics with Child-Friendly Materials

So let’s talk fabrics. We know you’ve had your eye on that glorious velvet sofa on Pinterest – but you’re umming and ahhing over potential sticky fingers and the occasional pet paw print…Well, fear not! There are ways to enjoy luxe textures without panic every time the children are within a 5m radius.

We often use performance velvets and treated linens that look every bit as glamorous as the originals but are resistant to spills and stains. Leather is another hero. It ages beautifully, wipes clean, and gives that classic club-room feel that looks right at home in Edwardian or Victorian houses.

Also, do not underestimate patterned textiles. A lovely herringbone, a subtle floral or stripe can do wonders for disguising the day-to-day chaos. Look to one of our favourite suppliers, Love Your Home, for a great selection of styles and fabrics for your family-friendly living room.

Zoning Spaces for Adults and Children in Family-Friendly Living Rooms

We know that in a busy family home, the living room is often doing double (or triple) duty as a playroom, cinema, quiet reading nook, and adult entertaining space. The key is to create zones. Built-in bookcases and bespoke cabinetry can help define a “grown-up corner” (cue ambient lighting, glass

of wine, and zero playstation). Meanwhile, a soft rug and plenty of toy storage can set the stage for play without letting the entire room be overrun.

Rugs are our secret weapon here, they visually anchor spaces and add warmth, while helping define different areas within a single room. Layering rugs in period homes can also create that collected, lived-in feel.

Incorporating Bespoke Furniture for Storage and Style

Storage is everything – especially if you’re trying to retain your sanity when guests pop round unexpectedly. We are pros at designing bespoke joinery that fits the quirks of period properties as in our Barnes Village project. From built-in media units that hide all the cables and tech, to window seats with hidden toy storage, custom solutions mean you don’t have to sacrifice style for function.

Our favourite trick? Floor-to-ceiling shelving with a mix of open and closed units. Style the open shelves with books, vases, and framed family photos, and tuck away the less-than-lovely stuff behind closed doors.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, your living space should reflect your family’s life – messy, joyful, and ever-evolving. But that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on design. Whether we’re restoring original cornices, or oak flooring, or designing bespoke joinery to make the most of every inch, we’re here to make period properties feel like home – for every member of the family.

Ready to make your living room both beautiful and bulletproof? Get in touch to see how we can help create your family-friendly living room!