58 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • MARCH 2020
PRESS HOME
INTEGRATING KIDDOS INTO GROWN-UP SPACES
continued from page 57
FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONS
Keep it airy and bright. Install an
indestructible fl oor, use easy-to-clean
semigloss paint on walls, and think transitional
for a growing family’s changing
needs.
Local design pros Mary Middlemiss
and Nancy LaCalamita of Twice As Nice
Interiors made their client’s family room
dreams come true.
“The current space was a cement basement,
so we needed to get very creative
and keep it fun, and the parents stress
free,” says Middlemiss. Sectioning off
concept areas added tons of color and a
vibrant, fi ber-sealed area rug.
The furniture was fabricated in
super-durable, tot- and pet-friendly
Crypton fabrics. One section has a stylish
room divider that fl oated from the
ceiling and added privacy. This became
the art studio/craft area with homework
stations. Down the center, they placed a
multifunctional gaming table and added
pop art portraits of the children to make
it feel like it was their own personal
space.
“Our basement is the kids’ favorite area,”
says the client, Lisa Farhat of Syosset. “We
have a great movie area, an art studio,
small gym, bathroom, fantastic laundry
room, and plenty of storage. We even
have an area for a popcorn machine and
mini-fridge.”
THINK FUN, MINDFUL
“Painting walls with light jewel-tone hues
creates feelings of warmth and comfort,”
Serani says. “So does adding a pop of
color throughout with sturdy, textured
pillows and patterned and easily cleaned
throw rugs."
Be mindful of the fl ow, creating open
space for easy living.
“Studies tell us that clutter-free environments
enhance creativity, deepen relaxation,
lower blood pressure, and improve
well-being,” Serani continues.
Serani also notes that studies on well-being
and design say that having lots of
sunlight enhances one’s well-being, as
does aromatherapy.
“Choose kid-safe essential oils and diff users,”
she adds, noting that citrus, lavender,
vanilla, and cinnamon are very soothing.
But candles, stick diff users, and potpourri
aren’t safe for tots.
LIVING AND LEARNING
Having a designated playroom is ideal,
but when it’s not feasible, parents can
create safe play spaces in any area of their
home by providing open shelving at their
little ones’ heights, says certifi ed school
psychologist Jacalyn Bruno, Psy.D., owner
of Blue Point-based Child Psychology of
Long Island.
“Make the space safe for them to explore
on their own, freely and independently,
so you can feel comfortable stepping away
for a few moments,” Bruno suggests.
She notes that when everything is within
a child’s reach — so there’s no reason for
them to attempt to climb or stand on furniture
— they will learn independence at
a young age.
“Have plenty of bookshelves in diff erent
areas, sending the message that reading is
important,” says Meri Wallace, child and
family therapist, Psychology Today blogger,
and author of Birth Order Blues and
Keys to Parenting Your Four-Year-Old.
SAFETY TIPS
Childproof your home early on. Lock
doors and cabinets, use baby gates, fence
off the pool, and secure TVs and unstable
furniture to walls.
“This gives your child the message that
curiosity and exploration are acceptable
in your home, but they must be done in a
safe way,” says Wallace.
She suggests involving children in decorating
their room. It helps them feel
responsible and connected to the home.
Now it’s time to enjoy these spaces that the
whole family will love.
Do you have a
Special Occasion?
Custom Designs
at Competitive Pricing
for 30 Years
Call for an appointment
917-447-7417
Designs By Shahin
2 locations
34 east 67 Street, #5F, NYC
& Roslyn, Long Island
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