You may dream about having a living room that looks like a showroom, but is it conducive to everyday living? Not so much, especially if you have a family. On the other hand, if you’re single or if your kids have grown up and moved out, why not?
It’s your home; it should be suited to how you live. For families, that often means paring down expensive artwork, furnishings, and accessories, and opting instead for durable pieces that will last. Still, that does not mean your home can’t be beautiful, inviting, and attractive. It simply means you don’t keep priceless pieces in reach of children or pets, and you don’t buy white carpeting. Ever.
For empty nesters, the problem can be that the spaces still feel like the home is filled with children. It may be time to update and buy yourself a few of those grown up pieces you’ve always admired from afar.
The active family needs low maintenance furniture and accents and while the stay home mom may be willing to spend more time caring for furnishings. It really depends on the family, but it makes sense to choose things that fit the way you live.
The family that gives dinner parties obviously requires a bit more formality than the family who prefers sleepovers and pizza. The formal family may choose luxurious carpets and fabrics, while the second family is probably rolling out sleeping bags on a nice, easy to clean, durable Stainmaster carpet.