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How to Turn Your Home into the Most Kid-Friendly Space Ever

The essential child-proofing tips for a safer, healthier and easy-to-maintain living space!

Kids spend a significant amount of time at home.. and every so often, tend to have accidents if you don’t keep an eye on them. That’s why it’s important to create an environment that is clean, organised and safe for the little ones to roam around with ease.

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Source: MET Interior (left); Ascend Design (right)

Not sure where to get started? Here are some child-proofing ideas that will help you to do just that and more.


1. Choose safe, non-toxic flooring

While tumbles and falls are inevitable when it comes to toddlers who have just started learning how to walk, choosing the right flooring can help to make it a less stressful (and more hygienic) experience.

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View this project by Le Interior Affairs

That said, what is the ‘right flooring’? Ideally, child-safe flooring should be non-toxic, slip-proof and scratch-resistant, which makes it great for the younger ones who spend a great deal of time on the floor playing with their toys, and are prone to falling while running about. Do also look out for ones that make maintenance a breeze, so it’s easy to clean in the event of food stains or milk spills.

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View this project by Mu Design Studio

For high-traffic areas where your kids are likely to spend more time at, consider adding an area rug or foam mat. Besides helping to cushion accidental falls, it can instantly transform an otherwise dull nook into a bright and cheerful play space that your imaginative kiddos will love.

Shop kid-friendly flooring and area rugs here:


2. Brush up your walls with zero-VOC paint

Did you know that certain interior paints emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)? These low-level toxic emissions are known to affect the air quality at home and may jeopardise the health and wellbeing of your children; research has shown that exposure to VOCs can cause and/or exacerbate conditions such as asthma and eczema in children.

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View this project by Jialux Interior

The good news is, there are tons of environmentally-friendly paint alternatives that are safe for the entire family, with lines of odourless and non-toxic formulations that are low in/completely free of VOCs, all while purifying the air for a healthier living environment.

They typically come in a variety of colours, so you can choose an energising hue (like orange or green) to liven up the room and stimulate your child’s mind.

Shop kid-friendly paints here:


3. Love doodling on walls? Make them washable

For kids who have a flair for drawing, why not turn your walls into a creative zone for them to unleash their artistic side? Opt for washable paint formulas so you can allow your little ones to doodle to their hearts’ content – without you having to worry about messy clean-ups.

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The colourable and washable ‘Cat Conversations’ Admira-original laminate | Source: Admira

An alternative would be laminated surfaces, which are also capable of doubling up as a chalkboard for your children’s doodle adventures. Various local companies carry a range of bespoke laminates that don’t just look good, but are also resistant to unwanted marks such as fingerprints, chocolate stains and pencil scribbles. Doodle us impressed!

Shop kid-friendly laminates here:


4. Invest in multi-purpose furniture

In the blink of an eye, a kid’s room can become cluttered with piles of books, stray toys, stationery and other items. That’s why you should plan ahead and invest in practical, multifunctional furniture pieces that’ll help to minimise the space used too.

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Source: iloom

We especially love products that are modular, with easy-to-use designs. For example: a dual-level, fully customised bed that functions as a bunk bed, play space and storage solution, or a desk with movable shelving compartments to cater to your child’s changing needs.

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Source: FLEXA

Apart from multi-purpose functionalities, keep an eye out for pieces that are rounded (no sharp edges!) or come equipped with corner bumpers. And this isn’t limited to a kid’s room; having such furniture around the home will ease your mind, knowing that your child is in a safe and comfortable environment.

Shop kid-friendly furniture here:


5. Maximise your storage space

Let’s face it: there can never be enough storage when you have these little explorers running around at home. And remember, young children often put anything within reach into their mouths, which increases their risk of choking if they accidentally swallow small toy parts.

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View this project by MET Interior

To get rid of playtime clutter, work in ample storage compartments to keep toys safely stowed away after play, such as low, open shelves and lightweight storage compartments.

If it’s a concern for you, make sure that the compartments can be properly sealed or locked to prevent your child from retrieving toys while you’re away.

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Source: IKEA

A good chest of drawers is also essential in accommodating all your babywear and other necessities. Knowing how hectic things get with children around, try labelling the drawers so you can better keep track of their items.

Shop kid-friendly storage here:


Enjoy deals on kid-proof furniture!

Engage an interior firm through our free recommendation service below for perks like upsized deals on home furnishings and the Qanvast Guarantee – a free scheme that safeguards up to $50,000 of your renovation deposits.

This article was originally published on 21 January 2020 and last updated on 3 August 2023.


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