Keeping the Kids Busy (and Your Home Calm) This Summer..
The summer holidays are here – bringing long days, lots of fun and energy, and (let’s be honest) a fair bit of chaos. While it’s lovely having the kids at home, it can be a challenge to keep them entertained while holding on to a sense of calm in your space.
Whether you’re making the most of your current home or searching for a more family-friendly property, here are some simple design ideas to help your home support a smoother, happier summer.
1. Create Clear Zones
Creating defined zones around the home is a great way to set boundaries and keep things running smoothly, without sacrificing fun.
We all feel more relaxed when we know where things belong, and you’ll love how much easier it is to stay organised. Try:
- A family-together zone: a cosy spot for board games or puzzles, where everyone can gather without the TV on.
- Activity zones: Lego, crafts and creative play are easier to manage when they have a dedicated space. A corner of the living room or a spare room would be perfect. Go for washable surfaces and wipeable materials here!
- Quiet zones: a nook for reading or winding down, with a comfy chair and soft lighting. I love when I can incorporate a window seat into a design, or a few squishy beanbags can help encourage quieter moments when energy levels run high.
Zoning brings structure to open-plan living and makes tidying up more manageable – in theory, at least!
2. Quick & Clever Storage
Toys, books, and art supplies seem to multiply during the school holidays. Baskets, stackable boxes and ottomans with hidden storage are game changers for a fast tidy-up.
Try rotating toys every couple of weeks to keep things fresh – if they’re out of sight, kids often forget they exist. It also helps reduce the overwhelm and tidying up for parents – so it’s a win-win!
It’s also a great time for a mini-declutter: what have they outgrown, or what’s missing pieces?
Top tip when house hunting: look out for built-in storage that supports a clutter-free, family-friendly lifestyle.
3. Flexibility is Key
During the day, your living room might be filled with games and dens. But after bedtime, it can easily return to a peaceful adult space.
Add soft lighting, keep throws nearby in a basket, light a candle and do a quick reset before settling in with a glass of something cold.
Versatile furniture like coffee tables or ottomans with storage can help spaces shift roles quickly – a must for modern family homes.
4. Indoor Meets Outdoor
Whatever the weather, I try to get the kids outside every day – though it’s definitely easier when the Manchester sun shows up!
Sandpits, water play, mud kitchens and paddling pools are brilliant for burning energy (and keeping mess out of the house). A covered pergola or playhouse means they can still enjoy fresh air even if there’s a summer downpour.
Homes with good garden space or indoor-outdoor flow – like patio doors from the kitchen – make all the difference. Open-plan layouts that connect to the garden create more freedom to play, relax or host.
5. Space to Host
From playdates and family BBQs to Bank Holiday drinks with friends, the summer holidays are made for gathering.
If you love entertaining, think about how the space works. Bifold doors opening onto a patio at the same level as your kitchen can instantly double your hosting space. An outdoor kitchen or pizza oven gives adults a place to chat while the kids play in a shady corner.
Older kids? Set up a mini outdoor games station or host your own family sports day!
6. Get Creative
A craft corner can be a lovely way to spark imagination – and I’ve found it’s often the perfect reset when little ones are feeling overwhelmed. Keep crayons, paints and scrapbooking bits within easy reach, and go for wipeable mats or tables to help keep things calm and low-fuss.
Baking together is such a lovely way to slow things down – especially on rainy afternoons. Pull a couple of chairs up to the island so the kids can join in, and choose durable worktops like quartz to make the inevitable mess easier to wipe away.
7. Fort & Den Building
The ultimate holiday classic. Whether it’s a teepee in the playroom or a cocoon of duvets in the living room, forts never go out of style.
They’re the perfect space for pretend play, quiet reading or watching Bluey for the hundredth time. Add fairy lights, throws and cushions to create a magical little retreat – a boho dream in our house.
Let Your Home Work Harder This Summer
The summer holidays push family homes to their limits – especially if you’re juggling working from home with keeping the kids entertained. But with a few thoughtful design updates, your space can support more calm, more fun, and a lot less stress.
Whether you’re planning a renovation, reworking your layout or looking for your next move, family-friendly design makes all the difference.
Want to chat about how your home could work better for you?
Book a consultation and let’s create a space that brings more joy – even during the school holidays.
Kelly Moorcroft
Interior Designer
Spaces by Kelly
Phone: 07554 149880
Email: kelly@spacesbykelly.com
Website: www.spacesbykelly.com/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/spacesbykelly
Eddie – 1st August 2025. (Text and image supplied by Kelly).
