The Top 9 Best Materials for a Family-Friendly Home

We all have an ideal vision for our homes. Whether it’s a spotless kitchen or a cozy living room with white furniture, it can be easy to dream big. Actually taking action is harder, especially when you have messy kids, pets who think the furniture is just for them, or untidy spouses at home. Saying “we can’t have nice things” seems logical, doesn’t it?

Nope! This could not be farther from the truth. Your home absolutely CAN strike a balance between sensible and stylish. Every room should be freely enjoyed, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice the aesthetics to get there.

So, what actually makes a home family-friendly? Today I’m sharing 9 beautiful and durable materials that are ready to stand up to daily life and look good doing it…

1. Washable Rugs

We’ve all seen the Ruggable ads showing a busy parent throwing an 8x10 rug into the washing machine. Too good to be true? In this case, nope! These rugs are perfect for spaces like dining rooms or kitchens, where food accidents are inevitable. They’re also great for notoriously messy mudrooms and high-traffic hallways.

A stunning washable rug in our Harriet Remodel.

2. Quartz Countertops

Messes are expected in the kitchen, and the materials you choose should work hard for you. Natural stone like granite and marble is stunning but requires regular maintenance and can stain easily. Instead, choose quartz countertops for an equally gorgeous appearance and total ease. Quartz is a man-made product, sealed for life, and requires no annoying maintenance to keep it looking beautiful.

Quartz countertops in our Platwood Remodel (left) and Modern New Build (right).

3. Tile Backsplash

Not only is cleaning tile a cinch, but it is a durable layer of protection for your walls, defending against water damage, scuffing, splatters, and other messes. Adding a tile backsplash to your kitchen or bathroom, especially behind wet areas like sinks, is a smart choice that you’ll thank yourself for later. With an unbelievable number of options available, you’re guaranteed to find one that fits seamlessly into your design.

Functional, stylish backsplash in our Lake Independence Project (left) and Platwood Remodel (right)

4. Carpet Tiles

Have you heard of carpet tiles before? If not, get ready for this brilliant and innovative product. Not only do these interlocking carpet pieces allow you to completely customize the size and shape of your area rug, but cleaning couldn’t be easier. Individual pieces can be pulled up to be cleaned or even replaced if they’re wearing out.

Carpet tiles are great for home offices (where chairs with casters can run smoothly over them) and high-traffic areas like backdoors, hallways, and mudrooms. Some carpet tiles are even made of recycled materials for an eco-friendly option.

Carpet tiles create the perfect rug size in the home office in our Harriet Remodel.

5. Performance Fabrics 

Are you dreaming of light-colored fabric for your sofa but holding back because of the dirt and mess it will show? Performance fabric is the answer — no more worrying about spills, dirty paws, and sticky fingers. 

Keep in mind that this fabric will get dirty from use, but it's incredibly easy to clean. Usually, water and dish soap will do the trick. Like most things in life, a little maintenance goes a long way in preserving your upholstery.

Performance fabrics in our Platwood Remodel

6. Leather or Faux Leather 

Both leather and faux leather are great choices requiring simple care. They’re easy to wipe down and don’t stain, unless it’s a rare specialty leather (which we would always educate you on before purchasing). Genuine leather has a natural beauty that will always feel classic and comfortable in a home, while faux leather, or vegan leather, comes in a similar color and texture as authentic options and is a more sustainable choice.

A smooth, buttery leather chair in our Platwood Remodel (left) and sofa in our Harriet Project (right).

7. Wall Treatments

Have your kiddos ever decided the walls were their canvas? Been there! Fortunately, both wallpaper and wall paneling are great options and add a beautiful aesthetic element that you will LOVE — and make your walls much easier to clean. Win, win! We love adding wall treatments in high-traffic areas like dining rooms, stairs, hallways, bathrooms, and mudrooms, where scuffs and dents are bound to happen.

Fun, geometric wallpaper in our Harriet Remodel (left) and Platwood Remodel (right)

8. Window Treatments:

Roller Shades, Cordless Shades, Drapery Panels

Gone are the days of blinds and shades with dangerous cords that present a strangulation risk. So many innovations have been made in the world of window treatments. When choosing window treatments, you have LOTS of family-friendly options that will serve multiple purposes, from light and temperature control to beauty and privacy.

Your needs are unique, so be sure to choose the right treatment for your situation. Have a baby who naps (or an adult who enjoys sleeping in)? Grab some room darkening panels. Living in a home with drafty windows? Drapery or blinds with thermal protection is the answer. Or perhaps you are seeking privacy from those neighbors who practically live in your living room. Roller shades to the rescue!

We avoided the unfinished “naked” window look by selecting a combination of roller shades and drapes for a soothing and polished finish in our Platwood Remodel and Modern New Build.

9. Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Whether you choose luxury vinyl plank (LVP) or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), you can feel confident that you’re making a smart choice for your family. Not only do both options look gorgeous, but they are waterproof and scratch-resistant, making it ideal for easy cleanup in high-traffic areas. In addition, with so many sizes, colors, and textures available, you will surely find one you love for your space.

A Family-Friendly Home for Function and Style

A family-friendly home is a universal request, and it should be! Our homes should take care of us, not the other way around. The best news, though? 

It doesn’t mean you’ll need to compromise your big design dreams. I recently had a client who said she chose to work with me because of my practicality and sensibility to her family’s needs without sacrificing style… talk about the ultimate compliment! It can be done, my friends.

Are you considering a renovation of your home to bring ease to your family’s lifestyle? I’d love to help! Reach out to me here, and let’s talk about your dreams for your home.