Classic Family Home Tips
So, is anyone else in awe of Athena Calderone and the effortless and luxurious spaces she creates?
If anyone has been living under a rock or taken the social media cleanse the extra step, you might be thinking, who is this Athena? Well, Athena Calderone is an author and multidisciplinary creative who is known for her stunning interior design projects that blend natural materials, sculptural forms, and timeless aesthetics. Her work spans interior design, styling, and creative direction, and has been featured in many publications and books, such as Live Beautiful and Cook Beautiful. Oh, did we mention she is one of our favourite designers and we just adore her? In this blog post, we will explore how to adapt Athena Calderone’s interior design style to child friendly spaces, and how to create a home that is both beautiful and sustainable.
Image Credits: Athena Claderone via EyeSwoon
Athena Calderone’s interior design style is inspired by her love of nature, art, and history. She uses a mix of organic textures, neutral tones, and vintage pieces to create spaces that are warm, inviting, and elegant. She also pays attention to the details, such as lighting, accessories, and plants, to add character and personality to her rooms. Here are some tips on how we achieve a similar look for our Clients, while making it also suitable for children and the environment.
Choose durable and sustainable materials. One of the key aspects of Athena Calderone’s interior design style is the use of natural and reclaimed materials, such as wood, stone, metal, and linen. These materials are not only beautiful, but also durable and eco-friendly, as they reduce the need for new resources and minimize waste. We use reclaimed wood for furniture, flooring, or shelving, or recycled metal for your lighting fixtures or hardware. We also opt for fabrics that are made from organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo, which are gentle on the skin and the planet. These also add a luxurious element which is layered upon.
Incorporate child friendly furniture and accessories. To make your space more comfortable and safe for your children, we choose furniture and accessories that are designed with them in mind. For example, the coffee tables, chairs, or stools which we usually select have rounded edges, or sofas and beds that have removable and washable covers. We also add other elements, such as rugs, cushions, or wall art, that reflect your children’s interests and hobbies in their spaces, and make it as colourful or paired back as desired. Every parent knows the importance of storage baskets, bins, or boxes to organize your children’s toys, books, or clothes, and make them easy to access and put away, and we have some go-to’s which are just beautiful.
Create a flexible and adaptable space. Another way to make your space more child friendly and sustainable is to create a space that can grow and change with your family’s needs and preferences. We have a habit of forward thinking as those little humans aren’t going to be so little forever, so we love choosing furniture and accessories that are versatile and multifunctional, such as modular sofas, extendable tables, or stackable chairs. We also use curtains, screens, or shelves to divide your space into different zones, such as a play area, a study area, or a relaxation area. The use of plants, lamps, or candles can be used to create different moods and atmospheres, depending on the time of day or the occasion, ensuring it is age appropriate always.
Add some personal touches. Finally, to make your space more unique and meaningful, we add some personal touches that reflect your family’s story, values, and culture. Sometimes it’s as simple as displaying some family photos, artworks, or souvenirs from your travels, and sometimes it’s different like incorporating some elements from your heritage. We can also incorporate the DIY projects which your child created - we did this with one Client, where they painted their own display with their child and incorporated it into the design.
By following these tips, you can create a home that is inspired by Athena Calderone’s interior design style, but also suitable for your children and the environment. You can achieve a balance between beauty and functionality, and between style and sustainability. You can also create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also emotionally and spiritually fulfilling.
Give us a call or complete our New Client Form to see how we can make your life more beautiful.