HGTV Star Dishes Her Tips for Chic (Yet Kid-Friendly) Décor

Thanks Two Haute Mamas!

THM has tapped HGTV star Krista Watterworth for her expert take on chic, yet functional home décor. Below Krista lists her advice for having the best of both worlds when it comes to interior design:

I’ve been designing homes for over ten years, and many of my clients are young families with children. When I’m approached by these clients, they are simply terrified they will make a wrong decision with regard to furniture, fabrics, rugs, cabinetry, carpeting, etc. As a mother of two young children, I have been there, and, yes, I have also made the mistake of buying the white Flokati rug only to have used suckers and bubble gum tangled in the fibers only hours after laying it down. Trust me: I have made some mistakes, even as an experienced designer. My motto used to be “Fashion Over Function.” However, as an ever-adapting mom, that motto has become “Fashion with a Touch of Function.”

If you’re struggling with making durable, responsible design decisions, I’m here to provide you with answers to common questions. Mind you, these are real questions from real clients and real solutions that I have offered:

1. I want marble countertops, but aren’t they a pain to maintain?

The honest answer: When you choose marble, you’re bringing a natural material into your home. Because the material is porous, marble can be prone to staining. Although marble is usually treated with a penetrating sealer upon installation, it is still recommended that you clean spills right away to be 100% sure no staining occurs. It’s also important to reseal the stone once a year to keep stain resistance at a maximum. If you’re savvy with paper towels and don’t mind sealing your countertop once a year, I say go for it!

2. I love a wool rug, but is wool stain resistant?

Having a fabulous rug in your home is heaven! I can’t even tell you how much a rug can change the tone and mood of a room. My clients often believe synthetics are more durable and stain resistant, yet nothing could be further from the truth! Wool is a naturally stain-resistant material that can last for decades if cared for properly. The only reason I would recommend a synthetic is if you change your rugs as often as you change clothes! Personally, a rug for me is a long-term relationship.

3. Why are you using flat paint in my house? Is it washable?

I love flat paint for two reasons: 1) It hides wall imperfections. When you increase a paint’s sheen, you increase its reflective properties. The shinier the wall, the more apparent imperfections become. After all, home is manmade and with that comes human error. 2) Flat paint looks modern. When I see really shiny walls, I’m reminded of the worst parts of the 80s!

Long story short, many paint manufacturers have created durable, washable flat paint. I normally use Benjamin Moore Premium Interior Flat, and I haven’t had any complaints yet! Semi-gloss in bathrooms and on wood trim is recommended.

4. What kinds of fabrics are the most durable?

I live in South Florida, and we live much of our lives outdoors. I use indoor/outdoor fabrics in many of my interiors because they are incredibly durable and fade resistant. Fabric companies are expanding their exterior and commercial grade fabric lines to include chic offerings. I usually have my fabrics treated with an eco-friendly stain resistant chemical that creates an invisible barrier around the fibers. Spills literally bead up and can be wiped off the furniture with your hand. Also treating the back of your favorite fabric with an organic non-isocyanate based polyurethane prevents liquids from ever penetrating and getting beneath the fabric (consult a professional). Simply blot and rinse.

5. Should I put in wood floors? Won’t they get damaged from toys, wagons, etc.?

Lately I’ve been using engineered wood flooring for my Florida clients because of the humidity – it’s less susceptible to warping and water damage. Composite hardwood is manufactured with scraps and waste so it’s more eco-friendly. That said, I rarely recommend laminate wood flooring. It is advertised as more durable, but once a scratch penetrates the veneer, it’s over. You can’t simply restain it because it’s synthetic. Wood-look ceramic and porcelain tiles have become very popular. For families with older children it’s a safe bet. Although you can soften it up with area rugs, for toddlers the surface is rigid and inflexible. At the end of the day, hardwood or engineered wood is best. An oil-based stain is most durable because the oil penetrates and absorbs into the wood surface. Scratches and repairs can usually be made by simply adding oil to a damaged spot. Annually treating floors with a petroleum free oil finish is recommended.

For all the haute mamas (and dads) out there, I hope you find this information useful. Make decisions for your home that are stylish and smart, and you’ll never regret them!