Unnamed Person: "These are the couches my husband had when I met him and until my boys get older, what's the use in getting new ones?"

Me: "Um, okay. Well, maybe there's a better way. Why don't I show you a few options that might look better, suit your family lifestyle and not break the bank?"

What I was really thinking: Honey, those scratch and dent and stained up microfiber horrors have probably seen more drunken boy/girl action than you and your hubby have seen since you popped out the last kid. They smell of rotten formula, dried spit and God knows what else. They probably cost him $50 from a frat brother ten years ago. They were ugly then and they're worse now. Are you kidding me? Not even an Etro pillow could help that nasty thing. Yuck. Didn't you just practically boil the binky that fell on the floor?

What's the deal with people waiting to decorate? I'm here to tell you, don't wait. There will always be an excuse if you're using the kids as your reason. I do not believe that once you have children you need to live in a home that looks like Chuck E. Cheese threw up on a Raymour & Flanigan. There are several ways you can have a home that is family friendly, stylish and dare I say, even sophisticated! And before you roll your eyes, this is something accessible to everyone. This is not something strictly available to a privileged few. Whether you are a busy working mother (Hi, that's me!) or a stay at home parent you can have a lovely home. Even the youngest little children will benefit from living in a home filled with beautiful things. I promise. You just need to be realistic.

1. Relax The Look
Maybe you adored the ultra neat and ultra modern and sleek lines in your single days. Yeah, buh bye! Sharp edges and chrome are elements that will likely add more stress to your life. Do you really want that? No need to forego your modern aesthetic. Just make it more relaxed. You can have simple lines, just less pristine and more comfortable. For example, instead of a glass coffee table add an upholstered ottoman with hidden storage. A few chic acrylic trays on top and you're stylin' and stress free!

I collect French porcelain pieces. They are expensive and lovely. Does it mean now that I have kids I need to dump my Sevres and start collecting Precious Moments? No way. I just cannot have them on the end table now unless I want to cry over the gazillion pieces I will inevitably find them one day while my laughing toddler looks on. Get it? Avoid the inevitable.