We trim nails. And there are some items of furniture that Jax took a liking to and began to scratch on. I got some double sided sticky papers at the pet store (I can't remember exactly what they are called) and placed those on the corners of the items he was shredding. Works like a charm! And the sheets are clear so they aren't that noticable.
Luckily these are the only items he was scratching. He tends to scratch on the carpet as well. But since we keep his nails trimmed the carpet is just fine.

Keep in mind, cats have different preferences of how they like to scratch. My Taz was a horizontal scratcher. I have a carpet in the bedroom that he always used. Jax is actually both, horizontal and vertical. He does the carpet and the sides of the speakers. Paizly is mostly vertical. I have two cat trees and two posts (one tall and one short) that she prefers to use.

They do sell some scratching things that accomodate both ways. We sell one at the shelter I volunteer with. So getting one that would work both ways, at least until you know what the cat prefers, would be a good idea.

Also, for the trimming of the nails, start doing it early on so the kitten gets used to it. I could do Taz's nails all by myself without a problem. The two I currently have are a different story. My boyfriend has to hold/scruff them for me while I trim.

They also sell those scratchers that are supposed to file down the cats nails when they scratch on them. Not sure if those really work or not. Anyone have any experience with these?

Good luck!