5 Pet Friendly Interior Design Tips
This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase we may earn a commission. You can read our full affiliate disclosure by clicking here.
Who said that you can’t have the best of both worlds: a fabulous home and an indoor pet? We certainly didn’t. As a matter of fact, we believe that with a bit of planning, some patience and a dash of creativity, you can have your home just the way you want it while still providing a fun place for your furry friend to live.
Be careful with your floors. If your floors are currently fully carpeted and you’re considering installing hardwood or tiles, we’re personally all for it because it’s definitely easier to keep your floors clean by going with those options. Now, this doesn’t mean that you have to go without carpet. If you do want to use it, just make sure to put down some large rugs that can be dry cleaned and to try and keep your pet away from rooms that have lightly-colored carpet (also make sure to pick stain-resistant fabrics).
Watch your paint choices. It’s not something that a lot of people tend to give much thought to, but the reality is that if your walls are highly-textured, your pet’s fur is going to be a magnet for it. So, consider going with the kind of paint that is semi-gloss or has a flat finish. That should reduce the amount of hair that you’ll see (on your walls, that is).
Go “light” on the windows. If you have a cat and you have some big windows, there’s a pretty good chance that Kitty is going to be spending a significant amount of time on the window sills. Therefore, you don’t want to go “all out” (in price) on the window treatments (especially if the cat is not declawed). Therefore, opt for more lightweight and sheer fabrics. In the places where you want to be more elaborate, make those “no pet zones”.
Protect your bedding. Speaking of “no pet zones”, while some people have that as their bedroom, others prefer to sleep with their furry friend. If you are in the latter category, no matter how trained your cat or dog may be, there are bound to be occasional accidents. You can prepare yourself by covering your mattress with a thick pad, using cotton sheets and selecting dark-colored comforters that can be easily washed in your own laundry room. It’s also smart to have a bedding place designated just for your pet in your room and to have a pillow that is all their own.
Keep “tempting things” at bay. Crystal vases, water features, and fine art are all examples of things that you definitely don’t want your pet around. So, make sure to display them in rooms where your pet is not allowed to go and/or to place them high enough out of their reach. The truth of the matter is that even if you do have an indoor pet, just like with a child, there still need to be “house rules” about what is accessible and what is not. As you’re designing your place, think about the things that are most fragile and put them where humans, rather than pets, hang out.
