Leanne Ford’s Cool Mom Tips and Tricks

We’re back with more from our conversation with design star Leanne Ford on our new collaboration. She also shares some of her favorite ways to spend time with her sweet daughter, Ever—and a few genius parenting tips and tricks she’s picked up along the way.

What’s your advice to parents for designing a great nursery?

You NEED a comfy Snoozer glider. I heard that so many times, but didn’t understand until it was 4 am and I was sitting there for hours. So that’s number one! Also, you don’t have to give up your style just because there’s a baby coming. You still have a couple of years to be in charge. ;) So pick pieces YOU love!

Speaking of rocking all night long, what’s your bedtime routine with Ever? Any sleep tips we should know about?

I wish! Now that she’s older, things are a little easier... I usually ask her if she wants to read or sing, and we’ll do that until she’s sleepy enough to go into her crib. Lately she wants to sing. In the mornings, we love to open all the windows and say, “Hello world!” together.

How do you make your home toddler-friendly?

Some people think you have to put all the toys into one place like a playroom or basement, but I like to make the whole house fun and kid-accessible.

I use low bins and bookshelves to put things at Ever’s level, and I keep art supplies out where she can easily find and use them.

Our white sofa is slipcovered, and I wash it all the time—it gets drawn on, and that’s okay.

Mostly I just try to include her in things I’m doing around the house to make her day more fun. If I’m making dinner, I give her a bowl of dry pasta to “stir” on the floor. If we’re outside, we wash the car together. When I’m sketching designs for work, I set out supplies for her to do the same. She just wants to do what the grownups are doing. And we’re not afraid to get messy.

But you still want things to look good, right?

My best advice for minimalist parents? Baskets. At the end of the day I throw everything into cool baskets.