Jul 9, 2016 3 min read

Q. We are redoing our 5-year-old daughter’s room and would like ideas on flooring that will be practical but also fun. Thanks. – Bridgit

A. When it’s time to redecorate your child’s room, consider that children spend most of their play time on the floor. They can sprawl out and surround themselves with all their favorite toys and crafts, moving from one to the next as the spirit moves. Play mats are popular for little ones, but I have found that more space is needed. High quality linoleum or Marmoleum is soft underfoot, hygienic, easy to clean and comes in many youthful patterns. A low-pile carpet is another option. The carpet surface should be smooth enough to handle a procession of police cars, fire engines and dump trucks – and comfortable under tummies for reading and coloring, too.

Carpet tiles provide you with the versatility of picking a style and design that is uniquely yours. Check out www.flor.com, a one-stop source for a huge variety of carpet tiles and designs, with inspiration and designer help there to guide you through the process of creating your own carpet. Mixing colors produces playful designs that children love … ask your daughter to pick her favorites, and even help make up a pattern. Flor carpet tiles are hypoallergenic and made with recycled nylon fibers. Your carpet is put together by attaching tiles from the back with Flor’s adhesive dots. Online videos show how easy it is. You can replace the tiles, adding new colors or patterns as needed. Clean with mild soap, or Flor has a cleaning kit for dry cleaning.

Once you’ve seen the luscious patterns, you’ll want one or two carpets for the rest of your home. The Lilting pattern has a variation in textures that feels amazing underfoot. Its color streaks and blobs appear to float across a white background. Heaven Sent is a soft loop pattern in solid colors with beveled edges. These tiles mix well with other styles. House Pet speaks for itself, bold colors that take kids and pets in stride. Involve your daughter in the redecorating process and have fun.

Q. We have three young kids who love art and are continually bringing pictures and projects home from school. Any ideas for displaying their work? The fridge door is full. – Louisa

A. Paintings and other offerings from your children are special, but the collection can add up until you are on overload. A child’s focus changes quickly; it’s up to you to do some editing. First scribbles are endearing but not long-lasting. Why not make a space in your kids’ rooms for them to store and/or display their art? Children love cubbies, so divide up a bookshelf into small sections that will hold projects they are proud of. Another option is a display board made with three different materials. Start by applying a large square of blackboard paint onto the wall. Cut and frame a cork board that will fit inside the blackboard. Either hang or screw this into place – do not glue cork to the wall; it’s a nightmare to remove. Finish with a small metal sheet, framed to cover the sharp edges. A long shelf at kids’ height is perfect for collections.

Email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.