“Kids” and “pets” might not be the first words that come to mind when you think of custom home design – but there are actually so many ways you can design your home in your perfect style and accommodate the kids and pets, too!

Pick functional furniture

Where there are young kids, there is probably an abundance of toys, games and books. It can easily take over your house if you’re not strategic about finding storage! Try to utilize pieces of furniture that also double as storage – bookshelves with baskets and bins, ottomans and benches with storage inside, and kids’ beds with drawers underneath are all great options for maximizing space.

Designate specific kid spaces

Along the same lines, kids’ toys and games can spread to the entire house fast if you let them. Establish designated rooms in the home for the kids’ stuff – bedrooms and a playroom, if you have the space, are great options. If you need to use main living spaces for playtime, make sure to have storage options for putting away toys after playing with them (easier said than done, we know!)

Incorporate fun accents

What better excuse for fun decor and design choices than kids and pets?! Try a fun wallpaper, bright accent wall, or framed pet photos to add some personality to your home. Or go extra crazy with a rock wall!

Add a pet wash

This one seems a little excessive, until it’s March in Minnesota and your dog is covered in mud and you don’t want to let them anywhere near your bathroom! We love the addition of pet washes, because they’re functional and so fun to design, too. Add a pet wash to the garage or mudroom and prevent tracking mud through the house.

Mudroom

Speaking of mud, a mudroom (or at least a strategic entryway setup) is a must in a home with kids and pets. Especially in Minnesota, where we wear ten layers at any given time, and for school aged kids and kids in sports – the supplies are endless! Use hooks, cubbies or lockers to give everyone a designated space for their shoes, bags, jackets and equipment, and leave the mess at the door!

So tell us, what design accents did you include in your home to especially accommodate your kids and pets? How do you keep things clean and on-trend, while giving the kids their own spaces as well? Share with us in the comments, and make sure to come hang out with us on Instagram @AlmaHomes for more design tips and tricks!

Photography: Melissa Oholendt, Laura Rae Photography, Spacecrafting Photography, Sarah Olfelt Photo, Alma Homes