Children and pets make a home roar with laughter, giggles, and barks... but let's not kid ourselves! kids and pets can also fill our homes with pet hair, stains, and spills. 

Maybe your children are still in school and play sports, participate in extracurricular activities, or are just going to come to visit for the holidays. Perhaps you have a furry family member (or two). If so, you need a plan for a beautiful and durable home! 

You want to enjoy your time with your kids and pets without worrying about them destroying the house. We can predict the items that may cause us to stress and address them properly, and beautifully (it is possible!). 

1. Decide on Durable Flooring

Durable flooring options, like LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile) and LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank), are really trending right now.  Vinyl has come a long way and offers options with many levels of durability for every budget. 

Another option is a durable ceramic tile floor that is easy to clean. Although durable, it can be a bit hard on our joints (or aging pets), turn slippery when wet, and give a harder landing surface for toddlers and children.

If you are not planning to replace your flooring, stain-resistant carpeting and rugs can be a great option. I have even added outdoor rugs to heavy traffic/fun areas (e.g., a billiard room in a short-term rental). Another fabulous option is a vinyl rug. These are so much fun and super easy to clean.

2. Performance Fabrics Withstand Wear and Tear 

Choosing performance fabrics for your upholstery is another way to child and pet-proof your home.  These fabrics are stain-resistant and offer durability against UVA rays, which means your furniture won’t fade in the sun and will better retain its color and shape.

And when it comes to style, they have come a long way from their predecessor, the microsuede. Modern performance fabrics come in a  variety of stunning styles, like performance versions of velvet and linen. 

3. Select Low-Maintenance Finishes

There are many low-maintenance countertops. Quarts is all the rage because it is practically indestructible. Engineered quartz countertops are stain, heat, scratch, acid, and impact-resistant, and, thanks to their non-porous surface, they don't need to be sealed like natural stone countertops. 

Other options, like porcelain, granite, marble, etc., have their strengths and weaknesses, so it is essential to research and consider your particular needs. 

Likewise, paint products have come a long way. I love selecting colors for a home, and I advise my clients on the right finish for different surfaces, especially for high-traffic areas or areas exposed to humidity.

Finding a balance between function and beauty is absolutely possible. It takes a bit of planning and thoughtful design, and I love helping my clients achieve just that!

If you're ready for a home that supports everyday life (even when it gets messy), I would be honored to help.