Make Your Home Spill, Pet, and Child-Proof!

Our homes endure daily wear and tear, from scuffed walls to dirty floors. But there are ways to safeguard your living space against life's little mishaps. Here are our top tips for spill, pet, and child-proofing your home.

Upholstery

Prioritise durability when choosing fabrics and always go for a high Martindale count – the number of rubs a fabric can take before a thread breaks. You should aim for a minimum Martindale count of 35,000.

Stain-resistant velvets offer durability and style.

When choosing a headboard opt for embroidered fabrics to hide marks made by hair products.

Small prints on sofas are good at hiding stains and make the pattern appear lighter.

Furniture

Older furniture tends to be built to last and is sturdier than flat pack furniture. It is also easier to repair.

Vintage pieces are often better quality at a lower cost than new items. Remember, imperfections add character to your furniture.

Bathrooms

“Buy once, cry once” is a “term to describe the purchasing of an expensive item of excellent quality…[that] owing to its craftsmanship and durability…will only have to [be purchased] once”. Savings can be made in the bathroom by buying second hand sinks and baths or re-enamelling old ones, but buying good quality taps is always a wise investment to ensure that they don’t break easily.

Vintage furniture can be easily repurposed into vanity units, and waterproof MDF is a cost-effective and less easily broken alternative to tiles.

Kitchens

Solid wood cupboards are often the most cost-effective option, tend to be better quality, and therefore will last longer, than the alternatives.

Darker coloured units are better for hiding stains and marks.

Easy to wipe handles are a better choice than highly decorative ones as they are easier to clean sticky fingerprints off of.

Avoid having wooden floors in the kitchen as they absorb grease and moisture. Tile or stone floors are much easier to keep clean.

Paint

Choose paint that is wipeable and resistant to scuffs. The higher the sheen of paint, the tougher the finish tends to be, although manufacturers are increasing the number of shades available in a resilient matt finish.

A limewash finish is great for high-traffic areas. The natural lines are great for masking scuffs.

Pets

Choose sofa colours that hide marks from pets.

Tasteful blankets can help to protect your furniture.

Avoid sisal and loop pile carpets with cats as they will be tempted to scratch them causing pulled threads. Vinyl or laminate floors are scratch-resistant.

Rugs that can be popped in the washing machine are a great way of keeping on top of muddy pawprints.

Learn from Hotels

Take design inspiration from hotels. The decor is always designed to withstand wear and tear.

For example synthetic sisal mimics the real thing but is more robust.

Consider wooden floors with a band-sawn finish for a forgiving look.

Half-height panelling painted with gloss paint provides both glamour and durability.

Prepare for Spillages

To protect against spills, choose spill-proof materials for cushion covers.

Invest in loose sofa covers for easy washing and consider purchasing two sets of sofa covers—one for daily life and one for if you have guests.

These tips can help you maintain the beauty and functionality of your home whilst also ensuring that it can withstand everyday life's challenges.

If you are considering selling your property in Larbert, Bonnybridge & Denny and would like some more advice on how to ensure that your property looks its best during viewings please give us a call on 01324 811 233 or send an email to info@alexander-taylor.co.uk.