{"id":685,"date":"2017-04-29T09:00:24","date_gmt":"2017-04-29T13:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=685"},"modified":"2017-04-17T17:34:38","modified_gmt":"2017-04-17T21:34:38","slug":"home-decorating-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=685","title":{"rendered":"Home Decorating Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Keeping it Funky and Family-Friendly<\/h1>\n

By Carrie Luteran<\/em><\/p>\n

Keeping up a beautiful home is a challenge when you have an active family. Young children are so hard on the walls, floors and furniture that you might be tempted to wait until they go to college to decorate! But today\u2019s technology has created durable housewares that can stand up to the heaviest use, all while looking great.<\/p>\n

Here are some decorating ideas that can withstand even the most active kids and pets:<\/p>\n

1. Buy durable rugs.<\/span> Rugs made from synthetic fibers are the easiest to care for. They won\u2019t absorb food and pet stains, so you can blot away any accidents. If you prefer natural materials in your home, try wool rugs. Steer clear of sisal or jute; they are easily stained and almost impossible to clean. If you have pets, pay attention to the pile of your rugs, as well; cut pile is much less likely to get caught and pulled by your animal\u2019s nails than looped styles.<\/p>\n

2. Stick with patterns.<\/span> Whether it\u2019s upholstery, curtains or rugs, patterns can hide a multitude of spills and smudges. There\u2019s no need to be afraid of mixing multiple patterns in one room. Keep them all in the same color palette but vary the scale for a cohesive look.<\/p>\n

3. Bring the outdoors in.<\/span> Outdoor furnishings have come a long way. Check out the garden section in your favorite store for furniture and accessories that can be incorporated into your interiors. If it\u2019s sturdy enough to stand up to the elements, it can stand up to your family! Many furniture retailers are now making sofas, sectionals and chairs in outdoor fabrics like Sunbrella. Spills bead right up on them, so you won\u2019t have to watch the kids every second.<\/p>\n

4. Make storage easy.<\/span> Let\u2019s be honest \u2014 kids\u2019 toys are a constant source of clutter. When you\u2019re setting up storage systems, make it as easy as possible to put things away. Try large bins or baskets for the big items, and a set of small drawers for those little Legos, puzzle pieces and craft supplies that are always underfoot. The simpler it is for your kids to clean up, the more likely they will actually do it.<\/p>\n

5. Create a rotating artwork display.<\/span> You want to display your kids\u2019 masterpieces, but hanging them all over the fridge can look messy. Instead, set aside space on one wall to serve as a rotating art gallery. Hang some large cork boards there, or try several rows of curtain rods with clip rings. Let your children pick their best work to display. When they bring home new creations, it\u2019s easy to swap them out.<\/p>\n

6. Consider secondhand.<\/span> Used furniture often comes with a few scratches and dents. While that may sound like a negative, it can bring peace of mind if you have kids or pets who are tough on their stuff. Since secondhand pieces are already a little brokenin, you won\u2019t sweat it when the little ones add more \u201cpersonality.\u201d Always clean used items thoroughly and test painted finishes to be sure they don\u2019t contain lead.<\/p>\n

7. Use quality paint.<\/span> Walls take a beating when you have an active family. You might be tempted to go with the cheap stuff and plan on repainting often, but using high quality paint will save you time and money in the long run. Talk to a paint expert at your local store about the most washable options.<\/p>\n

8. Be realistic.<\/span> The most important consideration when decorating your home is making it practical for your family. Light-colored upholstery and glass end tables may look beautiful on Pinterest, but they will be a constant source of worry in your home if you have little ones. Parenthood is enough of a challenge, so make your life a little easier by selecting furnishings that are no-fuss and \u2013 most importantly \u2013 safe for your kids. SWM <\/em><\/p>\n

Carrie Luteran makes spaces totally functional and fab. She provides interior design and professional organizing services to the Syracuse area through her company, Pretty Neat. Learn more at prettyneatsolutions.com<\/a> or call (315) 400-1966.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Keeping it Funky and Family-Friendly By Carrie Luteran Keeping up a beautiful home is a challenge when you have an active family. Young children are so hard on the walls, floors and furniture that you might be tempted to wait until they go to college to decorate! But today\u2019s technology has created durable housewares that…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[210,201,211],"class_list":["post-685","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","tag-carrie-luteran","tag-may-2017","tag-pretty-neat"],"gutentor_comment":0,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/cropped-SWM-logo-use-this-one.jpg?fit=930%2C448&ssl=1","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":1427,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=1427","url_meta":{"origin":685,"position":0},"title":"Function and Style","author":"Staff","date":"January 1, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Setting Up a Home Office that Works By Carrie Luteran | Photography by Alice G. Patterson\u00a0 More people are working from home than ever before. Sixty-nine percent of entrepreneurs start their businesses at home. Even once they\u2019re established, a majority remain home-based. According to a recent Gallup survey, 43 percent\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Featured"","block_context":{"text":"Featured","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=99"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Carrie-Luteran-0001-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Carrie-Luteran-0001-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Carrie-Luteran-0001-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Carrie-Luteran-0001-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/Carrie-Luteran-0001-1.jpg?fit=1200%2C803&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3708,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=3708","url_meta":{"origin":685,"position":1},"title":"Home Decor – Elevating Outdoor Spaces: Summer Decorating Tips to Give Your Home Some Pizzaz","author":"syracusewomanmag_c4lfdt","date":"July 24, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"By Kathy Franco Temperatures are rising, and the time has come to embrace outdoor living. Whether you\u2019re a homeowner looking to add some pizzaz or a seller hoping to attract that perfect buyer, elevating your outdoor spaces is a great place to start! I have done this in my own\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Special Feature"","block_context":{"text":"Special Feature","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Kathy-Franco-scaled.jpg?fit=857%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Kathy-Franco-scaled.jpg?fit=857%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Kathy-Franco-scaled.jpg?fit=857%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Kathy-Franco-scaled.jpg?fit=857%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2386,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=2386","url_meta":{"origin":685,"position":2},"title":"INSPIRE: Dr. Annette Otis","author":"Staff","date":"May 3, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"By Becca Taurisano \u00a0 Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the most difficult things any pet owner will experience. Few people know that better than Dr. Annette Otis. Dr. Otis opened Stillwaters Veterinary Care in 2017 after she saw a need for end-of-life veterinary services in the\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Featured"","block_context":{"text":"Featured","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=99"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/dr-annette-otis-dvm-syracuse-0001.jpg?fit=801%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/dr-annette-otis-dvm-syracuse-0001.jpg?fit=801%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/dr-annette-otis-dvm-syracuse-0001.jpg?fit=801%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/dr-annette-otis-dvm-syracuse-0001.jpg?fit=801%2C1200&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":2572,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=2572","url_meta":{"origin":685,"position":3},"title":"INSPIRE: Rebecca Riley, Peace, Love, and Cupcakes","author":"Staff","date":"September 3, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"By Megan Sheehan \u00a0 None of the great stories out there have been written without conflict or struggle. What\u2019s a protagonist without some fantastic battle of sorts? Your favorite character is situated in front of the ultimate of circumstances. They fight and fight and fight until they want to give\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=101"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ana-gil-taylor-headshots-photographer-8486E1.jpg?fit=1200%2C739&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ana-gil-taylor-headshots-photographer-8486E1.jpg?fit=1200%2C739&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ana-gil-taylor-headshots-photographer-8486E1.jpg?fit=1200%2C739&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ana-gil-taylor-headshots-photographer-8486E1.jpg?fit=1200%2C739&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/ana-gil-taylor-headshots-photographer-8486E1.jpg?fit=1200%2C739&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":1664,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=1664","url_meta":{"origin":685,"position":4},"title":"Behind the Scenes at the WISE Symposium","author":"Staff","date":"March 29, 2018","format":false,"excerpt":"Q & A with the Presenters\u00a0 This year at the WISE Women\u2019s Business Center, attendees are encouraged to \u201cplay their bigger game,\u201d as keynote speaker, Rick Tamlyn says. We talked with Rick and other Symposium presenters to bring you behind the scenes of this year\u2019s Symposium. Who: Rick Tamlyn, It\u2019s\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Features"","block_context":{"text":"Features","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=101"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/New-WISE-Symposium-Logo.jpg?fit=1200%2C720&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/New-WISE-Symposium-Logo.jpg?fit=1200%2C720&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/New-WISE-Symposium-Logo.jpg?fit=1200%2C720&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/New-WISE-Symposium-Logo.jpg?fit=1200%2C720&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/03\/New-WISE-Symposium-Logo.jpg?fit=1200%2C720&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3764,"url":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?p=3764","url_meta":{"origin":685,"position":5},"title":"Inspire: Angela McCarthy – Keeping fit, both physically and mentally","author":"syracusewomanmag_c4lfdt","date":"September 6, 2023","format":false,"excerpt":"By Janelle Davis Success depends on your backbone, not your wishbone. This is a quote that Angela McCarthy has lived by her whole life. Part of Angela\u2019s inspiration to live a healthy lifestyle has been her family. Growing up, she watched her mom struggle with weight management, high blood pressure,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Special Feature"","block_context":{"text":"Special Feature","link":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/?cat=4"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG-1369-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG-1369-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG-1369-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG-1369-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/IMG-1369-scaled.jpg?fit=1200%2C900&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=685"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":690,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/685\/revisions\/690"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=685"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=685"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.syracusewomanmag.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=685"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}