Redecorating your house is a long and exhausting process, even more if you have to work around your pet and make sure the new space provides a fun and safe environment for it too.
So, if you’re determined to keep your dog indoors but still want your house to look just like in the magazines, here are some tips that will help you get through the remodeling and redecorating process.
Reconsider your pet’s space
If you don’t want your dog to cuddle with you at night or reach certain areas of the home, it is best to draw some strict lines regarding the inside access. However, instead of punishing your pet for trying to sleep with you in the master bedroom, you might want to build a pet door that prevents your dog from getting upstairs or in any other private areas.
You can create common areas in the house where your pet is allowed like the kitchen, bathroom, the garage, and the living room so that your pet won’t feel like it is abandoned. You can also install such a door for the basement or the place where you keep its food to avoid temptation.
What to choose for the upholstery
Pet hair is one of the biggest problems for owners who just renovated their homes and want to keep it clean, fresh, and new as long as possible. Apart from being potentially allergenic, pet hair also carries plenty of germs in it and might become a thriving environment for ticks and fleas.
If you want to keep your house clean and smelling fresh, as well as protect your dog from infections and future health problems, make sure you’re choosing a good tick repellent.
Getting back to your upholstery choices, you should avoid fabrics that act like a true magnet for pet hair such as mohair, chenille, velour or velvet. Silk and cotton should also be avoided as they can be easily damaged by your pet’s nasty chewing habits.
Safer choices include smooth tapestries, synthetic fibers, and leathers. Clipping your pet’s nails regularly may also prolong the life of the upholstery.
What to choose for furniture
Not all cats and dogs will destroy your furniture, especially if you train them from the earliest stages of their lives. However, if you want to make sure your furniture looks like new for a longer time, you might want to avoid sisal, rattan, and wicker as they are practically irresistible for your dog.
Chrome and metal legs and arms are a better choice, as well as minimalistic furniture made with shiny, soft materials.
What to choose for floors
Most animals love playing outside but keeping the house clean once they return is a hassle. And, since the floors are the most used areas around the house, you should opt for durable ones if you have a pet.
This means avoiding hardwood floors that can easily scratch or dent as they can easily get dirty and cleaning them takes time. However, if having hardwood floors is the ultimate dream for you, you might want to choose oak or mahogany as they are more resistant to wear.
Laminate flooring, ceramic tiles, and stone are great surfaces for covering the entire house when you have pets. They won’t allow pet hair to stick and they can be easily cleaned using almost anything.
They are also more durable and resistant to wear, meaning your dog or cat won’t be able to leave teeth or paw marks on them. Another advantage of this type of floors is that they will keep your pet cooler in the summertime.
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