Living with pets and having a beautiful home may seem like conflicting interests, but we’re here to tell you that going pet-friendly doesn’t mean giving up on the space and beautiful spaces you’ve been dreaming of. It’s possible to have the best of both worlds, as long as you’re willing to follow a few pet-friendly design tips and get creative. When it comes to protecting your pet’s space, there are many innovations – such as functional beds and pet furniture that pulls two jobs – that can make life as a pet owner 10x easier.
You can have a beautiful space without having to take your beloved animals out of their dedicated enclosures or buildings. Read on to learn our best tips for pet-friendly living.
1. Choose a hard floor over a carpet.
Carpet is a magnet for pet odor, not to mention all the fur and dander. You will have to deal with accidents or illnesses from time to time, so a strong house should be your first choice to preserve your peace and sanity.
But wait: not all hard floors are pet friendly! Real hardwood floors are susceptible to scratches, especially from dog nails, and marble-topped stone surfaces can easily be damaged in an emergency. Ceramic tile is one of the best choices for homes with pets because it is scratch resistant and easy to clean. Vinyl plank flooring is another great option that is waterproof and scratch resistant. In addition, it comes in different shapes that imitate the real thing, so you can get the look of solid wood without worrying about damage.
Source: @meganstokes
2. Match your interior color palette with your home decor.
Many pets shed their fur, which can leave hair stuck to your furniture and the grass on your floor. A smart way to hide pet hair is to match the color of your furniture, bedding, and flooring to the color of your pet’s fur. If you have a chocolate labrador, for example, opt for a rich espresso base. For an orange tabby cat, consider a cream bed, or go with a gray bed for your furry friend. It’s not to say that you don’t need to clean your floor and your furniture (you should!), but combining colors with your fur will make shedding them invisible.
3. Create a mud pit for your puppies.
Dirty dog poop is one of the downsides of having a baby in your home. To make cleaning mud and other outdoor gunk from their feet as easy and mess-free as possible, consider creating a mud pit for your pooch in one of the entry points of your home. Opt for tile floors or washable rugs, and set up a station with an easy-to-access rug. You can build a doggy bath to spray your pup with when they have a bad excursion and a good chance to wash them.
If space allows, you can also place your washer and dryer in that area as well as your dog food and water station to keep all the mess in one unsightly area. And for homes with both dogs and cats, this dedicated bedroom will also be a great space for your feline friend’s crate.
Source: @apriljoy_ful
4. Choose pet-friendly bedding.
Silk, satin, and gauzy fabrics can be dreamy, but these fabrics are also prone to snags from dog nails and cat claws. High heels are fun and comfortable on the feet but can be a huge headache when it comes to cleaning up pet accidents. And although suede is durable, it is lighter.
Best clothes for pets? Finely woven materials such as canvas, microfiber, or strong twill are the least likely to hold and are resistant to dirt, moisture, and mess. Many retailers also offer performance clothing designed to give you the look you want while standing in pet clothing. For cat owners specifically, velvet works is a fabric to consider-because there is nothing for the cats’ claws to connect to the fabric, it can not hold it. Note that velvet is an attractive wool though—you must brush it regularly to keep it free of hair.
5. Use a soft cloth.
Even if you’ve chosen containers with pet-friendly fabrics, you’ll probably still need to wash them occasionally due to accidents or dirty paws. If you’re afraid to pull out a small carpet cleaner for every mess, covering your furniture with a blanket is a great hack. Not only will cloths protect your furniture, but you can also easily toss them in the laundry while the cleaner cleans up the mess for you. The same trick applies to pet hair in general and a simple throw blanket is cleaner than an entire sofa!
6. Choose pet furniture with style and function in mind.
Pet furniture does not have to be boring and beige. From dog beds to cat trees, and even litter boxes and crates, you can find a variety of modern, stylish designs that will flow with your home decor instead of cluttering it. In fact, some pet furniture goes beyond just blending into your space by actually adding to the overall vibe. You may spend a little on some pieces, but they are just like any other piece of furniture or decor you buy.
Source: @jennasuedesign
7. Hide your litter box well.
Speaking of trash cans, you may find the trash cans on the market today look like nothing more than a side table. If having a box in the main part of your house is the main thing for you, you can reconsider when it comes to these good containers that protect the box of your cat while you are used twice as a decoration. In addition, think about the TikTok content you can get away with byte sound “No one will know”. How will they know?
8. Choose faux wood.
Some plants are poisonous to pets, and even if you are careful about the variety you choose, many pet owners find it difficult to let their animals in their plants. The solution to both problems? Faux wood. Artificial plants are not only a great alternative to keeping pets safe, but they are also low maintenance, unlike real plants. All you have to do is dust off the paper every now and then and go about your day!
