Furry friends bring us warmth and joy by turning our house into a home. As much as we adore the snuggles and cuddles of our pets, we also know that having pets comes with a unique set of quirks. Balancing a stylish and comfortable home for the well-being of our pets can be a challenge. It means keeping functional details in mind, like durable materials that can be cleaned with pet hair remover brushes and pet-friendly spaces. If you’re looking to welcome pets into your home or just trying to make your pets feel more at home, check out our list of six things to keep in mind for pet-friendly home decor.
- Regular Cleaning and Grooming — The trick to a pet-friendly home is one that is regularly cleaned. It also requires routine grooming of your pet. If you don’t have one already, get the best pet hair remover for your pet that can be used to brush your dog or cat and also remove fur from clothing, furniture and other fixtures at home. Maintaining that pet-friendly home involves consistent vacuuming, dusting and wiping down surfaces to help keep dirt, dander and, of course, pet hair under control. Regularly grooming your pet also involves trimming their nails and bathing them as needed to minimize shedding and odors at home. That way, you’ll foster a harmonious and pet-friendly environment for you and your pet.
- Durable Flooring — According to National Floors Direct, some of the best kinds of flooring you can get for your pet should be scratch-resistant, like laminate, tile or vinyl. This kind of flooring can easily withstand denting and scratching. Getting the right floor for a pet-friendly home is a must-have. The right kind of flooring can withstand the daily wear and tear of claws and paws. Hardwood offers easy cleanup and durability, while laminate is a budget-friendly alternative to more luxurious hardwood options. If you prefer a softer feel at home, try vinyl or ceramic tile, both of which are resistant to spills and scratches. Carpets could also work if they’re stain-resistant and low-pile, but you’ll need to do regular cleaning of the carpet to keep it looking and feeling fresh.
- Designated Play Areas — Designating a play area for your pet will provide them with a safe space to relax and romp around without disrupting the rest of your home. Consider a dedicated room or corner in your living room. Equip this area with pet-friendly toys, furniture and cozy bedding for napping and resting. A pet gate can demarcate the play zone, and washable rugs allow for easy cleanup. This approach maintains order at home while keeping your pet engaged and content.
- Pet Gates — Set up pet gates in areas like in front of your bedroom where you don’t want your pet to get into. You can place a pet gate to designate an area where you’d like for them to stay to sleep at night or to rest or play in while you’re cleaning at home. For example, if you have a laundry room, put a pet gate there to designate a dual play and rest area for them. While you’re in there doing laundry, you may realize you need to get rid of all that pet hair on your clothing. Simply put dryer sheets for pet hair into the dryer to get your clothing smelling fresh and looking fur-free.
- Proper Storage — Selecting smart storage solutions for your pet’s belongings enhances the pet-friendly and aesthetically pleasing home decor experience. Food, grooming supplies and pet toys should be neatly organized to maintain a clutter-free space. Try bins and cabinets that complement your decor and still offer easy access to all of your pet’s essentials. Consider adding shelving to display your pet’s favorite items or photos of you and your pet. Containers should have secure lids to keep their items accessible yet tidy.
- Pet-Safe Details — When considering pet-friendly home decor, think of all the details like house plants, furniture and bedding, all of which should be pet-friendly. Use pet-safe house plants that aren’t toxic. The ASPCA offers extensive lists of plants that are toxic and non-toxic for dogs and cats. Furniture can be stylish, but it should still be easy to clean, like microfiber or leather, which resist scratches and are relatively easy to maintain. Slipcovers for couches and chairs offer a quick refresh. As for bedding, especially if you sleep with your furry companion, stick to durable, machine-washable and pet hair-resistant fabrics. Try microsuede or microfiber that repels fur and is comfortable for both you and your pets.
Creating a comfortably stylish place for your pet is a delightful challenge and labor of love. We hope you feel ready to incorporate any of these tips to embrace pet-friendly home decor. With the right materials, clever layouts and a few thoughtful choices, your home will easily turn into a haven for your furry friends. Let your love for your pets shine through, whether you’re incorporating cozy corners for them or just doing your regular grooming routine with a deshedder. Soon, your home will transform into a space that radiates warmth and the unmistakable charm of pet-friendly living.