Creating chic and stylish pet-proof homes
In this day and age, having pets can cost almost as much as raising children. I would know! I have three Labrador retrievers in my condo, and my fave vet, Dr. Racky Velasquez, is on speed dial.
They have weekly grooming and monthly vet visits, and even their meals have been upgraded. We’ve gone from regular kibble to blueberries at breakfast for their anti-inflammatory benefits, with rabbit and duck broth mixed into their food.
With pets becoming such an important part of the household, it only makes sense for our homes to consider them, too. Creating stylish interiors today also means thinking about their comfort, safety and everyday needs.
More and more, homes are being designed with dedicated pet zones in mind, from beds placed in strategic areas and proper baths with drying spaces to pet-friendly flooring that is easy to maintain and less slippery, as well as furniture that works better for senior pets.
1 Create a pet zone
Having a pet zone means choosing the best area for your pet to rest. A memory foam bed is especially good for senior dogs with hip dysplasia.
Look for spaces that can be incorporated into the home, such as under the stairs or in a nook by the library shelves, where your pet can stay close while you work.
For cats, a wall-mounted scratching frame is a great option. Built-in storage is also worth considering for toys, food and other pet essentials.
2 Consider pet-friendly fabrics
Leather and other performance fabrics are practical choices because they are durable and easy to maintain. For homes with cats, however, leather may not be the best option. Whatever you choose, make sure it is comfortable for your fur babies and easy to clean.
3 Go for machine-washable rugs
Area rugs should ideally be machine washable. Fur, dander and other pet dirt can easily collect on rugs, so choose ones that can be cleaned as often as needed.
4 Choose high-performance flooring
Choose durable flooring that is also comfortable and safe for pets. I avoid high-gloss finishes because my senior dogs tend to slip on them, which can aggravate their hip dysplasia.
5 Choose pet-friendly plants
Having plants at home means checking which ones are safe for your pets. Some may trigger allergies, while others can be poisonous. My golden retriever used to eat the plants in our lanai and would end up with bloodshot eyes for weeks!
Consult your landscaper or check which varieties are pet-safe before choosing plants for indoor and outdoor spaces.
6 Avoid the coochy-coochy pet motifs
Cartoons, dog paws and similar motifs? Let’s leave those for the clinics. Pet-friendly interiors can still look polished and sophisticated.
7 Match your pet furniture with your home
If you have a minimalist palette, carry the same concept into your pet furniture and accessories. The same goes for a maximalist home filled with patterns and prints. Matchy-matchy is the key!
8 Choose quality items
Invest in pieces that will last. Quality also means choosing items that are durable, practical and easy to maintain.
9 Choose tasteful pet furniture and décor
If your interiors feature modern pieces, incorporate the same design language into your pet furniture. Interesting furniture and sculptural elements can look incredibly chic, such as the Hermès Patapouf leather dog bed. A Jonathan Adler pet bed, meanwhile, can bring a more whimsical touch to the space.
Designing intentionally for your pets allows them to enjoy the wonderful life they deserve while keeping your home cozy, stylish and true to your own aesthetic.
The author is the founder of Chat Fores Design Studio, an award-winning and recognized interior designer known for redefining and elevating spaces. She specializes in residential, hospitality and amenity spaces for different real estate companies. Chat has also collaborated with international design firms to create residential interiors in Manila
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