Family-Friendly Design Got kids? Then get the low-down on putting together rooms that will stand up to family life — and still look fabulous. (Continued from Page 5) By Leah Hennen
Special to HGTV.com
DO choose indestructible materials and finishes.
"If it seems like your family belongs in an institution, use institutional-quality goods," Wiener says, only half-jokingly. A look at the toughest materials for the job:
- Walls: There’s no getting around it: Walls take a beating with wee ones around. Cleats are casually tossed against white baseboards. Bedroom doors become backboards for basketball practice. A fresh expanse of drywall morphs into a blank canvas for that new set of crayons. Sticky fingers trail along hallway walls. That’s why wipeable paint is a must. You can’t go wrong with eggshell, satin or semi-gloss, which clean up with a damp sponge. But if you prefer the rich look of a matte finish, try one of the new "washable" flat paints, such as Glidden’s Super Washable Flat or Benjamin Moore’s Regal Matte. If you have an artist in the making, consider painting one wall with chalkboard paint (Benjamin Moore and Rust-Oleum make them) and let him unleash his inner impressionist. Another trick: Mix magnetic additive (available at home centers or online) into the paint you’re using on a kitchen or hallway wall to create a handy display space for children’s art. Then there are the areas that get an inordinate amount of abuse, such as the wall underneath the breakfast bar (don’t even try to fight it — kids are going to absentmindedly kick their feet against it no matter what you do). "Flat white paint there is going to be a disaster," says Kelly Kole. "Instead, install beadboard and use semi-gloss." That’s a wise strategy for high-traffic hallways and mudrooms, too.
- Windows: Long drapes that pool elegantly on the floor? They’re a tripping hazard, a hide-and-seek spot, and an "I wonder what will happen if I tug on this?" experiment waiting to happen. Instead, opt for simple, wipeable wood blinds or roman shades — those made with natural reeds, such as bamboo, do a great job of hiding jelly smears and can be secured out of reach during the day. Rule of thumb: "With window treatments, up-and-down is better than side-to-side if you have kids," Wiener days.
- Fabrics: "Go for heavy fabrics with a flat weave — they’ll hold up much better than lightweight or looped fabrics," Wiener advises. (Hint: Run your fingers over the fabric. The more noise it makes, the higher its durability and the lower its maintenance.) Easy-care, practically stain-proof choices include vinyl, "pleather," ultrasuede, twill, denim, velvet, wool, felt, and other natural fabrics with a touch of synthetic fiber woven in for added toughness. Leather is another good choice: It wipes clean with a paper towel and looks and feels even better when it’s well loved. Kitty O’Callaghan, a mother of three in White Plains, New York, figures the twin leather armchairs in her living room were a smart investment: "As long as no one’s wielding a Sharpie, I can get most anything off them," she says. For their pretty patterns and indestructible construction, Wiener likes to use moisture-, stain-, and fade-resistant Sunbrella fabrics indoors as well as out. And even if your family doesn’t include a member of the four-legged variety, you might want to look into William Wegman’s Crypton Fabrics, which are designed to heroically thwart stains. When you’re ordering upholstery, be sure to request a stain-resistant finish, and don’t forget to Scotchgard off-the-shelf pieces. Other fabric-saving strategies: Splurge on washable slipcovers or zip-off cushion covers. Dawn Margolis, a mother of two in Wilmette, Illinois, purchased a slipcovered couch a few years ago, and says she’ll never go back. "When the cover gets dirty, I just whip it off and throw it in the wash," she says. Lesley Alderman of Brooklyn, New York, uses an elegantly draped throw to protect her treasured white chaise: "The kids can lie on the chaise and eat popcorn, and their crumbs and greasy hands end up on the throw, not the upholstery," she says. Finally, consider having the fabric on kitchen and even dining-room chairs laminated to protect against spaghetti splats (ask your fabric store about laminating services).
- Floors: For entries, hallways, and family rooms, look for flooring that cleans up with a damp mop. Tile, wood, laminate and linoleum work well. Deborah Burnett likes rustic, pre-distressed hardwood floors with a matte, non-skid finish. "They have a weathered, irregular look that’s very forgiving," she says. Wall-to-wall carpet provides padding for crawlers and unsteady walkers, but is tough to keep looking good during these early years. If you do go for wall-to-wall, keep it in a medium-to-dark tone and be sure to request a stain-protective finish. Debbie Wiener prefers wool-nylon blends, or if you’re on a tight budget, 100-percent nylon — it feels soft, resists stains and wears well.
- Area rugs: Whether you have wood floors or wall-to-wall carpet, area rugs can be lifesavers. They soften and warm a space and protect floors from kids — and vice-versa. When they get grungy, flip them over, send them to the cleaners, or simply replace inexpensive ones. Jute, seagrass and sisal add texture and are incredibly durable, making them great for heavily trafficked areas. For a softer landing, try an all-wool or wool-blend rug, which will wear well and resist stains. Because of its high lanolin content, New Zealand wool does a great job of repelling moisture and dirt: "If you spill on it, the liquid just beads on the surface," Wiener says. Carpet tiles (such as those from FLOR) are another family-friendly option: They’re like puzzle pieces that can be reconfigured on a whim, and if one area gets stained or worn, you can simply replace individual tiles. Whichever type of rug you choose, though, opt for easy-to-clean low pile and be sure to use a no-skid pad or double-sided tape underneath so the rug itself doesn’t become a hazard — or a prop for an indoor game of slip-n-slide.
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