Have you been wondering if your pet has the same taste in home decor as you?
Jokes aside đ⊠itâs true that when designing our home, we have every house member in mind. Because our pets are a part of our homes (and we wouldnât be without them!), itâs important to think about our furry (or feathery) friends, too.
The good news is, with a bit of foreplanning, you can design a pet-friendly home that doesnât compromise on style. In this blog post, weâll share ideas to help you maintain style and cleanliness in your home, all while keeping your pets happy. So, letâs get started with the top pet-friendly design tips!
Pet-Friendly Furniture
The best thing about a pet-friendly living room? You no longer have to compromise on style when making decor choices. This is because even the most durable decor comes in so much varietyâso you can choose the one that suits your taste while keeping it pet-friendly.
When choosing furniture, keep in mind the fabric. Firstly, we recommend washable fabrics that are easy to remove and clean in case of spills. You knowâthose pets often topple drink glasses over đ Here are a few ideas you can use for furniture upholstery:
- Leather. A timeless choice, leather offers superior durability as well as stain resistance. You want to opt for full-grain leather for the best quality. Also, be sure to wipe it down regularly; this makes sure the scratches donât become permanent.
- Microfiber. This oneâs a champion for repelling dirt and hair. So, if youâre tired of that cat hair all over your living room sofasâthis oneâs for you. The Valyou Apollo sofa makes for a good pick.
- Canvas slipcovers. These are removable covers, so super convenient to remove and wash. This is especially useful for protecting your existing furniture from pet hair and muddy paws. Enthusiastic chewers, too.
Pet-Friendly Flooring
The foundation of any pet-friendly interior starts with the floor. It needs to be durable enough to handle paws and spills. So, the goal here is stain-resistant surfaces, as well as those that can handle moisture and make maintenance easier. A few of our picks for pet-friendly flooring include:
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are paw-sitively perfect for pet owners. These tiles are super durable, scratch-resistant, waterproof, cool on hot paws, you name it! But, these have hard surfaces, and can be uncomfy for older pets. (If you think they get too slippery when wet, consider textured tiles).
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
If you love that look of wood for the floor, you donât have to compromise! LVP flooring will give that wood-like feel, but with pet-friendly qualities. This option is affordable, scratch- and stain-resistant, waterproof, etc. But you want to keep in mind, lower-quality LVP may not be that durable.
Laminate Flooring
If youâre looking to save a few bucks, this oneâs a great option. It offers good scratch and stain resistance, and repel moisture, too. Plus, thereâs so much variety in colors and patternsâso you can get as creative as you wish. However, this flooring can be susceptible to scratches or dents.
Pet-Friendly Rugs
Rooms definitely need some warmth. Read, a nice and cozy rug. But when it comes to creating a pet-friendly bedroom, you have to think beyond a traditional rug.
When looking for pet-friendly rugs, consider the material. Low-pile synthetic fibers have tightly woven fibers; these are stain-resistant and easy to clean. Nylon rugs and polyester rugs are both great in this regard. If you prefer natural fibers, you want to choose them with caution. For example, instead of a traditional wool rugâyou want to choose a flatweave wool rug for a more durable option. Plus, these can be tossed into the washing machine. (For ease of washing, also make sure your rug has a small to medium size).
Additionally, remember that stain resistance is the key! Many rugs are treated with a protective coating that makes cleaning up accidents a breeze, so you want to look for these types. In terms of colors, we recommend choosing darker shades for the rugs, as these can hide any stains or hair better. (We know those beige rugs are hard to resist, but dark hues are going to be a better option with those furry friends!).
Pet-Friendly Accessories
Designing for your pets also means making sure theyâre super comfortable. So, you want to choose accessories for their little home within your home. Read, cozy pet beds and pet feeding stations.
The Perfect Bed for Your Pet
There are so many options (that are also fun) when it comes to pet beds.
- Elevated beds. These offer a cool and comfortable spot for your pet. (And are especially helpful for older pets that can have joint problems).
- Boulster beds. Have you got a cuddlerâor perhaps a nervous pup? Bolster beds provide security and support for these furry buddies.
- Orthopaedic beds. These supportive beds are great for senior petsâor those with joint issues.
- Heated beds. If you live in a cold climate, this will keep your furry friends heated.
But, don’t settle for an eyesore! Choose a bed that complements your decor; thereâs so many options for every design style.
Pet Feeding Stations
You also want to upgrade your petâs mealtimes so they enjoy it more. As you do so, keep the following in mindâ
- Elevated feeders. We recommend these because they can reduce the strain on your petâs neck as they feed. Plus, they promote better digestion.
- Stainless steel bowls. Durable, easy to clean, and dishwasher safe. In short: super convenient.
- Interactive feeders. If youâre looking to challenge your petâs mindâa puzzle feeder or food dispensing toy would be a cool idea.
- Feeding mats. Keeping your floors clean also means catching spills/food crumbsâand a feeding mat can help.
- Storage solutions. Think built-in cabinets or shelves in your feeding station. These can store pet food, treats, and leashesâwhile keeping them from getting jumbled with other essentials.
Pet-Safe Plants
If youâre anything like us, you love a good few plants in the interior. They pretty much bring the space to lifeâbut itâs important to make them safe for your furry friends. This means choosing non-toxic varieties, so, even if they choose to nibble, itâs not a problem đ Some of these include:
- Spider Plant. Easy to care for and known for its air-purifying properties.
- Ferns. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes. We especially love them for the elegance they add to the space! You want to opt for the Boston Fern or Maidenhair Fern, as both are pet-safe.
- Calathea. Also known as the âPrayer Plantâ, these stunning foliage plants come in so much variety. (Youâll struggle to choose!).
- Air Plants. A unique and low-maintenance option, these quirky plants donât require any soil.
- Ponytail Palm. This low-fuss plant is safe for curious plantsâand will need little maintenance.
Final Words
Designing with pets in mind has never been more fun đ± All the above ideas will have you creating a home perfect for the furry ones⊠but, at the same time, you want to focus on their hygiene. Stay on top of their grooming sessions (to keep âem clean and minimize that shedding). And, if you prefer, you can also train your pets a certain way. For example, to stay off furniture. (Pet gates can help with limiting access). This way, youâll make sure your home is clean and stylishâand a great space for all the residents đ€
