Designing for Chaos: Kid & Pet-Friendly Interiors That Still Look Beautiful

May 14, 2025

Let’s be honest—when you’ve got kids, pets, or both, your home sees a lot. Spills, fur, scratches, and Legos underfoot—it's a full-contact sport. But that doesn’t mean your space can’t be beautiful and peaceful. As a designer who works with modern families, I believe in creating interiors that look amazing and stand up to real life.

Here’s how we do that:

Choose Performance Fabrics, Always

These fabrics are life-changing. They resist stains, clean easily, and stand up to sticky hands and muddy paws. Brands like Crypton, Revolution Fabrics, and Sunbrella offer durable options in stylish colors. We use these on sofas, dining chairs, and even custom pillows.
👉 Pro tip: Look for “contract-grade” or “family-friendly” tags when selecting upholstery.

Opt for Washable or Low-Pile Rugs

Rugs add warmth and comfort—but let’s make them practical. Brands like Ruggable, Revival, and Loomy offer machine-washable or easy-to-clean rugs that can handle everything from juice spills to dog zoomies.
👉 Skip the shag. Go for flatweaves or low-pile rugs in forgiving patterns.

Closed Storage = Your Best Friend

Open shelves are cute—until the toys and art supplies take over. Use built-ins, storage benches, or ottomans with hidden compartments to tuck away the mess. We love adding under-bench drawers in mudrooms and toy bins that match your decor in living rooms.
👉 Try Pottery Barn Kids or IKEA's TROFAST system for hidden kid zones.

Durable Finishes Matter

Sticky fingers are no match for the right materials. We recommend matte or satin paint finishes, high-performance laminate or quartz countertops, and scratch-resistant LVP flooring (luxury vinyl plank). Even coffee tables can come in sealed woods or metal finishes that age gracefully.
👉 For paint, check out Sherwin-Williams Emerald line for scrubbable walls.

Add a Pet & Kid Zone (Without It Screaming “Playroom”)

Carve out a corner that works hard for your little ones but looks elevated. Think a reading nook with wipeable cushions, a tucked-away dog bed in the mudroom, or a creative wall with magnetic chalk paint. We design these so they blend beautifully into the room without clashing with your aesthetic.

How We Help

At Interiors by Ria, we know real life is messy—and we design for that. From custom upholstery to kid-friendly layouts, we create stylish spaces that support your lifestyle. With our step-by-step process, we help you select durable materials and smart layouts that look just as good as they function.

Ready for a Space That Can Handle It All?

You don’t have to choose between luxury and livability. Let’s build a home where everyone (even the dog) is welcome—with zero stress.

👉 Book a complimentary discovery call and let’s create a family-friendly space that doesn’t sacrifice style.

Building Lasting Relationships

Ria's interior design expertise truly made the process an absolute pleasure. Her keen attention to detail is evident in every aspect of her work, ensuring that every element aligns perfectly with the overall vision. What impressed me the most was her unwavering commitment to communication and follow-up. No question went unanswered, and she was always readily available to address any concerns or queries I had along the way.

One of Ria's greatest strengths is her ability to listen attentively to her clients. She took the time to understand my preferences and needs, offering insightful suggestions that elevated the design to new heights. Her recommendations weren't just about aesthetics; they were tailored to optimize functionality and enhance the overall ambiance of the space.

Working with Ria was a collaborative and enriching experience. Her passion for design shines through in every decision she makes, and her dedication to client satisfaction is unparalleled. I couldn't be happier with the results, and I wholeheartedly recommend Ria to anyone seeking a truly transformative interior design journey.

Allison W.

Ria did a wonderful job on designing my space. She really took the time to discuss with me my ideas to get a sense of my needs and style. Her communication throughout the process has been phenomenal so I’ve always known when to expect things from her. She’s been responsive to my feedback and to exploring options that fit my design preference. I look forward to working with Ria on more design projects!

DEG Videos

I really enjoyed working with Ria, she was great at taking direction and finding the look you had in mind, but any time you weren't quite sure what to do with a space she was quick to offer guidance.  I think she went above and beyond to make the whole process enjoyable and as easy as possible.

Josh T.

I was looking for something more polished for my main bedroom. Ria created a beautiful, custom design plan for me based on my preferences and how we use the room. Would highly recommend.

Trina P.

I needed a rental space decorated after my divorce and I was on a budget. Ria came in and understood what I wanted to accomplish and listened to my feedback throughout the process. Although we went slightly over budget, in the end my home now feels like "me" and is soooooo comfortable and cozy when I need to relax and decompress in the evenings after work.

I debated only giving 4 stars instead of 5 due to being slightly over budget (I wish there was a 4.99 rating), but this was a near-ideal outcome in terms of how much I enjoy the spaces she decorated - so 5 stars it is!!!

Thanks Ria for an incredible job!

Aaron P.

ria’s positive qualities in this experience

1. Outcome great. That is bottom line
2. Professional
3. Funny pleasant
4. Very organized
5. On top of things
6. Very reachable

David B.

I truly enjoyed working with Ria as my designer. Our house looks beautiful. I would highly recommend her as an interior designer for your home.

Maria

Ria did a great job with my project. She was patient and took the time to get to know everything I was looking for. Throughout the whole process she was in constant communication with me about how work was going, what issues came up, and how she was helping to take care of them. She was very frank about prices and timelines, but also worked really hard to help me find the right style and stay within budget.  At first I wasn't sure I wanted to spend money on a designer, but I'll definitely be reaching out to her for future projects.

DS

Ria was awesome to work with!!!! She has great taste for design and worked with the ideas i had. She is also very honest and professional. I would definitely recommend her if you are needing a designer!!

Lauren D.
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