How can you keep your home family friendly and still maintain a sense of style? The better question is how can you do all this without replacing furnishings and accents frequently, thus spending a lot of money?
We know that kids and pets are tough on furnishings and flooring, so it doesn’t make sense to spend a fortune on things that will need to be replaced before we know it. So, what does make sense?
Durable Flooring
Hardwood or tile flooring are strong and durable. If you’re going to invest in quality flooring, it might as well be something that can withstand the test of time. While the kids are young, you can add a thick, soft area rug for to inject some warmth and softness, and your flooring will look great for years to come. You won’t have to worry as much about pets with solid flooring either.
Tough Furniture
Tough furniture probably doesn’t sound especially attractive, but well built, sturdy furniture that can endure wear and tear is worth the investment. Have a moisture resistant, stain repellant treatment applied to fabrics to protect the upholstery. At this point, the frame and the construction are the most important features if you want seating to last. Tables and other accent pieces should also be sturdy classics. You can do custom or trendy pieces when the kids are big enough to appreciate the difference and take care with pricey pieces and pets are well trained.
Open Space
While your home may seem a little stark for your taste, keeping space open will not only make it appear larger and less cluttered, but it will also help keep children from injury and help keep furnishings from becoming damaged. Children and pets need lots of room to move about and play, without bumping into things.