There’s no denying that your pets are cherished members of your family. They bring joy, companionship, and endless entertainment into your life. However, they also bring dirt, debris, and a lot of furs into your home. Presenting unique challenges when it comes to maintaining a stylish and functional home.
From scratched floors to fur-covered sofas, it’s easy to find yourself balancing your love for your furry friends with your desire for an aesthetically pleasing living space. But it is possible to create a pet-friendly and stylish home.
Flooring
Regarding pet-friendly flooring, the key considerations are durability and ease of cleaning.
While wooden flooring is a beautiful and desirable option, pet claws can easily scratch it. If you’re certain that you want wood or a wood-like style, you should consider oak or bamboo flooring, as these are harder materials.
Another choice, and a more budget-friendly one, would be luxury vinyl tiles (LVT). These offer the appearance of wood flooring whilst being scratch and stain-resistant. LVT flooring is also known to be incredibly durable and easy to maintain.
You might even consider ceramic or porcelain tiles, which are exceptionally durable and easy to clean. It’s best to get tiles with a textured finish, though, as this provides better traction for everyone, including your pets. Reducing the risk of slips and falls.
If you prefer the warmth and comfort of carpet, though, you should consider a low-pile one. Choose a forgiving colour to help camouflage pet hair between cleanings. Additionally, you can invest in a high-quality carpet with stain-resistant properties to help minimize the impact of pet-related incidents.
Mike Jones from Simply Underlay says pet owners “have a few extra considerations to keep in mind. Opt for carpets that are durable and easy to clean, with a short pile to reduce the amount of trapped pet hair and dander. Also look for an underlay with moisture barrier properties to protect against accidents that can be cleaned without damage since accidents will happen.”
Walls and Surfaces
You’ll also want to choose materials that are easy to clean and maintain for your walls and surfaces. Painted walls in a semi-gloss or satin finish are easier to wipe down than flat finishes are. This makes them resistant to smudges and stains caused by pet paw prints or nose marks.
In areas prone to messes, such as mudrooms or entryways, consider installing wainscotting or tiles halfway up your walls. This allows you to protect against moisture and dirt. It also adds to the design of your space, creating visual interest and texture.
Decoration
When decorating your pet-friendly home, it’s important to choose accessories and décor items that are both stylish and functional. Choose durable materials such as metal, wood or ceramic for decorative accents. These can withstand the wear and tear of excited and chaotic pets.
Incorporate washable throw pillows and blankets into your décor scheme, allowing you to add texture and colour into your space, whilst providing a cosy spot for your pets to lounge in.
Whether you choose fabrics specifically designed for pets or fabrics that are simply stain-resistant and easy to clean, you’ll find plenty of options that ensure longevity.
Another element to consider is your window treatments. Consider installing blinds or shades that can be easily wiped down or vacuumed to remove pet hair and dander. Alternatively, you can opt for curtains with a durable, machine-washable fabric that can withstand frequent cleaning.
Furniture
Perhaps one of the most important factors to consider with pets is your furniture.
Look for pieces with durable, scratch-resistant upholstery in colours or patterns that can help hide pet fur and any minor stains.
For easy cleaning, consider investing in furniture with removable, machine-washable covers or cushions. Slipcovers are a smart choice for sofas and chairs, too, allowing you to quickly refresh your furniture without the hassle of professional cleaning.
Another element to consider is the layout and placement of furniture in your home to accommodate your pets’ needs. You can create designated pet-friendly zones with comfortable bedding or pet beds where your furry friends can relax without being excluded from the family.
Designing a Pet-Friendly Home
Having a pet doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice style for practicality. You can choose durable materials and easy-to-clean surfaces as well as pet-friendly décor and furniture to create a stylish living space that accommodates both you and your pets.
All it takes is some careful planning and thoughtful design choices. Then you can enjoy the company of your furry companions while maintaining a beautiful and functional home.
