Creating a Stylish and Pet-Friendly Home: Tips from Designers

Are you a pet owner who loves your furry friends but struggles to maintain a stylish home? You’re not alone! Pets can bring so much joy and companionship into our lives, but they can also wreak havoc on our furnishings. From chewed-up baskets to dirty paw prints, having pets can sometimes feel like a constant battle to keep your home looking nice.

But fear not! There are ways to create a pet-friendly home without sacrificing style. Designers who have pets of their own have shared their tips and tricks for maintaining a beautiful home while also accommodating your four-legged family members.

One key piece of advice is to choose tough fabrics for your furniture. Outdoor fabrics and leather are great options that can withstand the wear and tear that pets can bring. Performance fabrics like those made by Schumacher and Perennials are also recommended for their durability and cleanability.

When it comes to rugs, opt for inexpensive options that can stand up to dirty paws and shedding. Natural-fiber rugs like sisal or sea grass are affordable and can be easily replaced when they start to look worn. Using a nonskid pad underneath your rugs can also help prevent accidents when your pet goes running around the house.

If you have a bulky dog crate that you want to hide, consider covering it with fabric that matches your decor. You can also find made-to-order crate covers on Etsy that allow for ventilation. For cat litter boxes, tucking them under a bench or desk can help conceal them and maintain the aesthetic of your space.

When it comes to houseplants, be mindful of which ones are toxic to pets and keep them out of reach. Consider the color of your pet’s fur when choosing a color scheme for your home to help camouflage shedding. And for a seamless look, some pet owners have custom-built pet beds and dog crates integrated into their homes to blend in with the rest of the room.

Creating a pet-friendly home doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. With a few simple adjustments and some thoughtful design choices, you can have a beautiful home that accommodates your beloved pets. So go ahead, embrace your furry family members and create a space that works for everyone!