With New Jersey land prices and the cost of building materials appearing unpredictable, getting your build right from the start is essential. This is why researching an experienced local architectural firm to deliver the ‘kid-friendly’, but still ‘design-forward’ home you really want is a great first step.

At Sweebe Architecture, we believe that design excellence is about more than just building aesthetic and functional buildings. We believe it’s about helping you achieve the life you’ve always wanted. 

Whether it’s designing a refined office that might someday become a play room or planning flexible rooms that can go from ‘adult dining area’ to ‘craft room’ in an instant — the right architect will ensure all aspects of your design work for your needs.

Some of our favorite ways to make luxury designs more adaptable for families include:

• Adding a ‘games nook’ to a living area where parents, teens, and younger kids can spend time playing board games (instead of the TV being the only source of entertainment)
• Incorporating cozy areas where family members can sit and be alone, or choose to enjoy each other’s company
• Creating open, but still separate areas that can accommodate the needs of both adults and children, e.g. an area to hang out more privately, without being completely cut off from adult supervision
• Adding a ‘mud room’ or designated room for laundry
• Making considerations about future home additions such as attic or basement conversions
• Luxurious home additions that serve to enrich your life as a family, e.g. a library room or an outdoor jacuzzi
• Ensuring features such as a home theater system have hidden speakers and clever style features to allow your room to also serve other functions

Balance Design And Practicality

When it comes to design excellence, functionality should always be a key consideration. However, this doesn’t mean it should take away from good design.

For example, if you want furniture such as a custom dining table or a sofa that makes a statement in a room — this is still possible in a ‘family-friendly’ home. It’s just a case of choosing fabric and materials that are a little easier to clean and less likely to cause conflict in an environment with children.

The same goes for storage space. You can still find ways to add storage for kids’ toys and clothing without compromising the design aesthetic you’re looking for. It’s just a case of speaking with your designer about balancing function, form, and the overall style you want your home to have.

To balance aesthetics with your more practical needs, we suggest you consider:

• Hidden storage options, e.g. under the stairs 
• Designing rooms that can initially be used for storage but might turn into a large pantry or utility area as your family grows
• Having ‘fun’ spaces that enable your children to enjoy their home, without impacting other, more polished spaces
• Researching the paint/wallpaper you’re using for durability and cleanability 
• Not bringing luxury into kids rooms 

Tip: If you want to install a gym or vanity room in your home, it’s also good to consider the structural elements in these spaces. Rooms will always be easier to adapt in the future if there’s less need for knocking down walls or removing built-in features.



Safety Considerations When You Have Children

Even though it’s still very possible to achieve your ‘dream home’ when there are children in the picture, there are still some design considerations to take on board. 

From safety to practicality, part of what makes your house a home is ensuring a child can feel secure and at ease in their environment. 



Some simple but effective ways to make your home more child-friendly include:

• Avoiding glass/chrome surfaces that might be vulnerable to ‘sticky fingers’ and fingerprints
• Using expensive materials strategically — for example, marble might be best suited to countertops or as an accent in a bathroom
• Taking safety precautions into account — balconies will require safety railings and pools may also require a fence or other safety measures. 
• Avoiding sharp edges where possible, e.g. sharp corners on kitchen islands and worktops
• Taking height into consideration — children should be able to reach what’s important, but not what’s dangerous!
• Door placement — kids love to swing doors open, so make sure they won’t cause damage in the process
• Protecting floors with large area rugs — replaceable, but still stylish!

With just a few simple design considerations, you can enjoy the feeling of a nice home, while also being conscious of the reality of having children. Especially with the support of a great architect, you can create the space you want, and the space your family needs.

Luxury Homes Can Be For Families

At Sweebe, we believe you deserve only the best from your home’s design. This is why we’re so motivated about making luxury designs work for families all across New Jersey and beyond.

Specializing in major home renovations and remodels in areas such as Montclair, Verona, Glen Ridge, North Caldwell, and much more — we ensure your new home is one everyone can enjoy.

With a full-service team of architects and interior designers, we’re on hand to ensure your home is where you feel most comfortable. 

Whether it’s just you, you and your pet, or a multi-generational family living in one place — we want your entire space to feel like a home built for everyone to enjoy.

Our unique process also ensures no detail of your project is overlooked. Working with you to understand your complete design vision, we’re known all across Northern New Jersey for developing properties that exceed everyone’s expectations.

With us, you don’t ever have to sacrifice style for function. You can have both!

To learn more about the type of properties we work on, view our portfolio or contact a member of our expert team today.

We don’t just build family homes; we create properties that enhance your quality of life.