If you are a pet owner, you may feel like you have to choose between a home out of a magazine and your pet. But you can have a beautiful home, while still making it pet friendly. By considering certain factors, and choosing the right materials, you can get the best of both worlds.
7 Interesting Tips For Home Design with Pets in Mind
Don’t let your pets dictate how your home has to look. To get the home you want, while still making it pet friendly, there are some easy steps to follow.
Pay Attention to Materials
Materials are going to be a huge factor in the success of your home. Especially if you have a large cat with litter box issues (see https://petsho.com/best-large-litter-box/ for more details) or tends to get dirty, you need the right fabrics. From couches to chairs, curtains and rugs, every fabric matters. For example, you don’t want something that will be super light in color durability. You also want things that are easy to clean.
Avoid whites and very light colors that will show stains and prints. Darker colors and things with patterns will always work better with pets. You should also pick things that will match your pet’s fur to help the mess blend in.
In terms of fabrics, you want to look for things like synthetic microfiber or leather that isn’t too smooth for furniture. You should also stick with tightly woven fabrics like microfiber and linen for bedding. Avoid lace, silk and satin which are more likely to get torn and damaged.
Choose Durable Surfaces
Durability is key, especially when you have lots of pets. You want to pay attention to both functionality and ease of cleaning when you choose things like floors and countertops. Pet nails, paw prints, and accidents are all potentials that need to be prepared for.
But you can still get beautiful surfaces without sacrificing durability. Look for glossy surfaces over matte, which will show prints and marks more. Also avoid something overly slippery, which is more prone to causing accidents. Vinyl or textures laminate are probably the best options for looks and easy maintenance.
Avoid Wallpaper
Wallpaper may seem like a good idea, until your pet starts to scratch at the walls. Wallpaper is expensive, and can be costly to patch, especially when the pattern is discontinued. Paint on the other hand, is much more durable and scratch proof. It can also better withstand staining from pets that may spray when going potty. It is best to just avoid wallpaper altogether and go with the more durable, and cost-effective option of paint.
Design Around the Pets
Whether it is water dishes, food containers, litter boxes, or anything else, there are plenty of things you might want out of the way. This is where smart furniture and design choices can make or break your home’s overall aesthetic. Nothing is more unattractive than a litter box in the middle of the room. You can choose furniture, or pick spaces that will hide these items, while still making them accessible to your pet.
For example, food dishes can be placed in drawers when not in use if you feed your pet at certain times a day. You could also put litter boxes in cabinets with holes for access, or choose an enclosed one with a decorative appeal to work in your bathroom. You can also hide things in a closet, but train your pet to notify you when they need to access what is inside.
Match to Your Décor
A nice way to tie your décor together and include your pets is to match them to the rest of your space. If you have a blue theme, choose blue pet beds and blankets. If you have a print you use, look for dog bedding that features that print. The pet product industry has something for everyone, making it easy to find stuff to match your home.
This will prevent your pet’s furniture from standing out as the focal point, or clashing with the rest of your décor. You can even choose colors of toys and bowls to go with the rest of your home. If you want raised furniture, you can also get wood that matches the rest of your furniture.
Create Room to Play
It can be a great idea to have some designated space for your pets to play. Just like with children, having a playroom for your pets to go crazy in is a great way to protect the rest of your home. Place toys, beds, cat trees, and more in there to create a space they can go to get their energy out.
A large home is not required to create room for your pets to play. You can create space in your living room for your pets to run around and avoid running into any furniture. Make sure to always leave room to allow your pets to move through your home, even when hyper.
Don’t Forget Your Yard
Your home doesn’t stop with the interior. Your yard also plays a vital role in how your home looks overall. But you don’t want to take away from your pet’s play area by choosing the wrong things. Make sure you choose plants that are pet friendly to avoid illnesses and injuries. Pea gravel is a fantastic option to protect your pet’s feet and prevent any health problems. You should also avoid clutter in your yard. This minimal look will both be more aesthetically pleasing, and make your furry friends much happier.
Conclusion
Just because you have pets doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on home design. By following these helpful tips, you can make your home look great, while still making it pet friendly.