Pet Friendly Design Ideas & Tips
Pet Friendly Fabrics
It’s essential to choose a fabric that can withstand the demands of pet hair and wear and tear. The top three go to are leather, velvet and performance fabrics.
I’ve learned from experience that pets and delicate fabrics don’t mix well. When choosing fabrics for a pet-friendly interior, opt for easy-to-clean, durable materials like microfiber and microsuede. These fabrics are ideal for areas in your home that get a lot of use and traffic. By selecting these fabrics, you can relax knowing that you won’t have to worry about your furniture getting stained by your furry friends.
For pet owners, consider stain-, fade-, and scratch-resistant leathers as another great option. Performance velvets are also a good choice, especially for cat owners. Cats tend to avoid scratching velvet as their claws can’t grip it easily. Keep in mind that velvet attracts lint and pet hair, but it can be easily vacuumed due to its cut pile texture.
Pet Friendly Plants
Plants can pose a risk to your pets if consumed, a fact that may have escaped your attention. Incidents of poisoning in companion animals due to exposure to indoor plants are quite common. Research from Europe indicates that 5–6% to 11% of inquiries about pet poisoning received by poison centers are linked to plants. These events involve both older and younger animals, which may ingest plant parts out of boredom, behavioral changes, or curiosity. Such occurrences are on the rise, especially as pets are increasingly being allowed to stay indoors more often. (read full research article here).
When it comes to dogs, it’s simple to keep unsafe plants on high surfaces like tabletops or shelves where they can’t reach. However, this approach doesn’t apply to cats. You’ll need to conduct some research to identify plants that are safe for your home.
Plants to Be Cautious of Due to Toxicity: aloe vera, baby’s breath, and daffodils.
Non-toxic and Lovely Alternatives: blue echeveria, bamboo, and button fern.
Take a look at this list by the ASPCA for a full data base on toxic plants, listed by type of companion animal.
Wall-Mounted Cat Bed
Spruce up your walls with a quirky cat bed that hangs like a floating shelf. Add a cozy blanket for your feline friend to snuggle into, creating a purrfect wall decor piece. Plus, it’s a space-saving hack that adds a touch of charm to your room!
Dog Wash Station
Transform a spare bathroom or a section of your mudroom or back entry into a pet washing station. This setup will help maintain the cleanliness of your home when your pet comes in with muddy paws from outside. Additionally, it provides a designated space to store your pet supplies.
Get creative and experiment with simple DIY dog stations at home. Transform your porches, patios, or driveways into convenient spots for giving your dog a bath. It’s even better if there’s a bathroom nearby to access water. With some basic handyman skills, you can extend hot and cold water outdoors by linking a shower kit to the current setup. For the tub, repurpose a horse trough by cutting a door on one side and adding a doggy ramp for easy access.
Check out this link for further dog wash station DIY tips.
Pet Toy Storage
Our furry friends bring along a plethora of belongings, including a never-ending collection of toys. Before you realize it, you might find yourself surrounded by a mountain of pet toys without a proper storage solution. Just like organizing your children’s toys, having a designated storage space can make your room appear more neat and orderly. Opt for stylish storage solutions for your pets’ toys, like a woven or patterned canvas basket. Websites like Etsy offer adorable personalized storage baskets. You can repurpose vintage milk crates or tins which is my favorite way to store toys. You can also elegantly store your pet treats in glass jars or tins, especially if you have a designated pet area like a utility room.
Blankets For Your Pets
Even if you provide your pets with the coziest bed imaginable, they may still choose to lounge elsewhere, like on your cherished armchair or your own bed. To cater to their preferences, keep a stock of throws and blankets to cover their preferred spots. This not only helps prevent pet hair from accumulating on your furniture, but it also complements your stain-resistant sofas. Similar to organizing pet toys, keep baskets handy to neatly store the blankets.
This is our Lenny living his best life.
Hidden Cat Litter Trays
If you own a house cat or if your cat is still using a litter tray, you might have considered how to conceal it while keeping it accessible. Now, you can cleverly hide your cat’s litter tray as part of your furniture. Various designs are available to seamlessly match your decor.
Pet Beds That Double As Furniture
Unsure where to place your pet’s bed? Transforming a cabinet into a snug nook is a great idea for them to relax and sleep. If you have a laundry room, it could be an ideal location. Alternatively, the kitchen or living room are also suitable spots.
Many of us invest in pet beds to prevent our furry companions from lounging on our furniture, which can quickly accumulate pet hair causing allergies. It’s essential to opt for pet beds with washable covers for regular cleaning. Additionally, removable covers allow you to choose stylish designs that complement your decor.
Pet Essentials That Double As Furniture
When you can’t conceal a significant pet furniture item, consider making it multifunctional and seamlessly blend it into the room’s decor. Nowadays, there are numerous stylish and comfortable designer pet beds that make a statement and might even make humans envious. Check out Tucker Murphy Pet Brand on Wayfair.
A dog crate can be highly beneficial, particularly during the puppy phase. However, many consider them unattractive. Fortunately, there are stylish options available. Opt for a crate with a flat top, allowing you to add decorative items carefully (ensuring they are secure to prevent any harm to your pet). You can even enhance it with some plants and a basket to keep your pet’s toys organized.
Keep Your Home Accessories Out Of Reach
If you enjoy decorating your home with decorative items, you probably aim to prevent accidental breakages. This can happen, especially with energetic pets, particularly during their playful puppy and kitten stages. To safeguard your cherished accessories and table lamps from wagging tails that might knock them over, consider placing them out of reach. Storing your favorite items on higher shelves can also be beneficial, especially if you have children around!
If you are considering making changes to your family home, explore our services to provide you with all the assistance you require. Whether you are contemplating a complete redesign or a simple refresh, we can alleviate the stress and empower you to progress with confidence. Our online interior design packages come at a fixed rate and can accommodate any budget, big or small, helping you save money while achieving the desired results.
I look forward to seeing your amazing pet friendly home designs.
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