Pets are cherished members of many households, but their presence can pose challenges to maintaining a clean and safe home. From shedding fur to scratching furniture, pets can leave their mark on your living spaces in more ways than one. However, it needs a little extra effort; creating a pet-friendly home requires the right resources. Decorating for pet owners can be both stylish and practical.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best tips and tricks for creating a pet-friendly home that suits your personal style and your pets’ needs. We’ll cover topics such as choosing the right fabrics, colors, and materials, designing built-in pet stations, using washable slipcovers, and finding pet furniture that pulls double duty. Whether you have a dog, a cat, a bird, or any other furry or feathered friend, you’ll find some useful ideas to make your pet-friendly home more comfortable and beautiful for everyone.
Designing a pet-friendly home
Maintaining a pet-friendly home requires cleanliness, which may seem like a challenge, but it’s possible to strike a balance. Start by maintaining your pet’s grooming schedule to minimize shedding. Regular baths and brushing not only keep your pet clean but also reduce excess hair that finds its way onto your furniture and floors.
When it comes to decorating, consider choosing paint with a satin, eggshell, or semi-gloss finish. These options are easy to clean and withstand the wear and tear that pets bring to your walls. Avoid flat paint, which doesn’t hold up well to cleaning. Vinyl wallpapers are another durable and washable choice for your walls. If you’re concerned about showing dirt, opt for medium to dark shades or even faux finishes that can hide grime between cleanings.
When selecting furniture and accessories, think like your pets. Choose colors that match your pet’s coat to help camouflage pet hair. Keep delicate accessories out of their reach and focus on wall-mounted decor to prevent accidental pet-related mishaps.
Creating Pet-Friendly Features
Your pets deserve a space of their own. Invest in pet beds that are comfortable and easy to clean, preferably with removable, machine-washable covers. Place these beds in a quiet corner of a room to give your pets their own cozy retreat.
Think about your entryway, too. Installing tile or wood at entry doors makes it easier to clean muddy paws. Keep pet towels or wipes handy for quick cleanup. Organize your pet supplies with storage units and hooks for leashes.
Finally, make sure to educate yourself about potential hazards in your home that could harm your pets. With a little effort, you can create a pet-friendly and stylish home where both you and your furry friends can live happily ever after.
Resources for Decorating with Pets
- Decorating Your New Home for Your Dog – Tips for Creating a Dog-Friendly Habitat
- Decorating Your New Home for Your Cat – Advice on Making Your Home Cat-Friendly
- Animal House Style is a book by pet expert Julia Szabo with ideas for pet-friendly decor.
- Interior Design Hound is a blog by an interior designer who loves dogs, offering tips and inspiration for pet-friendly living.
Additional Pet-friendly home Decor Ideas
Now, let’s explore some stylish and affordable pet furniture and decor options to enhance your pet-friendly home:
- Pet Beds: Provide your furry friend with a comfortable space to rest. You can find a variety of stylish pet beds at PetCo with prices ranging from $20 to $150.
- Storage Solutions: Keep pet supplies organized with wall hooks for leashes and food organizers. Check out The Container Store for a range of storage solutions starting at $5.
- Pet-Friendly Flooring: Consider installing pet-friendly flooring such as laminate or luxury vinyl, which is easy to clean and scratch-resistant. You can find affordable options at Lowe’s with prices starting at $1.49 per square foot.
- Washable Rugs: Opt for machine-washable rugs to make cleanup a breeze. Ruggable offers a variety of stylish and washable rug options, starting at $109.
- Durable Paint: Choose pet-friendly paint finishes such as satin or semi-gloss for easy cleaning. You can find a wide selection of paint at Sherwin-Williams, with prices starting at $30 per gallon.
By combining these practical decor ideas with a pet-friendly approach, you can create a pet-friendly home that’s both stylish and safe for your beloved pets.
