Last Updated on September 6, 2024
Everyone wants to decorate their homes according to their taste and style but with a pet tagging along you may be forced to make a difficult decision.
Do we choose comfort for our pets or style? The answer is both. It is possible to be chic without sacrificing your pet’s comfort so read on to find out how.
Floors
Your pets will be prone to running around or playing around the house so it is important to choose floors which are able to withstand scratch marks, debris, vomit etc.
What To Choose
Hard surface floors are a better option than textiles for your pets since you have to deal with paw prints, spit, and litter. You can choose ceramic tiles since they are easy to clean and are also scratch proof.
They are also cool making them a good option for summer especially for pets with long fur. You may also choose from painted concrete, terrazzo and brick if you want to bring variety to other rooms.
If you want to go for an elegant look, hardwood floors are also a good option. But be sure to choose good quality wood like mahogany and oak.
What To Avoid
For hardwood floors avoid woods like fir and pine. Avoid using porous materials like marble and other natural stones as they might be damaged by the acid in pet spit.
Tips
Remember to regularly clip your pet’s nails to prevent scratching for hardwood floors.
Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs enhance the interior of the house however for a pet owner they can quickly turn into a nightmare to clean.
What to choose
Carpets will muffle the noise of clicking claws but can be vulnerable to stains. So choose carpets that closely resembles your pet’s fur or even patterned carpets. You can also opt for low pile carpet which is easier to clean or modular carpet tiles which are cheaper to replace if damaged.
Rugs, on the other hand, are good if you have tiled floors as they prevent slipping especially in case of older pets. Choose rugs made of tough fabrics like sisal, silk & wool. Patterned rugs are a good choice for hiding stains.
What to avoid
The most dreaded thing for a pet owner is a carpet littered with shed fur, feathers, vomit, and stains. To avoid this skip wall to wall carpets altogether as they form an ideal spot for pets to lounge around and are prone to damage.
Also, avoid continuous loop carpet which may get stuck on your pet’s toenails. If the above does not sound ideal to you then put the carpets of your choice in rooms which your pet doesn’t frequent.
Investing in an expensive Persian rug may not be a great idea if you are living with your pet. Rugs are an ideal napping spot so you don’t want to spend your money on rugs that are not going to last long anyway.
Tips
To lengthen your carpet’s lifespan clip your pet’s nails and brush them regularly. Vacuum regularly to keep the carpet free of fur. Clean the stain immediately to avoid setting in.
For rugs, use sea grass mats which suit any décor and you can throw them away when they no longer look good.
Furniture, Curtains, and Upholstery
Protecting your precious furniture from scratches, bites, and tears requires a bit of effort. So, be sure to keep in mind your pet while buying furniture for your house.
What To Choose
It is ideal to choose chairs without skirts which are a magnet for pet hair. A better idea is to get your pet their own furniture such as cat trees, beds for their own space. Our favorite cat bed is the Hepper Pod Bed. It’s designed by a cat owner, so you know the product will make your life easier.
For chairs and sofas choose fabrics like denim, canvas which are easy to clean. Ultrasuede is another choice as they are stain and odor resistant and antimicrobial.
Patterned upholstery or those which match the color of your pet’s fur provides good camouflage. The same applies to your bed covers. To save effort use duvets for your bed as they are easily washable. Protect your mattresses by covering with moisture resistant pads.
Long curtains may look grand but prone to collect pet dust and susceptible to tears. So use shorter, dark-colored drapes or skip curtains and use wooden blinds instead.
What To Avoid
Avoid fabrics like velvet, tweed which are fur trappers for your sofa. Leather is easy to clean but can be a hassle when cats puncture into it with their toenails.
Tips
Place a cushion or backrest in chairs or sofas where your pet likes to lounge. This will minimize damage to your furniture.
Paint
Pets have a tendency to mark on walls and damage them with spit, droppings etc. This not only damages your walls but can also be very difficult to wash off.
What To Choose
Use paints which make walls easy to clean such as semi-gloss paints. Satin and egg-shell colors are also great options in terms of elegance and ease of cleaning.
What To Avoid
Cats will be tempted to scratch textured wallpapers so use stencils instead. Flat paints are not good options as the paint may flake off while cleaning.
Tip
Put your favorite wallpapers in rooms your pets don’t visit often.
Collectibles
Anything that is within potential reach, be it your priced vase or special edition china collection will fall victim to your cat’s pounces or your dog’s tails.
So, to prevent weeping precious collections keep them in a glassed cabinet within view of your guests and but out of reach of your pets. Keep paintings high up on the walls where your cat cannot scratch them.
Entryway
Your pet’s habits will heavily influence how you will design it. A pet-friendly entryway will ensure that your pet can clean up properly before entering the house.
An impervious floor like tiles and semi-gloss painted walls will make for easy cleaning in case of splatters. Install a shelf or cabinet to keep all necessary supplies like toys, medicines, towels for cleaning at hand. You may also install wall-hooks to keep the leashes tangle free.
Space
Like most of us, our pets need space to themselves so keep that in mind while decorating your house. You can buy cat trees, dog crates or incorporate spaces into your house’s interior.
For example, build a space for your pet beneath the staircase or window or get a cat perch similar to the room’s trim. For pets who spend indoors most of the time, ensure there’s a large window overlooking the streets so that they don’t feel suffocated.
A space dedicated to your pet’s entertainment is a wise investment. This space will be equipped with their favorite toys and treats and in turn protect your stuff from damage while playing.
Tip
Keep the windows shuttered to prevent escape or startling passerby from barks. Keep rugs near warm or cool areas depending on the weather for your pet to lounge or nap.
Small Apartments
As people become more accustomed to the urban lifestyle, it is important to be creative in order to make compact spaces both owner and pet-friendly.
Pets, especially dogs are sensitive to sounds so they may become anxious and confused by the sounds of neighbors and passers-by.
To solve this you can install smart speakers on the walls. The music from the speakers will soothe your pet while the speakers remain out of reach of any potential damage by the pets.
You can also make use of the nooks and corners in your house and turn them into great pet homes.
Final Thoughts
Being creative is the key to a great experience in your new home for both you and your pet. Despite all the hard work into planning, however, be prepared to be greeted with unwanted problems that come with living with a pet.
Nonetheless, take these experiences with a grain your salt and enjoy your precious moments with your pet in your new home.
