One of the things I hear the most from clients is, “I have kids, dogs, etc., and I can’t have something nice in the house.” But, you can, I promise! Beautiful design can be practical too. I know it can be these things because I have the very same busy home with kids and dogs too.
Here are a few of my favorite tips for pretty and practical living:
1. Choose a washable paint sheen.
A paint color in eggshell, satin or semigloss with clean up easily with soap and water. There are even some washable flat paints on the market now. Some of my favorite colors are Sherwin Williams Alabaster White, Sherwin Williams Accessible Beige and Sherwin Williams Sea Salt.
2. Slip covers.
Slipcovers are an easy update and an easy way to keep furniture clean. I like to wash the affected slip cover, dry for a couple of minutes, reshape over the cushion and let air dry. (Even as I write this I hear my two doodles wrestling on the couch.) There are also some great indoor/outdoor fabrics now on the market by Sunbrella that look and feel like linen that you can spill anything on.
3. Select a circular table or soft furniture.
Round tables and cushioned ottomans are less prone to an “ouch!”
4. White bedding.
I usually get the “Are you sure?” response when suggesting white bedding. It’s super easy to bleach and keep clean, I promise. I have two dogs big Golden Doodles that sleep with us and two boys that slide the pillows on the floor. I also mix all my whites to keep it more of vintage look.
5. Add a touch of whimsy.
Eclectic mixes of furnishings and fabrics add to a casual, whimsical feel. Add a teepee to the living room for a fun place to play!
Pretty and practical design is easy to achieve for every day living. Share your kid friendly spaces with us!
What slipcover/sofa do you currently have and do you love it? We are in the market for a new couch and have looked at the Pottery Barn slip covered sofas. I love the option of a Sunbrella fabric but wasn’t sure if anyone had experience with them.
Hi Liane! My slip covered sofa is about 14 years d and by Ethan Allen. I am not sure if they make it anymore. I do love it very much!
The one in the blog post is from my shop and has done really well. I know people love it and have spilled coffee on it and have dogs on it.
Sunbrella is an amazing fabric and they just keep getting better with their new styles. I’ve never heard anything bad about it!
Hope that helps! xo!
Hi Liane! My slip covered sofa is about 14 years d and by Ethan Allen. I am not sure if they make it anymore. I do love it very much!
The one in the blog post is from my shop and has done really well. I know people love it and have spilled coffee on it and have dogs on it.
Sunbrella is an amazing fabric and they just keep getting better with their new styles. I’ve never heard anything bad about it!
Hope that helps! xo!