Your pet is a part of the family. When you're putting together your home, it's important to consider their needs. There are plenty of pet-friendly design and decor ideas that can keep your furry bundle of joy happy and safe. And you won't have to compromise on style, comfort, or cleanliness either! Here are the ways you can all live in perfect harmony.
Choose fabrics that last
If you want to skip slipcovers, you'll need to choose fabrics and textiles that can stand up to scratches, bites, stains, and messes. Avoid expensive and delicate materials like silk, velvet, or fur-traps like wool. Instead, opt for pet-friendly furniture fabrics like canvas, denim, leather/pleather, and tight-weave tweed. Get inspired by your pet's looks and choose a material that matches to disguise fallen fur.
Opt for hard-wearing floors
Like fabrics, your floors can be a magnet for pet scratching sessions, toilet breaks, and muddy paw prints. Skip carpeting and opt for low-maintenance floors that are easy to clean. Vinyl, cork, ceramic and porcelain tiles, and laminate can provide a stylish look while keeping pets happy. If your heart is set on hardwood floors, consider mahogany or oak.
Go glossy when painting walls
Dirty marks and fur can wage a war against beautiful walls. However, painting them in a glossy finish or going for washable acrylic can take the stress off your shoulders. Just be sure these paints are non-toxic and free from heavy metals. Good colours are those that will camouflage marks; pick medium-to-dark neutrals such as grey, brown, taupe, and navy blue. These colours will also appeal to buyers if you decide to sell at a later stage.
Say goodbye to dirt and dander
You don't have to let your pristine home go to the dogs and cats in your life. Consider their habits and make changes that will keep things clean. Add a mat to the front door where they can wipe their paws. Install built-in shelves or have dedicated storage bins for pet cleaning items like towels, lint removers, and vacuum cleaners. By placing their bed near an entrance, you can stop them from tracking messes all over your home.
Invite nature into your home
Your pet will appreciate greenery inside and outside your home. Of course, be sure to check with your supplier that the plants are not toxic to your furry friends. Cats will love lemongrass, roses, and catnip. Dogs will appreciate rustling spider plants, African violets, and Boston ferns. Plus, they will lend their beauty to your home.
Give them their own toys
If the sight of scratched furniture or chewed-up shoes is leaving you barking mad, you need to give your pets their own stimulation. There's a wide range of chew toys, pet scratchers, and puzzles that have colours and textures which will blend in with your decor scheme. By placing items in storage bins your pets can access, you can keep your home neat and tidy.
Hide pet bowls and treats
Rover and Patches may love their food, but it can be an eyesore around the home. Instead, get creative by hiding their bowls in pull-out drawers or incorporating them into cupboards and kitchen islands. If they must be out in the open, hide them amongst potted plants. Also, resist the urge to buy smelly dog treats like pig's ears and rawhide bones. Instead, choose biscuit bones or air-dried beef for smiles all around.
Protect your favourite knick-knacks
Delicate vases, treasured picture frames, and expensive vases are ripe for falling over or being pushed by bored or energetic pets. These should be placed on higher shelves, displayed safely in glass cabinets, or mounted with adhesive putty or tape to stay in place. Also, be strategic with your showpieces. Choosing items made from wicker or heavy stone can be more practical than fragile items.
Make fur baby safety a priority
Like children, your pets can get into trouble around the house. You can use childproof locks to keep them out of drawers and cupboards. Blockades can prevent them from putting a paw into out-of-bounds areas. All dangling wires and cords should be secured away. Toilet lids and trash cans should be kept on at all times. Ensure any toxic chemicals or medications are kept away as soon as you're done using them. Also, it's important to choose a safe neighbourhood where your pet will be free to roam in the backyard.
Carve out their own special space
Whether indoor, outdoor, or a combination of both, your pets will need a dedicated spot for them to rest and play. When inside, ensure their bed matches your decor scheme and provide them with plenty of toys to keep them occupied. If they're spending time outdoors, ensure they have spots to shelter from the sun, wind, and rain.
Move into a pet-friendly property
You couldn't imagine life without the barking and meowing members of your family. And you don't have to. Century 21's Boksburg team can help you find a property that has everyone's tails wagging. As an agency that supports the local SPCA, we share your passion for your pets. View our properties for sale or properties to let, and contact us today.