A text by Marie (GRIMM'S)
We're big fans of combining children's and parents' areas so that both children and parents benefit and feel comfortable. Separate rooms for separate living areas certainly make sense. But especially with (young) children, family life often takes place in the shared living area. And that's a wonderful thing, because security and closeness are key to a trusting bond between parents and children and are especially essential during childhood.
We have collected arguments and concrete ideas on how you can make your family area a child- and adult-friendly place where you can play and learn, chat and talk, laugh and cry, cook and eat, and simply live together.
Imitation
Children learn an incredible amount through imitation. They watch how adults do things and then simply do it the same way. When their parents are cooking in the kitchen, the children naturally want to join in. There's nothing better than placing the UMI play kitchen for little ones right next to the big kitchen. This way, children can keep busy in the kitchen alongside their grown-ups and learn a few things from their parents. Here, everything is at eye level and easily accessible for small hands. The kitchen equipment can be as simple as it is individual. With the help of children's imaginations, they can conjure up the most delicious dishes using just a few buttons and chestnuts.
Photo by @studio_p_m_
Affiliation
Children are part of our families and part of society. Therefore, it's important that they are given the space to be present. Of course, this doesn't mean they're expected to behave like little adults, but rather that they're allowed to simply be children. And that includes outside of the nursery.
When there are clear areas for children's play materials in the family's living area, children realize that they naturally belong and that there is room for their needs and interests.
Our SHIZU game stand can be used as an open shelf in which game materials can be sorted and stored in baskets or boxes, so that everything has its place.
Photo by @_simonebender_
Low-hanging RIN shelves with books or smaller play materials also allow independent access and highlight the selection options. The contents can be rotated regularly and adapted to the season, current interests, or upcoming events.
Independence
Furniture designed for children should meet several criteria. One of these is promoting independence. This means that it takes children's size or smallness into account and that they don't need any assistance to use it.
Children's furniture in the family room should ideally be found in the wardrobe area. A place where independence is particularly valued and visible: taking your jacket off the hook and putting it on. Putting on and tying your shoes. What else is missing? Hat, scarf. Grab it yourself, put it on, do a quick check, and off you go.
Our YORI shelving unit, for example, is perfect for a small coat rack, as it features hooks and a shelf that allow you to hang up jackets, hats, and other small items. With an AKI or HARU stool underneath, you can even create a small storage or seating area.
Organization
Because time is a very abstract concept for children (and to some extent for adults too), they are often somewhat "exposed" to our daily routines. Expressions like "in two hours," "in two days," or "in two weeks" are difficult to grasp. Therefore, it's important and a relief for everyone if children have age-appropriate access to and an overview of their routines, appointments, and special highlights of the year.
To support a sense of time in everyday life, it's often helpful for children to have an accessible weekly schedule that's easy to understand and read, depending on their age. Our MASARU pinboard shelf can serve as a starting point for this, making everyday life with daycare, school, hobbies, and appointments a little more manageable for children, encouraging them to be more involved in the process. This way, organization can become a shared topic, with everyone contributing and helping to shape it.
Interaction
In the hectic everyday life of a family with children, there is always something to do. The children are around a lot at home, but you have to consciously make time to really spend quality time together. In our experience, such important interactions between adults and children are much easier when their activities are closer together. When children can play in the living area and not just in the nursery, such moments arise much more often and lead to parents also letting go of their chores and immersing themselves in the here and now with their children. Simply enjoying the moment while playing together or talking is enormously valuable for the relationship between parents and children. Because as crude as it may sound, there is some truth to the saying "Our everyday life is their childhood."
Our ZINZAN and NOZOMI tables are not only wonderful gaming tables, but also stunning and aesthetically pleasing coffee tables. They can be used in a variety of ways depending on your current needs, making them suitable for the whole family. 
Photo by @_simonebender_
Creativity
Creativity doesn't happen at the push of a button, that's clear. And when a good idea comes along, it naturally has to be implemented immediately. The ideal place for this is a small, easily accessible creative corner where children can find a selection of materials for creative play, painting, or crafting. This encourages them to get started spontaneously at any time.
Our HARU Large stools, which serve as a small table, and AKI as a matching seat, are perfect for such a small creative space. Add a small trolley with materials, and your ideas can come to life.
Photo by @janawindels
When furniture is beautiful, practical, and child-friendly, it easily finds a place in the whole family's living space and enriches life together. While our GRIMM'S furniture is children's furniture and designed with children's needs in mind, it's not limited to children alone. That's why we deliberately call it children's furniture rather than nursery furniture. They also take into account the need for aesthetic harmony shared by many adults, thus creating a win-win situation for both young and old.
