Australia has a strong love for pets and this is evident in the high pet ownership stats in the country with over 28 million pets living in Australian households. However, your furry friends have different needs and accommodating their requirements when designing your abode is not only crucial for your benefit, but for your pets’ safety and comfort. Designing a space that caters to both your needs can enhance your living experiences.
How to Design a Stylish and Practical Home that Caters to Pets
Here’s what to consider when creating a living space that suits both your family and your furry friends.
Flooring Matters
The floors of your home takes a lot of wear and tear from its occupants whether they’re adults, small children, or pets. Evidently, floors also hold the house together, but above all, we walk, run, and even lie down on the floor. Anyone, including pets, can be rough on the flooring of a house.
It’s crucial to choose materials that are durable, easy to maintain, and pet-friendly. Pets can scratch, chew, or spill on floors, so choose the right flooring that will suit your style, preferences, budget, and the needs of your animals.
One of the easiest flooring materials for homes is tiles. Tiles are one of the best options for pet owners. They are highly durable and can withstand wear and tear better than other options. Tiles are highly resistant to scratches making them ideal for homes with pets. Furthermore, they are easy to clean and maintain by sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping with water and cleaning products.
With proper sealing, they can be stain-resistant for protection against accidents and messes. Additionally, tiles can help keep your house cool in warmer weather, providing a comfortable surface for pets to lounge on. Most importantly, they come in different sizes, shapes, and colours making it possible to design and create a stylish and functional space that complements your home’s design.
Designated Spaces
Beyond flooring, consider the materials used for your furniture and walls. Opt for stain-resistant and easy-to-clean fabrics like microfiber or leather for your furniture For walls, must be painted with durable and washable paint that can withstand the occasional scuff or mark.
Create designated spaces for your pets’ specific needs. For feeding, select a quiet corner away from high-traffic areas to minimize distractions during meal times. Add a gate to keep your beloved pet from wandering while they are eating and keep a non-slip mat in the area to prevent bowls from slipping or tipping. Several fashionable indoor gates are available such as retractable, free standing, or baby gates for a stylish pet area.
When it comes to sleeping areas, choose a spot that is quiet and peaceful, comfortable, and secure. A spot in the living can work quite well in addition to the bedroom, sunroom, or porch. The best location will ultimately depend on your pet’s personality and preferences, so it is best to experiment with different areas to find the perfect spot.
If you have feline pets, a quiet and secluded area that is ideal for their litter box. Moreover, assign a play area such as a room or a corner in your home where they can have fun. For grooming, create a grooming station for your pets such as a nook in the bathroom, laundry room or mud room.
Overall, it is possible to design a living space with your pets in it. Choosing the right flooring, wall, and furniture materials help as well as designating specific spaces where pets can eat, play, and rest.
Creating a Harmonious Space
Designing A pet-friendly home doesn’t mean compromising on style. By choosing the right materials for your flooring, furniture, and walls, and by creating designated areas for feeding, playing, and resting, you can ensure a harmonious living environment for both you and your pets.
With a thoughtful approach, it’s possible to create a home that is both beautiful and functional, providing a comfortable and happy space for every member of your family, furry or not.
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