Ask a Designer: Homes That Work for Both Kids and Grown-Ups

A sophisticated living room which has layered floor coverings perfect for playing on the floor and plenty of soft or curved surfaces to create a safe space for little ones. A child-friendly space doesn't have to look like a playroom. Victoria Pearson/Nathan Turner via AP

For new parents, the urge to keep little ones entertained and enriched can often lead to a home so full of baby gear and toys that grown-up style all but disappears.

It doesn’t have to be like that.