June on the Gulf Coast means kids are home from school, flip-flops are the default footwear and routines are replaced with spontaneity. As moms juggle camps, car rides, snacks, sunscreen and sanity, our homes often are the first casualties of summer chaos. As an interior designer and a mother myself, I know this season isn’t about perfection; it’s about designing spaces that adapt to our real, beautiful and sometimes hectic lives.
Whether you’re navigating life with toddlers, teens or a full house of visiting relatives, this the perfect time to look at how your home supports your lifestyle — or doesn’t. Let’s talk about blending function and flair because you can have a home that’s both family-friendly and design-forward.
1. Durable doesn’t mean ugly
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear from clients is that beautiful design and real-life parenting don’t mix. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Here are some tips for designing with kids (or chaos) in mind:
- Performance fabrics are your best friend. Today’s options feel luxurious but clean up like a dream. Go for crypton, sunbrella or stain-resistant velvet.
- Look for rugs that forgive and forget. Place indoor-outdoor rugs in high-traffic zones. They’re stylish and can take a beating — juice boxes, sandy feet and all.
- Wipeable surfaces are key. Quartz countertops and matte finishes on cabinetry hide smudges and clean easily.
2. Carve out calm in the chaos
We all need a sanctuary, even if it’s just a corner of the house. In a summer filled with noise and motion, carve out a space that’s yours. A reading nook, a morning coffee corner or a glam vanity tucked into your bedroom can be your saving grace.
Pro tip: Add a candle, a comfy throw, a few stacked books or a framed photo you love. It doesn’t have to be big; it just has to be yours.
3. Organize with style
If June had a design keyword, it would be storage. Between wet towels, pool bags and piles of everything, your home needs systems that work hard.
Here are some organization hacks to help you and your family keep your cool:
- Use baskets to contain laundry, toys, sunscreen, mail — you name it. They look chic and control clutter.
- Establish entry drop zones. Hooks for bags and towels, a tray for keys and a bench to keep shoes corralled go a long way.
- Labels are underrated. They work wonders for both kids and husbands; trust me.
4. Get playful with design
If you’ve got little ones underfoot, lean into the whimsy. Summer is a time for color, creativity and a little fun.
- Chalkboard walls or peel-and-stick wallpaper in a playroom or kid’s corner add personality and can be swapped out seasonally.
- Art-display areas help corral the masterpieces that pile up and elevate them from clutter to gallery-worthy.
- Glow-in-the-dark light switches or LED strips can make even cleaning up feel fun.
5. Remember, your home is for living
As a designer, I’ll be the first to say I love a perfectly styled photo shoot. But as a mom and business owner, I know what matters most is how a space feels. If your home can’t handle wet dogs, wild kids or wine night, it’s not designed right.
Your home should tell your family’s story, not some Pinterest-perfect version of it. It should be where your kids danced in the kitchen, wet bathing suits dripped onto a forgiving tile floor and summer dinners stretched into game nights. It should be the place where life happened.
So this summer, stop stressing about the perfect home and start designing one that loves you back.
