Our Top Finish Selections for Homes with Furry Friends & Tiny Tots

Creating a beautiful home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style when you have kids and pets. In fact, decorating with these lively family members in mind can result in a space that’s not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and fun. Whether you’re a parent, a pet owner, or both, this blog is here to guide you through the art of designing an inviting and practical home.  When making selections for your home, things to keep in mind are durability, comfort and ease of maintenance.  Today we will walk through some of the best finishes to use in your home if you have kids and pets.

Finish #1: High-Quality, Functional Hard Flooring

LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) Flooring can be a great option for homes with kids and pets.  It is water and scratch resistant and holds up well to spills, mud and pet claws.  It mimics wood and tile looks so there are lots of options to choose from.  When selecting LVP, make sure you select a high quality version with thicker wear layers. 

Porcelain Tile Floors are very durable and easy to clean.  They are great for people with allergies and sensitivities since they are non-toxic.  Like LVP, this types of flooring makes cleaning up messes and spills very easy.  The downside to tile is that is can be cold and hard which can be tough on some people’s backs if you stand for long periods of time on the tile. 

Hardwood Flooring is still a favorite flooring option for many people and while it isn’t as resistant as LVP and tile, there are options to consider when selecting a hardwood floor that will hold up well to kids and pets.  First, woods such as oak, hickory and maple are harder woods and can be more durable.  Consider engineered wood instead of solid which can be more moisture resistant.  When it comes to styles, distressed or wire-brushed textures are great for hiding scratches from pet nails or kids toys.  Even your color choice can make a difference.  Medium and light wood tones can help conceal pet hair and minor scratches better than extremely dark or light tones.

Finish #2: Performance Fabric for Furniture Pieces

When selecting fabrics for your furnishings in your home, there are many to choose from that won’t wear and tear with daily use.  Criteria you want to look for in fabrics include durability, stain resistance, cleanability, and of course, comfort!  Crypton fabric is engineered for durability with a moisture barrier woven into the fabric.  It can be spot cleaned with soap and water making it a great choice for sofas, ottomans, occasional chairs and dining chairs.  While Crypton fabrics do come with a premium price, they are long-lasting fabrics.  Other fabrics to consider can include Sunbrella, Performance Polyester, Performance Suede and Chenille.

Finish #3: Durable Selections for Daily Surfaces

If you are remodeling and updating surfaces throughout your home, make sure to consider durable surfaces.  For countertops in kitchen and bathrooms, I recommend a high quality Quartz such as Cambria.  Quartz countertops are non porous and don’t require sealing, making it a great surface for kids who love to take on messy projects.  If you are painting walls, I recommend avoiding flat paint and instead using an eggshell or satin finish for walls and semi-gloss for most trim.  These finishes are durable and wipeable making them great for homes with kids and pets.

Just remember, balancing function with beauty is not impossible in a home where kids and pets reside.  If you’re ready for a home that supports everyday life (even when it gets messy), I would be honored to help. Reach out and let’s chat! Visit our website: www.ebonyandoakinteriors.com and book a discovery call to get started.

Until next time,

Jamie