At some point, it’s bound to happen. One day you look around and realize your interior needs a refresher. It’s time for a home décor update.
Updating home décor is a matter of affordability, style, functionality, and practicality when you have kids. If you take the time to plan out your project, you can update the décor little by little to make it more cost-effective. But that’s not the only way to ensure your décor update is a success.
The team at Boyles Furniture filled me in on the advice they share with parents looking to upgrade their home décor. It turns out there are five factors that families should consider when investing in new furniture and other finishes for the home.
Quality of the Materials
It’s amazing how small children can inflict serious damage on furniture and home décor features. That’s when the quality of materials really makes a difference.
Higher quality materials are going to be able to withstand rough usage. They’ll maintain their integrity despite messes and the occasional jostle. Believe it or not, leather is one of the best furniture materials for families with young kids. It’s super durable, looks great for a long time, and can be cleaned up relatively easy.
Of course, cost is going to come into play. Typically, higher quality materials mean a higher price tag. However, the trade-off is you should get more years of use.
Construction
How those materials are put together also matters. Solid construction is going to improve the longevity of furniture, rugs and other pieces of the home décor. Before making a major purchase carefully inspect the item. Pay careful attention to the seams, stitch work and areas where materials are fixed together.
Style
One thing to think about before choosing a style for your furniture and other home décor pieces is your family’s lifestyle. How do you really live on a day-to-day basis? What features to you really need for comfort and general use? Does everyone in the family have the same sense of style?
When it comes to home décor practicality and style are intertwined. Figure out what you need first, then let that guide you to the style of furniture and décor that will work best.
Color
White and cream furniture may look beautiful in the pages of glossy home design magazines, but in the real world of an active family, it’s not so pristine. Spills are going to happen. They’re a fact of life when you have kids. Even if you choose leather or microfiber material (see below), do you really want to have an anxiety attack wondering if the next spill will fully come out?
Darker colors conceal messes better, but there are lighter shades that also do a good job. For instance, tan and light grey can both look good even if it’s been a while since the last cleaning. Patterns are another great way to conceal spills and blemishes. Use the color of your current coach as a guide for what hue will work best for your next one.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Last but certainly not least is the cleaning and maintenance consideration. As noted above spills, messes and life in general are going to happen. Some materials are easier to clean than others, and the design can also play a role.
Microfiber and leather are known for being easy to clean in most situations. But another fabric you may not be familiar with is basic twill. As Good Housekeeping points out, basic twill removable couch cushions and small rugs can be thrown in the washing machine. It’s also a very durable material.
One option you’ll want to steer clear of is any fabric with a pile. It will attract hair and trap dust making it more difficult to keep clean.
One More Word of Advice
When you’re updating your home décor keep your family’s health in mind. Usually, it all comes down to the products you select. Choose paints that are low or no-VOC. Choose materials that won’t trap dust and dander if a family member has allergies. Choose natural wood stains with fewer toxins.
Our home is our cocoon, so let’s make it as healthy as possible!
Leave a Reply