Image zoom
You
can have nice things (fur real!). With a little ingenuity, your home will hold up—and look stylish—no matter what your pet or kids throw at it. Here are simple ways to make it work.
Pet-Proof Your Furniture
Invest in the right fabrics
To survive the antics of a terrier, a tabby, or a toddler, durability is key. Choose pillow covers, couches, and upholstered chairs with care. "My living-room sofa is made with Sunbrella's outdoor fabric. It's super-stain-resistant and still looks beautiful," says Sabrina Soto, HGTV host and mom of a 5-year-old and a labradoodle. "You can even find outdoor fabric that mimics linen or leather." Speaking of, leather (real or faux) is tough, it can be wiped, and it repels hair. Other sturdy picks are solution-dyed acrylic, canvas, and cotton bull denim. (Skip velvet, suede, and loosely woven fabrics.)