If you have pets, you'll want something with a more smooth texture that doesn't trap the hair as easily. With kids you just have to insist they eat in the kitchen, not on the furniture as nothing is foolproof against a child's food or drink. I would get something with as tight a weave as possible to help wiith resisting pet claws. The pilling comes from a fabric that has a high percentage of polyester, so you might look at more natural fibers like linen or cotton.

And then you could get one of those Surefit furniture covers. Probably not the look you want, but might help for a while if the kids are young. I put a throw on the back of the sofa since the dog likes to sit there. Silverlined is right, no eating.