Pets have become beloved family members for many of us today. As much as we adore our furry babies, designing a pet-friendly home that is stylish and beautiful can be a challenge. Let's face it, along with all the affection and cuteness comes the drool, shedding, accidents, dirt and grime, and all the pet essentials that can throw off your design aesthetic.

I've got great news for you though. Homes with pets can be just as functional, fabulous, and animal-friendly...here's how!

Tip #1: Performance Fabrics for Furniture

Choosing the right upholstered performance fabrics can be a game-changer when selecting your furniture pieces.

Textured and woven fabrics are great for hiding both stains and pet hair. Going with richer color tones, or prints and patterns, are also great options for hiding scratches and snags.

Microfiber or synthetics are very useful for disguising unwanted odors, and they stand up well to wear and tear over time.

Leather is another great performance fabric. It is easy to wipe clean and is known for its durability. Any surface discoloration or scratch marks enhance the character of the piece.

Not wanting to replace your existing furniture? You can always try using the performance fabrics I mentioned above as slipcovers.

Tip #2: Resilient Flooring for Every Room

There is a variety of smart flooring options to consider for your pet-friendly home. Ceramic, porcelain, vinyl, laminate, and hardwood are all great options:

Ceramic and porcelain are particularly strong flooring options, as they are sealed and offer quick and easy clean-up.

Vinyl has come a long way, and there are even plank options that resemble stone and/or hardwood. Vinyl is also great at adapting to each season, holding heat in the winter and keeping cool during the summer.

Laminate can also look like real hardwood and is moisture resistant. It is a great option for everyday messes and accidents.

Hardwoods can be equally beneficial. I would suggest choosing from oak, maple, bamboo, or Brazilian walnut, as they are known for being very resilient.

If you currently have oak floors but you’re tired of the faded tone here is a must read….Should I Keep My Oak Floors?

Tip #3: Use Indoor-Outdoor Rugs for Extra Protection

Indoor-outdoor rugs are great for adding extra layers of protection to your floors, as well as for trapping moisture and mud. They also bring style and coziness to a room while adding pops of color or texture.

Polyester, nylon, and polypropylene are particularly strong material choices for rugs, although any indoor-outdoor fabric you find is likely to withstand up to the wildest of pets. These rugs are very durable, can be mold- and mildew-resistant, and are generally very easy to clean and maintain. Rugs are useful for covering up any damaged areas or adding more grip to the floors for your pets.

Bonus Tip: Stay Organized

As always, organization is always the key to a well-balanced home. Having designated drawers for your pet's items can help keep the clutter at bay and keep all the essentials in one place. Creating the illusion of built-ins is another great way to seamlessly incorporate your pet's crate or feeding station. Get creative with ways to integrate your pet’s living style with yours and you will successfully have a functional, fabulous, and animal-friendly home!

If you find yourself overwhelmed by choices and unsure where to begin, consider one of my virtual packages. Here is a great one to get started…. Room Review.

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Warmly,
Celeste