Do you dream of a beautifully styled home but worry that kids, pets, and everyday messes will destroy it? You’re not alone! The good news: durable, stylish, kid-friendly furniture is no longer a dream—it’s totally doable.

Thanks to performance fabrics, pet-proof rugs, and smart material choices, you can create a home that’s both gorgeous and resilient. Here’s how to design for real life without compromising on style.

Furniture, textiles and rugs have come a long way. Performance fabrics are mentioned all over design blogs, social media and magazines. Area rugs made from recycled grocery bags and super duty polypyrene look like their expensive counterparts. Finishes on everyday tables are even more resilient than in the past. Let’s take a look:

Performance Fabrics

How a fiber is dyed has a lot to do with its ability to withstand the most horrific stains. You know when you accidentally get a drop of bleach on your shirt and it turns a weird pinkish color? That does not happen with performance fabrics that are both stylish and stain resistant. Performance fabric fibers are solution dyed. The color goes all the way through each individual fiber, no matter the pattern. Most fabric fibers are only dyed on the outside. Think of solution-dyed as a carrot, where regular fibers are compared to a radish- surface-dyed. Investing in upholstery that is covered in performance fabrics will last a lifetime and the clean up typically requires a wet rag- even red wine on a white sofa!

On a side note, you’ll want durability as well. Fabrics that pill easily are not durable so they won’t stand the test of time, or a big dog! Designers who are well-versed in textiles know which fabrics are the most durable and suitable for a busy lifestyle.

Like anything extra durable and indestructible, performance fabrics do come with a higher price tag; however, we consider these items great investments since they withstand the test of time when raising a houseful of kids and pets.

Area Rugs

Believe it or not, the same technology for performance fabric fibers is used in many area rugs. Typically, these performance fiber rugs are a steep investment, but can be customized and unique based on your budget. A great cost-saving alternative is recycled plastic rugs. No, they don’t look like DIY potholders made in the 70’s- they are not only durable, but stylish and chic.. The recycled plastic is spun into ultra-fine fibers and can be woven just like fabrics. Cleaning up is easy- just take them outside and hose them off!

Digitally printed rugs are another great option. Patterns are reproduced on durable polypyrene rugs. These rugs don’t fade and spills generally pool on the top of the surface since the weave is tight and flat. Many patterns are made to resemble vintage rugs where the pattern looks “worn” in spots so homeowners can achieve that curated look without the upkeep. These rugs are great for dogs and cats because their shedding doesn’t get caught up in a deep pile.

Finishes

What about tables? We all want furniture finishes that last. There are so many options available that can withstand the messiest of families. Gone are the days when kids weren't allowed to play in certain areas. Concrete, metal, and stone table tops are ideal for a busy household. While we still love a good wooden coffee table, we add an extra layer of clear satin poly finish or cut piece of glass to protect these pieces, where needed. Using stone, concrete and metal is a great way to let the kids live and play in every room of the home. Consider one of these surfaces for the areas in your home that get the most traffic.

Yes, you can have nice things. Need more information? Check out THIS blog post about designing with kids in mind, and don’t be afraid to invest in quality furnishings! If you don’t know where to begin, give us a call, we can help you achieve a gorgeous home that will last until the youngest moves out! ML Interiors Group: 972-248-4733.