Tips for Creating a Pet Friendly Haven
Calling all of those with furry friends!
Here at Brick + Beam Studio, we understand that pets are an integral part of your family and home. Designing spaces that are both stylish and accommodating for your furry friends is not only possible but can also enhance the overall comfort and functionality of your home. Here are a few of our favorite design tips for creating comfortable living with your four-legged friends.
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Flooring
Hard surface flooring is the best choice with pets – our recommendations in pet-occupied rooms are laminate, vinyl, stone or tile. These materials are easier to keep clean than carpet and they are cooler in hot weather. If your pets are prone to accidents you might want to consider a waterproof laminate floor such as COREtec.
If you prefer hardwood floors, keep in mind that hardwood scratches more easily than other types of flooring. You also need to clean up puddles quickly to prevent staining. If you do opt for hardwood choose a harder wood such as oak, maple or hickory rather than pine or cherry which are softer and more easily damaged.
Area rugs will help protect your hard surface flooring from damage in high traffic areas and help prevent your pets from slipping on slick or polished floors. Wool rugs are naturally stain resistant, there are also a lot of pet-friendly synthetic rugs on the market made from recycled polyester and polypropylene. Be sure to use a rug pad underneath the rug – not only does the pad keep the rug from slipping but it will protect the floor below.
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Fabrics + Textiles
Let’s face it, our pets love a cozy sofa or bed just as much as we do. To keep your upholstered pieces in tip top condition while cozying up with your furry friends, we recommend the following fabric brands that can resist stains, moisture, odor and germs – Crypton, Revolution, InsideOut and Sunbrella. Most furniture brands offer a variety of performance fabrics on their frames, each with their own performance characteristics.
Crypton Fabrics are liquid and stain resistant, durable, armed with antimicrobial properties, and PFAs-free.
Revolution Performance Fabrics are stain resistant and some are bleach cleanable.
InsideOut Fabrics are planet friendly, UV and fade resistant, while also being liquid repellant and bleach cleanable.
Sunbrella Fabrics repel both water and oil stains, they are fade resistant and bleach cleanable.
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On the flip side, we recommend staying away from tweeds and highly textured fabrics that claws can get caught in and can trap hair easily. Leather is another risky textile, unless you select a leather that is already distressed to help camouflage potential scratches from your pet’s paws. If your heart is absolutely set on leather, we recommend top grain, semi-aniline leathers.
If your four legged friend snoozes right next to you in bed each night, a duvet is your best bedding option. The duvet can be removed and washed as needed and something with a little pattern will help to hide pet fur.
Designer Pet Accessories
If you love the idea of your pet’s furnishings and accessories blending in seamlessly with your home’s aesthetic and décor, check out these manufacturers for a fun take on beds, crates, bowls and even toys.
The Foggy Dog – They have a great variety of fabrics for their cozy dog beds, making it easy to find one that compliments your home’s aesthetic.
Love Thy Beast – Look no further for a stylish food bowl for your furry friend! They also offer a variety of beds to keep your pet snug as a bug.
Frontgate – While predominantly a company for people products, they offer a pet crate that provides ultimate comfort for your pet and doubles as an attractive piece of furniture.
Fable Pets – This company’s modern and contemporary design style is reflected in their pet crates, cozy beds and accessories.
By incorporating these pet-friendly interior design ideas into your home, you can create a harmonious environment where both you and your pets can relax and enjoy the beauty of your personal space.
For more personalized advice on designing your pet-friendly home feel free to contact us here or book a Discovery Call. We look forward to working with you!