Easy-care family homes

It was a sunny spring day in 1995 when it occurred to me, I hadn't seen a floor in my home without Lego strewn on it for more than 3 years. Although the Lego eventually gave way to sports equipment and technology identified by initials - CD's, DVD's, PC's, ICQ, and XBoxes - my childrens' apparent inability to pick up after themselves remains consistent. I did however discover that strategically placed wide-mouthed storage bins (to aid the one-arm toss!) help enormously when the urge (my urge) to tidy up strikes. I've come to learn that there are other choices that contribute to an orderly household; perhaps even lessening or simplifying housework. Easy care, low maintenance, no fuss, are the adjectives that bring every mother joy when it comes to decorating the family home.

Paint

OK mom, repeat after me, "The higher the sheen the better it cleans". When painting walls and cabinets in a family home, keep this little ditty in mind. Eggshell might be perfectly fine for civilized living and dining rooms, but children's rooms, playrooms, and family rooms benefit from a satin, pearl, or semi-gloss finish. If your basement doubles as a skateboard park or basketball court you may even want to consider a topcoat of urethane.

Flooring

When it comes to flooring, varnished hardwoods like maple can take anything your roller-blading, bike-riding toddler can deliver. Add an area rug and you'll dampen some of the inevitable noise. Sealed cork, popular in Europe for decades, is finally gaining acceptance here at home. Advocates love cork's no fuss maintenance (sweep and damp mop) and the fact that a damaged tile is easily replaced. Linoleum is another great flooring option but don't kid yourself, if children or pets are in residence you cannot effectively paint over tired linoleum in order to extend its life. The first time Junior rides his big wheel through the kitchen, you'll see why. There is however a new product on the market called Tech Stone, which, applied in a three-step process, leaves an impervious granite like finish on tiles, linoleum, even outdoor decks and porches.

Storage and Maintenance

According to Alexandra Stoddard in the Decoration of Houses, "Maintaining your home is loving your home". I couldn't agree more. Children and adults alike benefit from an orderly and well-tended environment, so convenient storage is essential. In addition to the usual choices - an armoire to hide electronics or linens, a trunk to hold photo albums or children's toys - you can squeeze extra storage space from existing locations by utilizing the "unders": under stairs, under beds, and under skirted tables. Beyond that, eliminate everything possible. I find it helpful to imagine that someone more needy might benefit from infrequently used items of clothing, toys, or books.

Upholstery and Fabrics

"Slipcovers were invented for moms," according to Lisa Charles whose company, Potato Skins specializes in creating custom slipcovers. Machine washable materials such as cotton or Potato Skin's bestseller, white denim, are ideal. Aside from the obvious advantages - toss slipcovers into the washer and dryer as often as necessary and refit onto furniture while slightly damp - these quick-change artists can transform the look of a piece of furniture instantly. That frilly sofa you are tired of takes on a sleek, modern appearance in a tailored slipcover made of ultrasuede (a great fabric for pets by the way). Conversely, add a slipcover with a skirt and piping to a modern piece of furniture and you'll have a more traditional look. For those who love to entertain grownups even while toddlers are in residence, practical cotton or denim slipcovers can be removed for parties, exposing leather or other fabric (and hence a brand new look) beneath. If you plan to do the sewing yourself, make sure to pre-wash fabric (twice) prior to sewing.

Should you buy fabrics with the purpose of hiding stains and dirt? I don't think so, not for child-focused rooms anyway. The problem with "sensible" patterns is they are so often ugly. Remind yourself that the benefits of having children far outweigh the tiresomeness of cleaning up after them (most days anyway). Include a cozy throw and turn Saturday morning cartoons into snuggle fests.

Maximum Light

Children thrive in bright, fresh, sunny environments. Paint and fabric colours can help achieve these results, but look for ways to maximize natural light as well. Shiny objects such as brass, silver, copper, crystal, tile and mirror accentuate light and add luster to rooms. True white such as Benjamin Moore's Decorator White energizes and works particularly well with pastels. Mellow, yellow whites such as CIL's Shell White and Pratt and Lambert's Seed Pearl lend a sunny glow to interiors. Finally, enhance artificial light sources by adding strip lights above bookcases and cabinets, and under counter lights in kitchens and bathrooms.

Growing Up

Now that my little boy is a teen and nearly as tall as I am, I'm nostalgic for those Lego strewn floors. I'm so grateful I didn't allow perfectionism to interfere with that wonderful (and fleeting) time in our lives. However, I must confess, I've saved those little red, blue, and yellow pieces. No pressure, but someday a grandson would be awfully nice, especially if his things were scattered on my daughter-in-law's floor instead of mine.