Creating a pet-friendly interior can be a fun and fulfilling project, but it's important to plan carefully to make sure your pets are safe, comfortable, and content in their environment.
At the same time, you'll want to make sure that the design reflects your personal style and taste.
Here are some tips to help you decorate a pet-friendly interior that both you and your pets will love!
SHOP THE PET-FRIENDLY COLLECTION
“Such short little lives our pets have to spend with us, and they spend most of it waiting for us to come home each day. It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”
― John Grogan, Marley, and Me.
Pet-Friendly Styling Tip #1
Select Durable & Easy-to-Clean Materials
When selecting materials for your furniture, flooring, and accessories, opt for materials that can withstand wear and tear, as well as spills and stains.
Ideas include:
- Bamboo
- Microfiber
- Faux furs
- Microsuede
- Quality vinyl
- Stainless steel
- Cotton canvas
- Leather or faux-leather
- Washable outdoor fabrics
These materials are ideal as they are more durable and stain-resistant.
Mackenzie Indigo Vinyl Placemat
$26.00
Vinyl Placemat See your table as a canvas, decorate it with texture and color. We invite you to play with the designs, mix between the lines and create a table setting that reflects who you are. Sold individually. Beija Flor brings… read more
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Flooring Tips
When it comes to flooring, choose options like vinyl, or ceramic and stone tile as they are durable and easy to clean.
If you love hardwood flooring (who doesn't?!), we suggest beech, bamboo, recycled teak, or darker woods. Rugs made from synthetic materials or natural fibers like jute or sisal are also great options and can be used to protect existing hardwood flooring.
Please note, the downside of woven jute and sisal rugs is the clean-up (if your pet is not yet toilet trained) and some cats can also have the tendency to use it as a scratch pad! We recommend opting for tight weave mats such as the Armadillo Sahara or indoor outdoor rugs that are washable such as Dash & Alberts range.
Armadillo Nook | Sahara | Charcoal
$190.00
The Sahara Nook Rug is incredibly robust thanks to a double layer of jute woven into an effortless knit-like texture. Soft tassels on either end lend a tactile touch without overpowering smaller spaces. Materials: Jute Colour: Charcoal Features: *Please note this… read more
Vinyl Mat | Tiles Royal Brown | Made in Germany
$100.00
STORE PICK UP/LOCAL DELIVERY ONLY/FREIGHT QUOTE ON APPLICATION Due to the size and weight of this piece we are unable to offer our regular Australia wide delivery. For Australia-wide deliveries, a freight quote does apply for this piece.This is not calculated online… read more
Photo Source: Architectural Digest
Pet-Friendly Styling Tip #2
Pet-Friendly Furniture & Coverings
In addition to the materials listed above, there are many pet-friendly furniture ideas that can help create a comfortable and stylish home for both you and your pets.
Some of our ideas include:
- Leather or faux-leather upholstery: Leather or faux-leather upholstery is durable, easy to clean, and more resistant to scratches and spills from pets.
- Furniture with Patterns & Prints: Alternatively, patterns, stripes, and tweeds are less likely to show signs of shedding if your pet is multi-colored. Synthetic or cotton blend fabrics with a higher thread count are another option.
- Layer with blankets & throws: If you already have a sofa you love, another option is using a machine-washable faux fur, linen, or cotton throw. We personally like to cover our sofa with our Brogo Supersoft Micro Mink blankets when we leave the house.
- Washable Slipcovers: Linen slipcovers are a great way to protect your furniture from pet hair, scratches, and spills. They can also be removed and washed when needed.
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Pet-Friendly Styling Tip #3
Be Mindful of Delicate or Fragile Decor Items
We recommend avoiding placing fragile or easily breakable decor items, such as glass, coral, valuable antiques, fine art, or ceramic figurines, in easy-to-reach places.
You may wish to reserve these items for rooms of the home that are off-limits to your furry friends, place them on high shelves, in cabinets with doors, in hidden storage boxes, or simply swap them for study decorative items crafted from metal or wood.
Alternatively, depending on the quality of the surface, you could always consider the use of strong adhesive products to secure delicate or fragile items in place.
Document Box Leather with Stirrup | Black
$325.00
This beautiful document box is crafted from quality buffalo leather in a black finish. A sleek addition to any home office or bookshelf. This style combines a modern look with a rustic appeal. Materials: Buffalo leather Colour: Black We acknowledge… read more
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Pet-Friendly Styling Tip #4
Create a Designated Pet Area
We all desire a place to call our own, and our pets are no different!
Consider designating a specific area in your home for your pets, such as a corner of the living room, near a window for natural light, or a mudroom with access to the garden or enclosed balcony.
Ideally, this should be a space that is easily accessible to your pets and caters to their needs.
Make this space one they love to be in - including their favourite pet bed, toys, feeding station, treats, and water bowl.
It is a good idea to rotate toys so they don’t become easily bored…so hideaway baskets are perfect for storing the toys away, as well as small cane trunks or a nearby shelf to keep these supplies organized and out of the way.
Other storage ideas include:
- Racks: We offer a range of wall racks that are ideal for hanging leads, poop bags, and dog coats in your mudroom or entrance
- Containers: Ceramic or glass & pewter storage containers are excellent for dog biscuits and chew toys, and serve as a stylish way to store away these treats.
Blue & White Ceramic Pet Bowl
$76.00
ITEM DESCRIPTION: Add a beautiful, blue & white statement with this gorgeous ceramic pet bowl. Available in small or large, these pet bowls are functional with a stylish twist. Materials: Ceramic Colour: Blue & white Features: Sold individually Dimensions: Available… read more
Photo Source: Houzz Haven Design and Construction
Pet-Friendly Styling Tip #5
Incorporate Pet-Friendly Colours
When designing a pet-friendly interior, incorporating soothing colours can help create a cohesive and harmonious space that is both stylish and functional, whilst minimising the appearance of pet hair and scratches.
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Neutrals: Neutral colours like beige, gray, brown, and natural weaves are less likely to show dirt, pet hair, or stains (depending on your pet's hair colour).
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Cool blues and greens: These colours will help create a calming and relaxing atmosphere in your home, which can be beneficial for both you and your pets. Shades of blue and green can also evoke a sense of nature and the outdoors.
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Earth tones: Earthy tones like brown, tan, and rust can create a warm and inviting space that is both stylish and pet-friendly.
We recommend choosing colours that complement your pets' fur and selecting accessories, pet beds, leashes, and toys, that fit within your colour scheme.
Wall Treatments
In addition, when selecting colours and treatments for your wall, we recommend commercial-grade wallpapers, and washable, satin, semi-gloss, or high-gloss paints which are easier to clean. Magic erasers are another great tool to have on hand!
Photo Source: Suzie Anderson Home
Pet-Friendly Styling Tip #6
Provide Scratching & Climbing Surfaces
If you have cats, make sure to provide ample scratching surfaces, such as scratching posts or cardboard scratchers.
Both scratching posts and climbing structures can be important additions to a pet-friendly interior, as they provide cats with an outlet for their natural behaviors while helping to protect furniture and other household items from damage.
Photo Source: Lord Lou Amsterdam
Pet-Friendly Styling Tip #7
Keep Hazardous Items & Toxic Plants Out of Reach
Make sure to keep hazardous items, such as cleaning products, toxic plants, or small items that could be swallowed, out of reach of your pets. This will help ensure their safety and prevent any accidents.
Non-toxic varieties of plants that are safe for pets include:
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Spider plant: This plant is non-toxic to pets and is known for its air-purifying properties.
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Boston fern: This plant is safe for pets and can add a touch of greenery to your space.
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Bamboo palm: This plant is safe for pets and can help purify the air in your home.
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Areca palm: This plant is non-toxic to pets and can add a tropical touch to your decor.
Faux plants can also be a safe and low-maintenance alternative to real plants and allow you to add some greenery to your home.
Potted Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree w 36 Leaves
$110.00
Artificial foliage has been expertly crafted onto a real, natural tree stem to create this magnificent, authentic replica Fiddle Leaf Plant. Foliage is compacted for ease of delivery. Gently & lovingly manipulate the branches & leaves to obtain the optimal… read more
Pet-Friendly Styling Tip #8
Fragrances, Odor Prevention, & Air Purifiers
From pet-friendly fragrances to air purifiers and natural odor absorbers, there are a variety of ways to help remove pet odors from the air and improve your overall indoor air quality.
Some ideas include:
- Natural Odor Absorbers: baking soda or activated charcoal can help absorb pet odors from the air and surfaces in your home.
- Essential Oil Diffusers or Candles: pet-friendly fragrances include lavender, citrus, eucalyptus, pine, vanilla, and peppermint.
- Air Purifiers: When selecting air purifiers for pet dander, look for those that offer a high-efficiency air filter, such as the Dyson or Winix ZERO+.
Christian Tortu | Diffuser 250ml | Forets
$109.00
Forêts perfume's strength is combined into a unique quality of softness that will take you back to memories of long walks in the forest during your youth. The resin, the needles of the pine tree, the cistus labdanum, the leaves… read more
Final thoughts...
If using a pet cage for your dog, consider having a custom-made cover sewn in a coordinating fabric for your decor style. Most upholsterers can custom create a suitable cover that provides a cosy sleeping nook for your dog whilst softening the ‘cage-like’ appearance.
Thank you for reading our top tips for pet-friendly decorating. Let us know any other pet-friendly decorating tips you recommend in the comments below.
Remember, when designing a home you love, the beauty is in the detail.
