We have taken in children and found homes for numerous pets the past 30+ years. Our home was also the "go to" place for our child's friends. We did not have the time to spend countless hours vacuuming and cleaning. This is what we learned:

1) It's your home until you plan to sell it; a real home doesn't have to look like pictures in decorating magazines. If it does, no one feels comfortable because they don't want to "mess it up". Just keep it clean and tidy.
2) If you love a piece of major furniture, invest in the best you can afford; in neutral colours. You don't need everything at once. Move furniture from room to room if you get bored the way your home looks. Antiques and leather furniture stand up the best. Sometimes you get what you pay for, but watch for sales, auctions, markets, and online ads. Twenty-one years ago we purchased an expensive leather couch which still looks good although it has been well loved and USED. We also have antiques we purchased for next to nothing and refinished to suit us. Other furniture has come and gone because it failed the test of time.
3) Avoid solid coloured area rugs, fabric, and anything "non-washable" that people or dogs will be on or near. Patterns disguise stains.
4) Buy "washable" cushions and accents in the colours you love (blues, white, red, yellow) to allow for inevitable accidents. People and pets love cotton, knitted or crocheted throws to cuddle into. They can be trendy because they will require frequent washing and will need to be replaced over the years. Wash them inside out to retain colour.
5) Furniture without legs and shelving mounted on the wall or flush to the floor takes less time to clean around.
6) Anything breakable needs to be well above the swipe of a tail. Invest in non-breakable ornaments for seasonal decorating.