Make the Interior Design of Your Dreams Match the Reality of Your Life

Life.  Let's just be real for a second. 

You can watch all the interior design shows that you want, but the reality is that the people depicted on the shows are never going to be filmed having their child jumping on the furniture.  Having the dog roll on the couch.  Or heaven forbid, have a kid throw up on the sofa.  But these things happen in real life. 

Your home isn't a show room. It's a living space. It's a space where you live, you love, and you make messes and memories. Still, you want to live in a home that blends style and all of the little things that make life interesting.

So, how do we do that? How do we make the interior design of our dreams match the reality of our life? 

One answer.  Washability. 

When you design a room, it's important to imagine your kids and their bad habits. (And your bad habits, too! We all get crumbs on the floor and we've all spilled the occasional glass of red wine!) Then plan accordingly. 

Pick fabrics for your upholstered pieces that are both comfortable and cleanable.  Choose fabrics that are beautiful, yet make you feel at home.  Purchasing or DIYing distressed wood pieces is like getting kid-proof furniture. You won't have to freak out when your child is playing and whacks your brand new coffee table with their new wood sword. The damage will be minimal and it might even add some charm to an already weathered piece.  

Remember, the secret is to plan your design around your life and the people who fill it with joy.