Containing the multiplying toys
Parents need to stylishly reclaim their homes from the kids
Don't let toys take over your home.
Take back over your house before it's too late.
Oriental rugs — and all those colorful, complicated patterns — can hide a lot ofkid sins.
Remember, he's not the boss of you. Say no.
You once read Dwell religiously. You had ghost chairs long before IKEA did and considered yourself clutter-free. Then you had kids.
These days, Fisher-Price dictates your décor where Jonathan Adler used to. Everywhere you step, something squeaks.
The “you” in your home is somewhere among Sophie the Giraffe, sippy cups and stale Cheerios. So go find it. A kid-friendly but adult-inspired home is possible.
Designate a children’s area
Contain in this child-proofed space all of the kids’ toys, books, puzzles and diaper-changing necessities (if you’re out of that stage, sing hallelujah). Ideally, the area will be separate from major living/entertaining spaces, but if not, no big deal.
Just remember: Children’s belongings multiply and spread like rabbits. Containment is key.
Doors, gates and “No” are powerful things
If an area of your home is not child-proofed or stain-proof and is somewhat precious to you, block it off with a gate. When the kids go to bed and your guests arrive, down goes the gate.
Also, consistently close doors to no-kids zones. Eventually little ones stop trying.
Say this aloud with me: “No.” If you wish to remain ruler of your home, tell your child early on, kindly and often, “No.”
No, we love you more than life itself, but you cannot take over the entire house for two reasons: (1) your safety, and (2) your parents’ sanity.
Adorn the house with small considerations
● Get over glass. Instead, look for accents in wood, metal, clay, textiles, and glass-like plastics. This goes for tables, too — not for fragility but fingerprints.
● Pack up large breakables for a few years (it’s not forever), and buy or accent existing hanging art.
● Put smaller breakables or candles on the mantle or wall-mounted, ledge-style shelving. Choose glass and steel shelving for a clean look.
● Floor-to-ceiling bookcases, which are in abundance and affordable at IKEA (yes, it's somewhat of a love-hate relationship) allow for children’s items in the lower sections and, in the higher sections, parents’ items, like cocktail shakers and Vodka (just a suggestion). Use opaque doors to create uniformity and cover up clutter.
● Oriental rugs are evergreens of style, and the intricate designs hide more than we’ll ever know.
● Storage bins. And more storage bins. Find contemporary shelving systems that use discreet bins and blend into your home’s décor.
Redecorate with you (and a few other things) in mind
● Look for round tables and other accents. Sharp edges require padding (which isn’t pretty) or, in the case of a bad fall, stitches.
● Consider wallpaper. It’s back, seriously, and can be wiped clean. Look for geometric designs and textures — both are very “now.” If painting, consider faux finishes, like ragging. These styles endure crayon art, dirt, fingerprints and drool marks.
● Leather furniture is manna for parents. If fabric is your thing, look for textures and prints. And make friends with Scotchgard.
Wood tones are all the rage in 2026.Photo by Robert Peterson (Rustic White Photography) for Mister + Mrs. Sharp
Butler's pantries with pantry cabinets are a luxurious upgrade for some kitchens.Photo by Joe Purvis for Pike Properties