Interior Design for Pet Lovers’ Homes

Tuesday, September 19th, 2017

Rachael Ray Home by Legacy Classic Furniture Accessories Dog Bed w reversible Cushion 6020-600

If you are interested in reading this article, then you are probably a fur parent (the term that is now used to describe a pet owner).  Of course, you cannot imagine a life without your fur baby but nor should you compromise your home’s interior design. So, how do you actually design a pet-friendly home?

Durable Floors

It always begins with durable flooring. Pets have paw prints and nails. For both these, you will need a hard-surface material that will not be affected by your pets’ activities and vice versa.

Options like stone, ceramic or laminates are a lot easier to maintain compared to carpets. Such materials also keep the coolness on the floor during the hottest weathers. This is also a consideration for fur parents who take care of pets with long and thick fur.

While ceramics and laminates are okay, just make sure that they are not polished or your dogs and cats would slip. The addition of rubber mats or area rugs might become a necessity when the floors become too slippery.

You might be thinking of hardwood floors, too, but since you’re dealing with wood versus slobber, dents, and scratches, it is better to stay with the laminates and porcelain choices.

If you really have to use hardwood flooring, then pick the hardest varieties such as mahogany or oak. Stay away from fir or pine. Also, if you want to preserve the beauty of your traditional hardwood floors, then trim your pets’ nails regularly.

Protect the Walls

One of the most affordable way to protect your walls from your pet friend is to paint it. Pets tend to rub against walls so reserve those beautiful wallpapers for rooms that don’t get visited by your furry family member.

Pet Area

You should be able to designate a specific area for your pet. Sea grass or sisal mats are durable enough to withstand pet traffic. And when they’re too used up, all you have to do is to toss them away and buy a new one.

It’s mess-free, easy neutral territory for your pet.

Furnishings and Your Pet

When it comes to fabric upholstery, make it a point to pick those that are easy to maintain. Consider carefully the sofas and chairs that you will buy for the rooms in your home. Chenille and velvet are major no-nos since they highlight fallen pet hair.

If you have to use silk, then be sure to put them on areas that your pet cannot reach such as the windows. Tweed is also not a great material to use.

If you want stain-resistant materials, then opt for canvas, denim, or synthetics. Fabrics such as Crypton® are better able to resist moisture, germs, and odors which are all a part of pet ownership. You can also choose to have fur-toned fabrics. This is a technical way of decorating around your furry family member.

For best results, dress up the fur-colored sectional with fun accent pillows (also with easy-to-clean covers).

Of course, you also need to veer away from white fabrics. Instead, pick woven fabrics with textures, darker colors, and patterns. These should be able to camouflage pet hair and stains.

If designer fabrics are what your heart truly desires, then invest in washable covers, the slip-type. A lot of designers also say that there are white slipcovers that you can now wash and bleach before visitors arrive.

If your pet really loves to sit with you, then make a mental note of where he usually lounges. Put a throw on the chair backs and cushions where your pet loves to sit. This way, the furniture itself will be from stains.

Or you can also train your pet to steer clear of your furniture.

Tags: home with pets, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, pet-friendly home
Posted in Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Special Rooms In Your Home | Comments Off on Interior Design for Pet Lovers’ Homes