Design Challenge: A Scandinavian Home that’s Chic and Child-Friendly
Here’s how to pull off a polished-looking space that’s also set up for little ones.
Photographs by India Hobson
There’s definitely an art to pairing an adult-oriented palette and sophisticated pieces with features that are fun (and comfy) for kids. The good news is, it’s not hard — and it doesn’t have to be expensive. How exactly do you land on that magical mix? Airbnb host, design blogger, and Instagrammer Marit Folland shares her bag of tricks.
Curate the toy collection
“To avoid the ‘noise’ of clashing colors, pick kids’ stuff in a limited palette. We also have toys for every age: teddy bears and blocks for little ones, and some machines for bigger kids, like the old Nintendo.”
Define an out-of-the-way kid zone
“We turned our attic into a playroom. You can get away with having lots of toys floating around up there while the kitchen and living room stay neat.”
Add fun flourishes
“We painted a mountain range and added space-themed wall accents to give the kids’ room an artsy, one-of-a-kind vibe.”
Think airy and open
“You don’t have to fill every room with furniture. Look for places to edit out pieces so that kids have room to run (or drive!) around. Our son loves zipping by in his electric car.”
“Easy cleanup is key. We have high-end seating and luxury pendants, but also nice-looking baskets to hide toys when not in use.”
— Marit Folland, Host
Do big things in calming hues
“Use furniture in soft neutrals and a quiet paint shade for common areas (dining room, living room). Toys often have color, so this way, if they pile up, it never looks too chaotic.”
Choose flooring that can handle heavy traffic
“Our warm ‘wood’ floor is actually laminate, so it takes everything. You can do whatever you want on there and you won’t ever damage it.”
Pick sleek seating and supersize it
“Our gray sectional is chic and roomy. The whole family can pile on.”
Location: Averøy, Møre og Romsdal, Norway
Host + Home: Marit Folland
About the author: Betsy Goldberg is the Deputy Editor (Home) of Airbnb Magazine. Previously she was the Deputy Editor of Real Simple and HGTV Magazine, Editorial Content Director at Bed Bath & Beyond, and an editor at UsWeekly, Modern Bride, and New York Magazine. She is co-author of BusinessWeek’s Guide to the Best Business Schools and her writing has also appeared in Glamour, Health, Martha Stewart Weddings, and Money.
