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Sophisticated Decor for Families
Are you tired of waiting
for your children to grow up so you can finally let
go of your tired, worn couch? Have a real dining room
set? Or even lighter toned furnishings?
Now You CAN!
If you thought that having a family
meant putting your decorating skills and ideas on the
back burner then you just haven't been opening your
eyes to the stylish ideas designers use to liven up
their own homes and their client's homes, even with
children (and pets) around!
AMAZING MATERIALS
Yes, choosing the right material can
make all the difference when furnishing a home for a
family.
Have you always loved leather? Well
it's not only great for minor spills that are quickly
wiped off, it also wears well, even gaining a beautiful
patina with time and use. Leather does not collect pet
hair as a cloth couch or chair would, and crumbs and
dirt will wipe off easily.
If you prefer fabric upholstery, think
of luxurious Ultrasuede. Sophisticated enough for even
the most formal rooms, it's looks belie the easy care
of the material. You won't deal with fading or staining
the way you are accustomed to with cotton, and many
stains will come off quite easily with a damp cloth.
Do you have real ruffians running around?
You can always count on slipcovers if you need to. Many
decorators have used white or cream slipcovers to good
effect, although you may consider a stripe or other
pattern to disguise everyday wear. And because you can
clean them thoroughly by removing them you do not have
to be too concerned about occasional messes. Slipcovers
also work well on fancy dining room chairs and can be
removed for adult-only dinner parties.
On the other hand, try to stay away
from delicate materials like silks or velvets which
stain easily and are difficult to clean.
THOUGHTFUL CHOICES
If you have small children you may also
consider choosing soft furnishings, like ottomans, to
replace hazards such as hard edged coffee tables.
Area rugs can be great for keeping light
colored carpets in good shape, but be certain they rest
flat so children are not prone to trip over them. Selecting
heavy rugs or using a special padding underneath to
reduce movement would be especially recommended when
using rugs on hard, slippery surfaces.
When choosing wood furnishings, light
or dark, be sure it has a protective clear coat so that
marks and spills do not ruin the finish.
GIVING KIDS THEIR OWN SPACE
Would your children really mind an 'adult'
space in the home? If you make most of the home child-friendly,
then it is not outside of reason to create one area
specifically for adult entertaining or relaxing. Giving
children a small area within the adult room where they
can read books or sit at a small table for quiet games
will teach them to respect and take care of nice things.
This, along with making reasonable choices for the rest
of the home, allows all in the family to enjoy their
surroundings and each other.
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