If it's brand new, have you tried asking the supplier what they recommend? We got a booklet from our supplier when we got new carpet with ways to treat various stains on that particular carpet. Each kind of carpet will be different. Also, have you tried a professional carpet cleaner? If all else fails, try your luck with your insurance company - I know others who have got carpet replaced because of bad stains - depends on your policy.

You could always use rugs/area rugs to make the family space more cosy :)

HI Madison There are pros and cons for every situation, but you need to work out what is best for your lifestyle. Personally, I agree with the carpet in the living room, and hard flooring in the kitchen/dining areas. All you need to do is work out your demarcation points (where carpet will meet hard flooring). A great retailer should be able to visit you at home, discuss options, give you pricing and away you go! (Us if you are in Auckland :) ) With littlies, I'd suggest a vinyl plank.....other posts will tell you I'm a big fan of it, but with kids, toys, mess, liquids etc, vinyl planks will give you the best wear over time. They are very hard wearing (Karndean have lifetime residential warranty), easy to keep clean, and waterproof - can be installed in all wet areas. Timber flooring, depending on which you choose (real wood, engineered wood, laminate), may not be the best "fit for purpose" products in your situation. Whilst I'm not trying to champion one product over the other, having had carpet with little kids, and putting drop sheets over carpet, under highchairs, why wouldn't someone not put in vinyl planks?

It looks absolutely fine and why most of us do it this way if we want family rooms with carpets. Just get some fab stools..then u won't notice the change of flooring.