Most of my clients want something that’s beautiful, but livable. A client with small children does not want to invest in a sofa whose fabric is easily ruined with one "jelly hand". It's about matching the product with the taste and lifestyle of the client. For families, a performance fabric is very important.
I like microfibers and ultrasuedes or or other fabrics that will hide staining and live up to wear and tear. Designers can get detailed information on wearability of fabric from the vendors so we can make sure we are choosing wisely. (This information is not readily available at retail outposts). Often we even professionally stain treat which treat the actual fibers, not the surface, as in the case of sprays you can buy retail.
