Tips for Decorating a Pet-Friendly House
Summer is the perfect season for redecorating and renovating the home. As you pick out furniture and design elements that make you feel more at home, why not consider your pet’s needs? Decorating a pet-friendly house will help all your family members feel more relaxed, even the four-footed ones.
A Spot Just for Them
As you choose the new design of your home, it’s a good idea to include pet furniture in that plan from day one. This way, you can be sure that your pet has the cat tower or doggy bed of its dreams while you get furniture that matches your overall design. Remember that a scratching post is essential for keeping cats from scratching new furniture.
No Exposed Wood
When picking out new furniture, avoid anything with exposed wood - or make sure you introduce the items slowly and cautiously - and with some parameters. This includes sofas with wooden feet and anything made of wicker or rattan. Cats and dogs often mistake these features for chew toys and scratching posts.
Tough Flooring
Dog owners especially need to be careful when choosing new flooring. Hardwood may look beautiful, but it dents and stains easily, making it harder to maintain with pets at home. Consider using laminate, stone, or ceramic flooring instead for easier cleanup.
Pet-Friendly Walls
Avoid walls with lots of texture, as these tend to collect pet hair and dander more quickly. And while you’re at it, why not paint your house in colors that keep your pet calm? Since cats and dogs have limited color vision, painting your house in colors they can see will help them feel like your home belongs to them, too.
Designated Dirt Zone
The number one tip for decorating a pet-friendly home is to designate one area of the house as the dirt zone. When you return from taking your furry friend for a walk, return to this room first so that you can better control where they track in mud, dirt, and water.
Watch Out for Wagging Tails
Depending on the size and breed of your pet, you may need to pay special attention to what you place at tail height. Coffee tables and low shelves are prime real estate for decorating, but happy tails will likely knock over anything you put there. End tables are a great alternative location to set your glass sculpture or morning cup of coffee.
A home should feel welcoming to all of its inhabitants, animals included. Next time you redecorate your house, consider putting in some pet-friendly touches to help everyone live harmoniously.
