(NAPSA)—“All members of a family are meant to use and enjoy a home,” says Laura Brennerof I Can Arrange That. Asks the Glenside, Pa.-based interior decorator, “What better way for kids—and pets—to learn how to act in and have respect for a nicely decorated house than to grow up in one?” “When my kids were young,” adds Catherine Swanson of Belle Maison (which, in French, means “beautiful home”), “I displayed a collection of 18th and 19th century pillboxes. It’s a question of teaching kids how to behave—and of selecting sturdy, good-quality furniture and area rugs,” says the Maplewood, N.J. designer, who admits, “I usually recommendbigger, more practical accessories like decorative pillows or a blanket on a sofa.” “Adjust your choices—don’t postpone your decorating plans,” Brenner recommends. “Rather than a fragile textile like velvet or silk, choose leather—simply wipe up spills—or more durable slipcovers and upholstery such as indoor/outdoor fabric.” Waverly offers a range of patterns in its Sun N Shadecollection of polyester indoor/outdoor fabrics that resist soil, stains or fading and now are also madeto feel soft and comfortable. For a garden, kitchen, bathroom, playroom or great room, they come in cheerful stripes—Ocean Drive or Marina Del Rey—and novelty motifs such as Key West’s whimsical sea life or charming Flip Flops. Sophisticated vintage botanicals St. Croix and Curvature would dress a handsome homeoffice or elegant living room equally as well as pillowsat poolside. These days, indoor/outdoor fabrics feel soft, enhancing their other benefits such as resistance to fading, soil and stains. Here, the Waverly Sun N Shadecollection includes fashionable coordinates St. Croix on the chaise and the curtain in Curvature. “Avoid fabrics with threads that pets can pull,” Swanson suggests. “Instead of delicate painted kitchen chairs, choose chairs with an antique finish. Another scratch or chip would add to the desired distressed effect.” Brenner finds “lots of baskets, metal candlesticks and picture frames, trays and books from flea markets or bargain stores” to be kid and pet friendly. “Look for multiple-purpose objects—storage ottomans that also make great coffee tables and extra seating and floor pillows for kids to lay andplay on or watch TV.” For more information about Waverly and Sun N Shade indoor/outdoor fabrics, visit www.waverly.com online or call (800) 423-5881.
