3.02.2010

Being Practical

I had a reader ask for some kid friendly breakfast/dining spaces ideas, aka something my child can't ruin within 5 minutes. Here are a few spaces I have saved in my own inspiration folder...


What I love is the gallery wall. It can easily be mixed up with adding your own child's art work. What child and parent wouldn't love that? I also love the easily cleanable chairs in a fun color. The chairs within the otherwise neutral palette makes it all not so overwhelming.

{via Elle Decor}

I love the magic of paint. Find any craigs list, yard sale, or flea market table and chairs and just add paint. I love how they used all different chair styles, but easily made them unite with a coat of black paint.

{via Decor Pad}

Hello chalkboard! This is either a love it or hate it thing, but I personally love it. I also love the oversize lighting and the simple seating. This space is great example of modern mixed with traditional.


This space definitely packs the punch, but again it does not feel overwhelming. I could definitely see getting a lot of use out of the dining area.

Well, I hope this helps a bit. Being kid friendly doesn't have to sacrifice on style. And for those who like a bit of a padded seat, using outdoor fabric is always an option. I plan on doing this in my own dining room, now just to make an appointment with the upholsterer. Hope our weekly small group/dinner group won't mind be seat less for a couple of weeks, yikes.

44 comments:

Maria Johns said...

I love the all the rooms you chose, its such a vaiid point with kiddos. needs to wipeable but still stylish too!! these fit the bill to a tee!

Dawn said...

Oh I love these, especially the one with a whole wall of chalkboard for the kids to have fun with! What a great idea.
The best designs are pretty and practical at the same time. That's why I love my white furniture with removable slip covers....Kiki gets everything dirty, and little kids will too one day (I hope :)), but I didn't want to give up my dream of white furniture.
Thanks for these ideas!
xo

Unknown said...

The top photo really did it for me...perfection!

Victoria | Hibiscus Bloem said...

Love the bright yellow chairs in the 1st picture and the red ones in the last. And I love the chalk board idea too - that's a beautiful big room and its just my style.

Anonymous said...

love the space layouts, as I'm having issues planning my new kitchen/diner to include table and chairs comfortably. Great ideas. BTW I saw an article on a B&B in London called 40winks. Thought you'd find it original and interesting.

Melissa said...

I think a Saarinen-style table-- formica or marble topped-- is about the most stylish and kid-friendly option out there! I'm so glad you posted a pic of one. Great inspirations!

Design Esquire said...

Great tips!!

Haven and Home said...

These not only look great but also look easy to clean!

Erica Cook said...

I always love a bench for families too and have often gone that route for clients. Great picks Paula! xo

Joyce said...

I like the comfy of your choices around the table. xo

Sarah said...

I am impressed by your choices. I have older kids and they are messy too! Thanks for sharing.

Staley Mc said...

I love the gallery wall, my mom has a gallery type wall in our living room and I love it! That chalkboard wall is so neat too!

Michelle said...

Love that first one the best...I just have alove affair with the Saarinen table...

Best,
Michelle

Vanessa@decor happy said...

I love all of these images. (We have very similar taste!) Great point about the outdoor fabric.

Sixty-Fifth Avenue said...

I love the picture with the chalkboard wall. I would love a big open space like that.
Have a great day!

Unknown said...

Great rooms Paula! I am crazy about the open space in the chalkboard room! Heaven! xo

Marija said...

This is the problem with all of these great images - that top photo makes me want to re-do my entire kitchen! Love how stylish it is while being totally practical! Marija

Eden Lang said...

the third room down....AMAZING! but they are all super fun rooms. don't you just wish you could have home after home for different moods! :)

Pink Wallpaper said...

great ideas!

Heather said...

These are great! My unfashionable dining room has been calling me to decorate lately, and every time I look at the floor and all the food that gets on it after my son eats, I just think...I'll wait!

Heather said...

These are great! My unfashionable dining room has been calling me to decorate lately, and every time I look at the floor and all the food that gets on it after my son eats, I just think...I'll wait!

Heather said...

These are great! My unfashionable dining room has been calling me to decorate lately, and every time I look at the floor and all the food that gets on it after my son eats, I just think...I'll wait!

Heather said...

These are great! My unfashionable dining room has been calling me to decorate lately, and every time I look at the floor and all the food that gets on it after my son eats, I just think...I'll wait!

Melissa Marie Head said...

I love those ideas. really love the first one with yellow and using child's art. But also love the idea of a chalkboard wall.

Jessica @ Lavender and Lilies said...

I love the next to last image. I love the oversized lighting.

rachel@urbannest said...

Love the chalkboard in the dining room!

_ffyona said...

Great ideas! I really like the gallery wall and the chalkboard wall.

Dayka Robinson said...

great images.

MB said...

Wow, all the dining rooms are great. I love the third room with the little girl writing on the chalkboard wall. The room looks so inviting. Thanks for sharing.

Caroline said...

I love the chalck board in the kitchen idea. I think it's adorable and useful not only for kids but for Mom too! (hello grocery list)

Unknown said...

great suggestions — i love the idea of painting different chairs the same color for a look that's not trying too hard. plenty of inspiration for those of us without kids too :) love, love, love your blog.

Katie @ Noodle and Boof said...

The first one is so cute! And you could still add a chalkboard wall!

Sarah said...

Thanks Paula!! I love, love, love the idea of a gallery wall in a breakfast nook! That would make my space in there feel so warm and inviting!
And that is so clever about using outdoor upholstery! I never thought of that. Guess I'm going to head to the fabric store!!! And to Target for a bunch of frames!
Thanks again sweet friend!
Sarah

la la Lovely said...

love love love.... great ideas!

Donna said...

I am REALLY needing some chairs like this...mine are totally not kid friendly and it takes me hours to clean them up!!! Love the inspiration!!!

Molly said...

LOVE the photography & punchy chair color in the first! great finds!

Blair Friedeman said...

Oh absolutely wonderful inspiration! Adore the gallery wall in the first image.

Anonymous said...

Hello. And Bye.

LindsB said...

I think the idea of framing a child's artwork is my favorite- what a great way to display their work and make them feel special!

Aline said...

i just saved two of these to my inspiration folder...just wonderful!

Kelly@TearingUpHouses said...

really like the third photo down! had seen it before, but never noticed the chalkboard wall.

kelly

Heather said...

These rooms are all gorgeous! LOVE the blue chandelier in the second picture and the last room is simply perfect. The white with natural colored wood floors is so clean and beautiful! (Chalkboard wall is awesome.)

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

Love the photo gallery wall and the chalkboard wall...lovely inspiration.

Amanda Pair said...

I love the collage in the first picture. On a side note: you and Kellen do a great job of displaying your family photos in your home. I need to take a cue on that. ;)