When you have a couch that is going to be loved in equal parts by kids, pets and adults, you have to make sure the one you purchase is practical, functional and going to work with your lifestyle.

The L-shape couch Molmic custom made for Tamara and Andrew ticked all the boxes. The size fitted into the small lounge space, and yet, is large enough for five adults to spread out on. The pets were also consciously incorporated into this design. The reality is that cats love clawing couches and Great Danes are a magical horse-cross breed who will sit where they please. The fabric I chose for this sofa had to stand the test of time.

There is no fail proof fabric that can remain soft and cosy whilst withstanding tough treatment from animals, teenagers and family meals on the couch. I had to search for a fabric with a high rub count (in a nut shell, the higher the rub count, the better the survival rate). I started at 10,000 rubs. Have you ever tried to rub a piece of cloth 10,000 times… yep, it takes a while!!

Once I had found three different fabrics (Lanark Col Thistle, Col Cloud from Mokum and Casablanca Lux Pinot leather from Molmic), I then created a multi-pattern design on the couch by interchanging the base and back cushions in a random placement. I did this to accentuate the quirkiness of the house, but also to emphasise the versatility of the furniture piece. Mix-matching patterns is a practical way of changing the fabric one cushion at a time, should one become worn or damaged. Having said that, I think I have them covered for a good three years of ‘couch love’ before they have to worry about replacing cushion fabric. If Hamish the Great Dane learns about his new bed on the floor and the cats continue to enjoy their coffee table sanctuary, then this couch should live a very long life indeed.

For a full list of this week’s suppliers and extra content on this – and all episodes of Deadline Design – head to Lifestyle.

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Images: Vanessa Hall, Lifestyle.