Pet-friendly homes are something that you’ve probably been hearing a lot about lately! Dogs are part of the family too, and they deserve to feel a part of your home. Similar to a kid-proof house, a dog-proof house is designed to protect your four-legged friend and your furniture.
When designing a pet-friendly home, I take into account beauty and functionality. Here are my must-haves in order to have a happy dog and a beautiful house.
Pet-Friendly Fabrics
No matter how well-trained your pet is, accidents will happen. Muddy paws after a rainy day, accidental spills, an upset tummy… These unavoidable challenges might make you think you need to sacrifice your home’s style. The good news is that’s not true! By using the right materials you can easily fight scratches, pet hair, dirt, and stains. So what do you need to consider when it comes to pet-friendly fabrics?
Durability
When looking for a durable fabric for your furniture, pay attention to the rub count. The higher the rub count, the more durable the fabric will be. This basically means that a fabric has been tested and can withstand the listed number of rubs back and forth before visible wear starts to show. Anything over 30,000 rubs has a higher durability level. If you’re in the market for a new sofa, Joybird offers a wide variety of pet-friendly upholstery fabrics!
Quality
Whether you allow pets on your furniture or not, there is no denying paws will be on it at some point or another. That’s why you need quality fabrics that are easy to clean. Consider looking for stain-resistant fabrics, like Crypton or Perennials, with non-porous fibers such as solution-dyed acrylics.
It’s also important to consider the characteristics of your pet (Does it shed or scratch a lot?) and pick the best fabric option for you. Woven fabrics, short-pile cotton velour, low-pile fabrics, leather, and synthetic materials, like Microfiber, are good options to look at. If you have a pet that sheds or scratches, consider a tighter weave fabric like Microfiber, which is easier to clean, and avoid loose weaves and textures that will trap the fur and catch sharp nails.
Pet-Friendly Flooring
When it comes to flooring, hard surfaces win. Durable, pet-friendly flooring is a must-have in any home with dogs. You have many options to consider, but here are my favorites.
Tile
Consider using a ceramic or porcelain tile. They’re scratch-resistant and easy to clean, plus they’re non-porous so they won’t absorb smells. If a marble is your desired aesthetic, don’t worry! They have some great porcelain options these days. I recommend a matte finish, like this Arabescato Marble tile to help reduce any slipping.
Wood
If you prefer something with a little more warmth, hardwood is a great option too. Make sure you select a harder wood like maple, oak, or walnut, versus something softer like pine or cedar that will show dents with the first paw print that touches it. Because preventing wear and tear is a must, a factory-finished floor will work better than true hardwood.
Rugs
Just because you have pets doesn’t mean your home has to be void of rugs! Ruggable has changed the game for indoor rugs. My favorite is the Johnathan Adler collaboration! Indoor/Outdoor rugs are a great option as well for pet-friendly solutions. Keep an eye out for those solution-dyed acrylic rugs or anything polypropylene for more stain resistance.
Pet-Friendly Features
Every member of your family deserves a special place in your house, including your pets! Creating corners just for them helps to build their routine (And trust me, they love it!). It also helps with things like reducing anxiety because our fur babies are creatures of habit. They start to predict events, learn what to expect, know where to go and when, and all of these things make your interactions with your pets and family so much easier.
Pet-Friendly Personalized Toy Storage
Kids have a toy box, and so should dogs! By organizing your pet’s toys in just one place, your house will stay cleaner. With a little training, you can teach your pet exactly where they can find their toys, and even teach them to drop their toys back into their basket! Baskets come in all shapes and sizes which makes it really easy to find something that matches your home’s decor.
Expert doggy mom tip: Get creative. Don't limit yourself to only baskets for pet toy storage. Consider some fun kid’s storage ideas.
We love using baskets as a storage solution! Do you want to learn about it? Storage Solutions: Creative Ways to Declutter and Organize
Pet Niches and Crates
Pet’s need a space to call their own, where they feel safe, protected, and relaxed. The perfect place for naps (and safekeeping while you’re out) just got a little more fun. Imagine having a little house just for your dog under the stairs! Or incorporate your dog crate into a piece of furniture like this cabinet to maximize functionality and style.
Dog Washing Stations
Dogs need baths too, and while it’s fun to watch your pup play outside and get muddy, it’s not so fun to see that mud come back inside! Having a dedicated dog wash station is a great solution to turn baths into a fun experience. Consider using a transition area from outside, like mudrooms, garages, and laundry rooms, to add a dog washing station. This option will allow you to tie into existing plumbing, making the process easier and less expensive.
Expert tip: Remember, this is a shower, so make sure you’re choosing slip-resistant tiles with a matte or textured surface to help your dog’s stability.
Built-in Food Stations
The kitchen is the heart of the home and the most used room by all your family members, including your pets. Rather than freestanding bowls that have the tendency to get knocked over, have you considered adding a cool built-in spot for their food and water bowls? You can build this into your kitchen cabinets, and even add a pot filler as an easy way to fill their water bowl! Now, your dog always knows where their food is, and it looks really stylish too. Practicality and beauty at its finest.
Pet-friendly living is knocking at your door
Creating your home includes designing in a way where pets coexist with style, comfort and practicality. By considering your pet’s needs, using durable materials, designing furniture for everyone’s comfort, and creating personalized corners, you will transform your home into a comfy space for every member of your family, including the four-legged ones.
If you're eager to bring these pet-friendly design ideas to life, look no further than Amy Rebekah Interiors! Drop us an email and take the first step creating a space that combines style and pet-friendly design.
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