How to Design a Home that Kids & Pets Won’t Destroy

With most of us still working from home, either temporarily or for good, and kids in virtual school, all areas of the home have become daily used spaces instead of only sparingly. Some of us may even be new paw-rents and learning how to keep your furniture intact is new news. Below are my top materials to use in your space for long-lasting durability.

1. Great Options for Durable Flooring

Hardwood floors are a true classic but they can scratch pretty easily. Paws, high heels, and kids’ toys are some of the most common culprits of damaged wood floors. Alternatives include LVP or LVT, which stands for “luxury vinyl planks/tile.” These are meant to look and feel just like hardwood but are instead a manufactured material that will withstand more wear and tear. You could also look at a wood-look tile, which has the look of a real wood but not the feel of it. All are great options to consider if you want to forgo real hardwoods!

 
2. Fabrics That Withstand Wear, Tear & Stains

When it comes to upholstery in your home, performance fabrics are the answer. Performance grade fabrics are fabrics made with more durable fibers that are meant to last for years to come. Previously only reserved for hotels, restaurants, and other places with heavy traffic, they have made their way into the home to withstand heavy use, spills, stains, and pets.

3. Other Low-Maintenance Finishes

In the kitchen and bathroom, look to quartz over real marble for your countertops. While gorgeous in person, marble is extremely porous and will stain almost immediately if you spill red wine, apple juice, or even makeup. Quartz is another manufactured material that is more durable, won’t chip or stain, and can even be made to look like the Calcutta marble you have your heart set on. Sounds like a win-win to me!

When it comes to design, the function is always my number one priority. Often times you can achieve the same look and feel with more durable materials if you know where to look. Having a durable AND gorgeous home is more than possible with performance-level materials, so you won’t need to worry about your kids, pets, or even yourself damaging your all-white living room.

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Stay Kozy,

Kristin