Make your home kid- and pet-friendly without sacrificing style! You no longer must fear the white sofa thanks to advances in technology. Durable and stain-resistant materials, treatments, and fabrics are available for all your decor needs. Plus, some options even prevent odors from developing. We consulted designers and fabric experts for their top tips on how to make your decor more practical and still stylish. Read on for their advice!
1. Choose performance fabrics
When it comes to durable and stain-resistant fabrics for your furniture, look no further than Crypton, Perennials, Sunbrella, and InsideOut. These brands are trusted by designers and offer PFAS-free options. Crypton is a standout option as it repels spills, resists odors, and has a plush texture that's perfect for sofas and lounge chairs.
For areas in your home that are prone to spills and messes, like dining spaces, go for materials that are easy to wipe down, such as leather or vinyl. Joy Street Design's CEO and creative director, Kelly Finley, suggests steering clear of fabric for these areas altogether.
But not all leathers are equal in terms of durability. Top-grain aniline leathers show every scratch, so opt for a more textured leather that can hold up better. Interior designer Annie Elliott recommends requesting a leather sample and testing its durability with your fingernail. With these tips, you can have furniture that looks great while being practical and long-lasting.
2. Treat your upholstery
Make your delicate linen pieces more durable for upholstery with a little help from experts, designers, and Texas-based company, SBI Finishing. Knit-backing, a process that bonds lightweight knitted fabrics to the material, is particularly helpful for those with active kids who love jumping on sofas. Stain protection and knit-backing can also double the lifespan of the fabric, according to SBI Director of Research and Development, Daniel Banks. For further protection, designers like Kerri Goldfarb and Mia Brous recommend "vinylizing," which makes the fabric water-resistant and wipeable. Keep furniture clean and protected by using companies like Fiber-Seal, which offers eco-friendly stain-protection treatments, or try out fabric protection sprays like RepelWell and Vectra. Keep your furniture looking chic without sacrificing style or quality.
3. Consider color and pattern
When you have kids and pets at home, it's important to be cautious when choosing light-colored furnishings and floor coverings. Unless they are performance or stain-treated, they can easily become stained and damaged. A better option would be darker fabrics or carpets with some color variability that are forgiving of spills and messes. Busy patterns can also be helpful as intricate designs can camouflage the messes, making it easier to maintain cleanliness. Consider an Oushak or Persian rug as it is an excellent choice to hide spills and everyday traffic. With these tips, you can have beautiful furnishings in your home without compromising on style or functionality.
4. Protect furnishings with a throw
Discover how to protect your sofa from your furry best friend's wear and tear with these stylish tips. A soft throw or blanket can make a huge difference, but why not take it up a notch? Our experts suggest using an Indian kantha quilt for an elegant and effective protective measure. Or choose a mohair throw for its thick pile that will not hold onto fur in a visible way, according to Elliott. Give your dog's favorite spot on the sofa the upgrade it deserves while keeping your furniture looking its best.
5. Look for wool or polypropylene rugs
Keeping a clean home with pets can be a challenge, especially when it comes to flooring. However, choosing the right rug can make all the difference. According to designers, 100 percent wool rugs are a great choice as they resist stains and hold their shape well. For another durable option, indoor/outdoor polypropylene rugs like Dash & Albert by Annie Selke are recommended. Felines in the home require low-pile flatweaves like kilims, which prevent claws from pulling out the fibers. And for busy areas like hallways and mudrooms, sea grass and Ruggable brand rugs in smaller sizes are ideal, though be aware that the designs are digitally printed and may require in-person inspection. Carpet tiles such as Flor also offer flexibility - simply wash or replace individual tiles if they become stained. With these tips, you can enjoy a clean and stylish home no matter how many pets you have.
6. Opt for wipeable walls
For wall paints, aim for an eggshell finish to prevent dirt buildup. For trim, opt for a satin or semi-gloss finish since they are more resistant to marks and scratches. When selecting wallpaper, choose hard-wearing vinyl or look for labels that indicate "wipeable" or "scrubbable." For delicate paper, install it above a wainscot, and in the bathroom, install tile halfway up the wall and wallpaper above it to avoid damages caused by water and mess. Expert designers Elliott and Goldfarb share these tips for a durable and beautiful home interior.
7. Accept that smudges and spills happen
Living with kids and pets can lead to some messy moments, including finding small toys, dough, and pet hair hidden in your beloved sectional. But don't stress! According to Finley, these things happen when you're truly living in your home. And don't forget, your furniture is there to be used and enjoyed, says Goldfarb. So go ahead, lean in, and make some memories! Any minor damages can easily be repaired.
