Family-friendly design isn’t a lesser category; it can be one of the toughest. Amy Peltier of Peltier Interiors builds her San Marino, Calif.-based practice on that premise. During our recent “From the Tap” podcast, she discusses how projects can hold up to kids, pets and second phases of life.
Durability as the Starting Point
Peltier says to treat performance as a baseline, not a fallback. Measure upholstery fabric two ways: double rubs for wear and stain resistance for real life. If a fabric tests durable but lacks protection, apply it after market. The same logic applies to rugs. Wool leads for cleanability and forgiveness. Indoor-outdoor constructions have matured to the point where the compromise is gone. Put your attention where hands and feet go: the pieces clients sit on and walk across.
Surfaces That Work
Quartzite is the workhorse for your kitchen projects. It reads like marble, performs like granite and lands in roughly 80% of Peltier’s kitchens. Marble still earns a place, but you must be strategic. Use it for backsplashes or islands away from the sink and range. Soapstone holds up for clients who want an aged, lived-in look. Bathrooms offer more freedom. Less wear means marble moves freely, and cabinetry drives the aesthetic.
Hardware, Storage & Space Planning
Reward restraint and patience with your finishes. Favor unlacquered brass left to patina. Pair it with polished nickel to settle competing preferences under one roof. Use oil-rubbed bronze and graphite tones instead of matte black, which reads as paint rather than metal. Start storage with how people live. Hide the daily mess with appliance garages, pocket doors, deep counter runs and appliance lifts. Keep the fixed pieces neutral. Invest in the family room sofa, then let pillows, art, lighting and hardware carry the trends.
For more tips on family-friendly design, listen to the full podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pandora and other outlets.
