Context:
Carla sent me the most stunning photos of her home, and I loved every single one. But then she wrote back right away and asked “Did I erase too much of my kids in those photos?” That was something she didn’t want to do, no matter how gorgeous the pictures. I assured her we would understand, especially since there are a lot of good ideas to take from this tour. Like the large table just behind the couch, perfect for projects and so much more useful with kids than a simple sofa table, right? Or the floor-length tablecloth on the dining table; how many instant forts do you think Evelyn and Wren enjoy on a daily basis? Oh, and the master tub. Yes, I believe living with kids would be so much fun — especially at bath time — in a home like the Macklin’s. You’ll see, I hope! Friends, please enjoy the tour!
Living with Kids: A Family’s Journey
Our family includes my husband, Craig, six-year old Evelyn, three-year old Wren, and Cali the mutt. Craig works for a thriving manufacturing company here in Cleveland selling vibrators of the industrial sort. He is an ever-faithful supporter of the Cleveland Browns and is dreaming of summertime when the golf course isn’t covered by deep snow. I’m continually amazed at his puzzle proficiency and his willingness to try the most unusual foods. I’ve known Craig since we were 15 and both competitive swimmers, a hobby both of us have happily dropped after too many years breathing chlorine.
Family Favorites
The Playful Living Room
As I mentioned earlier, the large table just behind the couch is perfect for projects. It’s also a great spot for the girls to do their homework or work on puzzles. And, of course, it’s the perfect place for Cali to lie down and watch the action. Or, how many instant forts do you think Evelyn and Wren enjoy on a daily basis? The floor-length tablecloth on the dining table is the perfect canvas for their imagination.
The Master Tub: A Haven for Bath Time
Oh, and the master tub. Yes, I believe living with kids would be so much fun — especially at bath time — in a home like the Macklin’s. The master tub is a fun place for bath time, and it’s also a great spot for the girls to relax and unwind after a long day.
The Family Room: A Hub of Activity
Our family room is the heart of our home. It’s where we spend most of our time together, whether we’re watching TV, playing games, or just hanging out. The large table behind the couch is perfect for projects, and the floor-length tablecloth on the dining table is used to create instant forts.
A Home Built for Family
Our previous home – a traditional brick, center hall Colonial – lacked casual family spaces, so we were drawn to this relaxed open-concept home built in 1959. When our old house sold quickly, we had to scramble to find something we could put our mark on and would work for our kids. After looking at some serious fixer-upper houses with soaked basements and crumbling walls, we chose one that basically just needed cosmetic work. This allowed us to get our kids settled without too much disruption.
Renovations and Upgrades
Our renovations included a full gut of the master bath, and replacing or refinishing all the floors on the first floor. We also painted, built cabinets, and laid carpets. The kids rolled with it and were very entertained by the wonderful contractors we had working on our home. Our most exciting moment in our renovations was uncovering original terrazzo flooring beneath disgusting pet-stained carpeting in our TV room. While I wasn’t certain I wanted to keep the terrazzo, Craig talked me into making the floors work with our design plan. Once refinished, they shine like a mirror and provide a nice dappled texture to the room. They are also great for dance parties.
Lessons Learned
Our last home was so much more traditional that I felt like I was holding my breath when I attempted to make a change to it. No matter what I did to it, the layout was never right for us. Our subterranean family room never had any natural light, and our formal living room was hardly used. When we moved into our current house it was like taking a big exhalation! Finally we had a comfortable layout that was open and welcoming with all the perks we needed for our family.
Inspiration and Creativity
As for inspiration, Craig and I love visiting the terrific local antique stores and thrift shops. There’s nothing more inspiring than finding an old cast-off gem that fits a purpose in your home. Every room in the house contains things that are vintage, thrifted, cast off by a relative, or picked up from the side of the road. I also adore all the online and print design resources for inspiration including Lonny, houzz, Apartment Therapy, Elle Décor, House Beautiful, and all my back issues from Domino Magazine.
Final Thoughts
Living with kids is a journey, not a destination. It’s a journey of ups and downs, of laughter and tears, of growth and learning. And it’s a journey that requires patience, love, and understanding. But it’s also a journey that’s filled with joy, wonder, and excitement. So, if you’re thinking of starting a family or already have one, take it from me: it’s worth it.
As I look back on our journey, I’m reminded of the importance of creating a home that’s welcoming and comfortable for our family. A home that’s filled with love, laughter, and adventure. A home that’s where we can be ourselves, without judgment or expectation. And a home that’s where we can create memories that will last a lifetime.
