Interior design ideas for parents and children - in pictures

The trick to creating a stylish home for two generations is to find objects that appeal to both. Here, an elegant mid-century sewing box picked up at a car boot sale is perfect for housing children’s books. And think beyond kiddie wallpaper designs: this boy’s room is papered with a black-and-white wooded landscape – Cole & Son’s Woods wallpaper (try John Lewis). Photograph: Rachel Whiting

This plastic storage unit, Vitra’s Uten.Silo, is a design classic and a great way to store kids’ knick-knacks. Find them, from £208, at Nest. Photograph: Rachel Whiting

Wall-hung vintage crates make attractive display units for toys, games and books. The crate on casters, when emptied of its contents, doubles as a ride-on toy. Find similar at Hen & Hammock. Just seen is a child’s Geo desk by Danish design company We Do Wood. When its small owner outgrows it, it can be used as a side table. Photograph: Rachel Whiting

Here, adult design and child-friendly accessories combine: a Stingray rocking chair by Thomas Pedersen is a comfy kids' chair, lined in a sheepskin and quilted throw. For similar lights, try Utility Design. Photograph: Rachel Whiting

A large Chinese cupboard hides away family mess, such as books, toys and DVDs, and an indoor playtent keeps children occupied – Habitat sells a good selection. Photograph: Rachel Whiting

A cosy burrow under a daybed, lined with a crochet blanket and piles of cushions, makes a quiet reading corner to curl up in.
Creative Family Home, by Ashlyn Gibson, is published by Ryland Peters & Small at £19.99. Photograph: Rachel Whiting