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Family-Friendly Design

Got kids? Then get the low-down on putting together rooms that will stand up to family life — and still look fabulous.

(Continued from Page 10) By Leah Hennen
Special to HGTV.com
DO prepare for (minor) disasters.
No matter how carefully you select furniture and finishes and set up rooms to avoid mishaps, when kids are in the mix accidents will happen. That’s why it’s prudent to plan for them. Lesley Alderman, for instance, stashes wipes and stain removers in key spots around her Brooklyn home. Elena Strothenke of Katonah, New York, stocks up on Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, which she swears take anything off walls and furniture. Kitty O’Callaghan of White Plains never serves a family meal on her antique dining table without a protective table pad in place. And Debbie Wiener routinely touches up chips and scuffs on painted trim with a bottle of Wite-Out. Bottom line: Be prepared, remind yourself that even an entire tub of finger paint on your new lounge chair doesn’t signal the apocalypse, and remember to laugh. Because life — especially with kids — is messy, and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

Next: 12 ways to childproof your home >>

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