As of the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 35% of Florida’s households are families with children under the age of 18 living in the home. Florida’s unique climate and outdoor lifestyle have made it a popular choice for families over the last several decades, but this has not always been the case – and older homes don’t always provide the most accessible layout for growing families. If you are moving to (or settling in) the Sunshine State, designing a kid-friendly custom home may be a priority. This article will discuss some of the best custom-home ideas for families with children.

custom home builder

  1. Child-Proofing Your Home: Safety is paramount when designing a home for children. Florida’s warm climate encourages outdoor living, but with that comes the need for special attention to safety. While you may consider interior design features such as wide staircases and gates at the top and bottom of stairs, one of the most important details applies to pool homes. If you are installing a pool, it is essential to have a secure pool fence with a self-locking gate. Pool alarms, anti-slip tiles, and a pool cover can prevent accidents. Florida law does require certain safety precautions to be included in new custom homes. Your custom home builder can help design a safe, enjoyable, legal pool design.
  2. Fun and Functional Spaces: Incorporating spaces that can grow with your children is an important part of a kid-friendly design. A balance between fun and functionality will ensure that rooms serve their purpose today and continue to be useful as your children grow.The open-concept design is popular for its ability to integrate living, dining, and kitchen areas. This layout makes it easier for parents to supervise children while preparing meals or relaxing. When planning open spaces, ensure kid-friendly zones have enough room for kids to move around and play. A dedicated playroom can be a haven for children to engage in imaginative play and store their toys. Consider creating flexible spaces with easily adjustable furniture that can transform as your children grow. Bright, cheerful colors and durable, easy-to-clean materials can make the space more inviting.As children’s needs change, so should the functionality of the rooms in your home. Rooms like a study nook or a quiet reading area can evolve as your children grow up. A room initially designed as a playroom could become a study area or a music room.
  3. Kid-Friendly Interior Design: The interior design of your home should prioritize durability and practicality to handle the wear and tear that comes with a growing family.
    • Durable Materials: Florida’s humid climate and abundant sunshine can wreak havoc on furniture and finishes. Choose durable, easy-to-maintain materials such as laminate or solid wood flooring that can withstand spills and messes. Washable wall paints and slipcovers for furniture are also great ideas. Stain-resistant fabrics on sofas and chairs will help your home remain clean and fresh.
    • Built-in Storage: Maximize storage space by incorporating built-in cabinets, shelves, and storage solutions throughout the home. Custom-built closets with lower hanging rods will make it easier for kids to access their clothes. In the kitchen, consider lower cabinets and drawers that are child-accessible for storing pots, pans, and other items.
    • Bright, Playful Colors: Color can set the mood of a room and create an inviting atmosphere for children. Bright colors like yellows, greens, or blues are cheerful and energetic, making them ideal for playrooms and bedrooms. However, it’s essential to balance vibrant hues with neutral tones to prevent the space from feeling too chaotic.
  4. Technology and Smart Features: As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, a kid-friendly home can also incorporate smart devices to make life easier and more efficient for parents.
    Smart cameras, doorbells, and sensors can help monitor your children when they’re playing outside or when you’re not at home.  You may also choose to create spaces where children can safely enjoy screen time, such as media rooms with comfortable seating or dedicated zones in bedrooms with smart TVs, gaming consoles, and educational apps to keep children entertained and learning.
  5. Backyard Adventures: Florida’s year-round warm weather makes outdoor living a key part of daily life. Designing a kid-friendly backyard will allow your children to play safely. You may choose to include:
    • Safe, enclosed spaces with sturdy fences to keep your kids safe from potential hazards like busy streets or wild animals.
    • Child-friendly landscaping with non-toxic plants and trees without thorns.
    • Soft, cushioned ground cover like grass or rubber mulch in play areas.
    • Outdoor play structures such as swings, slides, a sandbox, a climbing wall, or a trampoline can provide endless hours of entertainment for children.
    • Covered areas to shield your family from the sun, such as patios, pergolas, or screened-in porches where children can play outside without direct exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

  6. Bruce Williams Homes Build for Families

    Building a kid-friendly custom home is about creating a space that balances safety, fun, and functionality. Bruce Williams Homes has been building quality homes for nearly six decades – and we can provide the unique ideas and inspiration you need to design and build the ultimate kid-friendly custom home. Call today to learn more about our process and to meet our team.

As of the most recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 35% of Florida’s households are families with children under the age of 18 living in the home. Florida’s unique climate and outdoor lifestyle have made it a popular choice for families over the last several decades, but this has not always been the case – and older homes don’t always provide the most accessible layout for growing families. If you are moving to (or settling in) the Sunshine State, designing a kid-friendly custom home may be a priority. This article will discuss some of the best custom-home ideas for families with children.

custom home builder

  1. Child-Proofing Your Home: Safety is paramount when designing a home for children. Florida’s warm climate encourages outdoor living, but with that comes the need for special attention to safety. While you may consider interior design features such as wide staircases and gates at the top and bottom of stairs, one of the most important details applies to pool homes. If you are installing a pool, it is essential to have a secure pool fence with a self-locking gate. Pool alarms, anti-slip tiles, and a pool cover can prevent accidents. Florida law does require certain safety precautions to be included in new custom homes. Your custom home builder can help design a safe, enjoyable, legal pool design.
  2. Fun and Functional Spaces: Incorporating spaces that can grow with your children is an important part of a kid-friendly design. A balance between fun and functionality will ensure that rooms serve their purpose today and continue to be useful as your children grow.The open-concept design is popular for its ability to integrate living, dining, and kitchen areas. This layout makes it easier for parents to supervise children while preparing meals or relaxing. When planning open spaces, ensure kid-friendly zones have enough room for kids to move around and play. A dedicated playroom can be a haven for children to engage in imaginative play and store their toys. Consider creating flexible spaces with easily adjustable furniture that can transform as your children grow. Bright, cheerful colors and durable, easy-to-clean materials can make the space more inviting.As children’s needs change, so should the functionality of the rooms in your home. Rooms like a study nook or a quiet reading area can evolve as your children grow up. A room initially designed as a playroom could become a study area or a music room.
  3. Kid-Friendly Interior Design: The interior design of your home should prioritize durability and practicality to handle the wear and tear that comes with a growing family.
    • Durable Materials: Florida’s humid climate and abundant sunshine can wreak havoc on furniture and finishes. Choose durable, easy-to-maintain materials such as laminate or solid wood flooring that can withstand spills and messes. Washable wall paints and slipcovers for furniture are also great ideas. Stain-resistant fabrics on sofas and chairs will help your home remain clean and fresh.
    • Built-in Storage: Maximize storage space by incorporating built-in cabinets, shelves, and storage solutions throughout the home. Custom-built closets with lower hanging rods will make it easier for kids to access their clothes. In the kitchen, consider lower cabinets and drawers that are child-accessible for storing pots, pans, and other items.
    • Bright, Playful Colors: Color can set the mood of a room and create an inviting atmosphere for children. Bright colors like yellows, greens, or blues are cheerful and energetic, making them ideal for playrooms and bedrooms. However, it’s essential to balance vibrant hues with neutral tones to prevent the space from feeling too chaotic.
  4. Technology and Smart Features: As technology becomes increasingly integrated into daily life, a kid-friendly home can also incorporate smart devices to make life easier and more efficient for parents.
    Smart cameras, doorbells, and sensors can help monitor your children when they’re playing outside or when you’re not at home.  You may also choose to create spaces where children can safely enjoy screen time, such as media rooms with comfortable seating or dedicated zones in bedrooms with smart TVs, gaming consoles, and educational apps to keep children entertained and learning.
  5. Backyard Adventures: Florida’s year-round warm weather makes outdoor living a key part of daily life. Designing a kid-friendly backyard will allow your children to play safely. You may choose to include:
    • Safe, enclosed spaces with sturdy fences to keep your kids safe from potential hazards like busy streets or wild animals.
    • Child-friendly landscaping with non-toxic plants and trees without thorns.
    • Soft, cushioned ground cover like grass or rubber mulch in play areas.
    • Outdoor play structures such as swings, slides, a sandbox, a climbing wall, or a trampoline can provide endless hours of entertainment for children.
    • Covered areas to shield your family from the sun, such as patios, pergolas, or screened-in porches where children can play outside without direct exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays.

  6. Bruce Williams Homes Build for Families

    Building a kid-friendly custom home is about creating a space that balances safety, fun, and functionality. Bruce Williams Homes has been building quality homes for nearly six decades – and we can provide the unique ideas and inspiration you need to design and build the ultimate kid-friendly custom home. Call today to learn more about our process and to meet our team.