10 Essential Tips for Pet-Friendly Home Interior Design

Making your home pet-friendly while still maintaining the style you want may sound very hard, but it’s not that hard at all when you follow the few tips below. Pets are valued members of our households, and every person should be able to live in a home that is safe, comfortable, and beautiful and also pet-friendly. Whether you’ve got big dogs or tiny cats, here are 10 rules you must remember when designing a pet-friendly home.

1) Choose Durable Flooring

Having pets at home means that your flooring will get a lot of abuse over time, so proper care has to be taken. If it is the sound of our cat’s claws running across the floor or our dog bringing in some dirt, some floor coverings are more suitable for pets than others. Tile, laminate, and hardwood are good because they are hard-wearing and easy to clean. Choose tiles or wooden flooring with a dull surface. A laminate floor is another cheap type of floor that resembles more hardwood but has better resistance to scratches. If you do not feel comfortable with hard floors, go for low-pile stain-resistant carpets or carpet tiles that can be easily replaced in case of any spillages.

2) Pet-Friendly Fabrics for Furniture

Pets can also do a number on furniture, so it should be covered. Choosing the right fabrics is important to ensure that your furniture costs lasts for a long time and looks good. Leather and microfiber are two of the best materials for homes with pets. Leather is hard, smooth, and easily cleaned with a dry cloth, while microfiber cannot be scratched easily and can be cleaned with water. Do not use velvets or silk, as they get ruined quickly, and pet fur sticks to them. If you like the concept of a couch but are concerned about spillage, consider getting materials that can be washed in machines, such as slipcover.

3) Use Washable Paints for Walls

Animals are somewhat clumsy, and your pet can be a real disaster with scenarios such as a dog showering the entire room with water after shaking or the cat rubbing itself on the wall. Use paint finishes such as washable, high-gloss, or semi-gloss for your walls because these are easier to clean without damaging the paint surface. They are particularly helpful when painting the places that get the most traffic, such as doors, hallways, or wherever your pets may come with dirt or scuff marks. If you are concerned with the ability to sustain the look, then you can use modern, easily washable paint to get the desired colour and finish.

4) Designate a Pet Zone

Every pet owner’s household must have a separate pet zone. It can be a small area of the room where your pet can have everything needed for its comfort and safety, everything must be in its place. This space should be easy to clean the floor, whether it is tiled or wooden, and it should be equipped with your pet’s bed, food and water bowls, and toys. This specifically assigned area is good for your pet’s well-being and prevents the cleanup of certain accidents in one section of the home. As an extra touch, you want to give your pet a unique and stylish area for their bed, perhaps creating a small space under a staircase or constructing a bookshelf.

5) Stylish Storage Solutions for Pet Items

It becomes very complicated to keep everything organized, let alone hide them, but there are elegant pieces of furniture for storage. There are ornamental baskets, elegant storage benches, or specialized cabinets where pet accessories will be safely kept but will not spoil the appearance of your house, and everything necessary for your pet is within reach. Additional storage pet feeding stations located in drawers or kitchenettes with pull-out surfaces that can be pulled up to avoid any sight of the dish when it is not in use is an added advantage.

6) Pet-Safe Plants

It’s possible to keep pets and plants as housemates, but one must be keen to select pet-friendly plants. Many plants can be found in many homes today and are poisonous to pets; these include lilies, sago palms, and philodendrons. In its place, choose the ones that are safe for the pets like the spider plant, Boston fern, or African violet. These plants are safe for dogs and cats; bringing a part of the outdoors indoors will not harm your pet. Before buying a plant, it is always advisable to seek clarification on the toxicity status of the plant in case you are not too sure that a particular plant is toxic. One might want to position the plants on pots situated on other higher grounds or hang them to save them from being bitten by curious pets.

7) Pet-Proof Window Treatments

Cats and dogs are especially keen to observe things from the window. However, some window treatments, such as long curtains and blinds with cords, are dangerous to pets. Cordless blinds or shutters are also a better choice for pet owners because they don’t pose the dangers of a loop and are built to last. Purchasing curtains made from strong, thick fabrics that cannot be easily ripped is recommended if you like curtains. Curtains should also be made short so they cannot sweep the floor and become a plaything for pets or chewed. Also, window treatments can be complemented by window perches or low furniture adjacent to windows where your pet cannot influence the curtains.

8) Elevated Pet Beds

Other types include elevated pet beds, which are perfect since they offer comfort to your pets and give your home the right look. These beds are different from ordinary pet beds that may get spoiled or dirty after some time because they keep your pet off the ground and away from dust, cold floors, and drafts. At the same time, many elevated beds are also much easier to clean – air circulates underneath, avoiding dampness and unpleasant smells. Fashionable pet beds are elevated and come in many different designs, so it is easy to find one that matches your furniture style.

9) Pet-Proof Furniture

Furniture protection is important for pets who love sitting on couches or chairs. It may sound amusing, and joking apart, it is possible to pet-proof your furniture while making it stylish. For sofas and chairs, opt for those with washable, removable covers or use throws that can be easily washed or substituted. This not only makes your furniture last longer but also makes it easier to clean up afterwards. Modern furniture also has some pieces built with the pet in mind; they incorporate materials that the pet may not scratch or design the pet’s items in a hidden way.

10) Hidden Litter Areas

Litter boxes are a responsibility that is unpleasant for those who own cats. But these can be hidden from sight without compromising the home’s looks. Modern furnishing has called for many furniture items to have hiding spaces for litter boxes, such as cabinets or benches. For example, you can keep litter boxes in less conspicuous places like closets, stairs, or utility rooms, yet remain accessible to the cat. Ensure the space is well-ventilated to reduce odour and ensure there are litter mats to help manage the mess.

Conclusion

Planning your house interior design with these tips will ensure comfort for you and your pets. If the choice is made correctly, comfortable and practical living conditions for all family members can be achieved by using durable materials, choosing the right place for storing things, and creating a pet-friendly design.

Greentech Interiors offers professional consultation and customized design services to help make a beautiful, pet-friendly home. Concerned with sustainability and functionality, we provide unique interior designs that can suit the homeowner and their loved pets. Visit Greentech Interiors to discover how we can turn your home into a pet-friendly home.