DESIGN WITH PETS IN MIND
Responsible pet parents prioritize safety, comfort, and happiness for their animal friends by creating pet-friendly homes. If you have pets, particularly cats and dogs, here are some tips for making your home both attractive and functional for all family members, whether two or four-legged!
Pet-friendly flooring
Pets can be hard on floors. Sharp claws and nails, and dirt and grit on paws, can scratch veneer and so, if you have pets, your flooring should be durable and easy to clean. Common choices include luxury vinyl and tiles, with vinyl being the most popular because it is ‘softer’ underfoot than tiles.
Fur-resistant furniture and upholstery
You may think you have trained your pet not to sleep on the sofa, but it is wise to ensure your furniture is pet resistant. Your best choice for upholstery is durable weave fabrics, such as microfibre, acrylic, and crypton, that resist claw marks and stains. Pleather and leather are easy to clean, but they show scratches. Avoid corduroy, velvet, and other delicate materials. They retain hair and stain easily.
Designated pet spaces
Creating a dedicated space for your pet helps it understand boundaries and makes it feel safe. Pick a low traffic spot that is not hemmed in by furniture and equip it with a luxurious pet pillow that complements your décor, and an attractive basket or storage box filled with your pet’s toys, and then enjoy playtime with your furry friend in that space!
Pet dedicated cabinetry
No one likes tripping over pet food bowls before the morning’s first cup of coffee! Avoid this by creating feeding drawers, low-level drawers containing built-in food bowls. You can also install a pet-specific pullout cabinet to keep pet food, grooming items, and other pet accoutrements out of sight, but within reach. Modifying existing cabinetry is an inexpensive job for a contractor or cabinet supplier.
Windows
Pets love looking outside, so you should account for this when treating your windows. Start by thinking about where your pet sits. Does your cat like the windowsill? Then protect the windowsill from scratches with an attractive pillow or decorative covering. Does your dog like basking in the sun? A low bench or coffee table in front of the window with a pet cushion on it will let your pet admire the world in comfort, and the bench can double as overflow guest seating!
Window Treatment
Appropriate window dressing is important when you have pets. Avoid low hanging blinds, as pets can get tangled in them, and stay away from fabric drapes and curtains, because playful cats will not only rip them to shreds but can bring curtain rods crashing to the floor! Instead, try roller blinds or screen shades. They are durable; can be pulled down for upper window privacy and sun protection; and can be adjusted so the bottom is open for pets to look through.
If you address your pet’s needs when designing your home, your reward will be endless purrs, wags, and cuddles! Who wouldn’t want that?
Karen Horte, DID
karenhorteinteriors.ca
Instagram: @karenhorteinteriors
