Tips For a Stylish, Pet-Friendly Home

Pets bring such joy and affection to our lives. Of course many of us have welcomed them into our homes. But how do we welcome them into our home and keep our own design choices? With these simple tips, you can accommodate the needs of your furry friends while still keeping things looking tidy and chic. And, Good News! It can be done with style.

Create a Place for Everything

A fashionable collar and leash tend to be the first things we buy our pets, but you’ll need a creative way to store them, too. An entry cabinet or hall tree is a great choice for pet owners – you can hang leashes and towels from the hooks and stash waste pick-up bags in the drawers. In smaller spaces, mount an eye-catching hook or wall shelf near the door and tuck the waste pick-up bags inside a pretty lidded jar. And don’t forget a big basket to keep toys out of sight when not in use. You’ll gain functionality with an added dose of visual flair.

Keep Food Contained

Ditch the half-empty food bags. Storing your pet’s food in a specialized container with an airtight lid will help it stay fresh and easily accessible. And because these clever bins are available in all sorts of gorgeous colors and motifs, you won’t even have to hide them away. Put a cute little treat jar on your kitchen counter and a larger food container, complete with handy scoop, near your pet’s bowl for extra convenience.

Choose Tasteful Dishes

Pet food dishes tend to be out all the time, so think of them as decorative accessories. From sleek stainless steel to preppy printed ceramic, there are looks to satisfy every design palate. Amp up the function and appeal with elevated stands – ideal for medium and large dogs – and attractive wipe-clean mats that protect your floors from messy eaters.

Cover Floors Carefully

Pets that go inside and out throughout the day can track all sorts of dirt and debris in with them. Well-placed mats and smart choices in rugs will enhance your home’s beauty and make clean up a breeze. Use an elegantly patterned doormat in a hard-working material like coir to wipe paws before going in. Keep an absorbent micro-fiber towel on a hook near the door to dry off on rainy days. And cover the floors in your animal’s favorite rooms with area rugs that are as tough as they are beautiful. Natural-fiber rugs like sisal and seagrass will give you durability and textural interest, while indoor-outdoor rugs offer easy care in an endless array of colors and designs.

Let Them Sleep in Style

Every pet loves having its own special place to sleep. Just make sure your furry friend’s chosen spot is one that makes you happy, too. If you’re giving your pet its own bed, find one in the same color scheme and style as the rest of your furnishings, so it complements your décor rather than competes with it. For crate-trained pups, consider a handsome cloth cover that improves both the crate’s appearance and comfort. Or perhaps your lucky animals are allowed to cozy up with you on the sofa or a favorite chair? Use an artfully placed throw to protect your upholstery while adding a splash of color.

What are the ways you keep your home pet-friendly and visually appealing? Share your ideas with us below.