10 home design tips with pets in mind
Getting ready for a new furry, feathered or scaled addition to the house? Here are 10 of the best home design tips with pets in mind.
Source: https://www.homestolove.com.au/home-design-for-pets-14636
For many of us, a pet is an essential member of the family, and creating a pet-friendly home is one of the best ways to make sure your furry friends are happy, while also minimising your own stress if a little oopsie occurs. Here we share 10 of our top home design tips for pets to consider.
Adding any sort of pet to the family often results in a dramatic rethink about your home design — how will you accommodate the newest member of the household? In addition to figuring out how often to clean, exercise, and feed them, it's also vital to think about how your new pet will fit into your home, and how you can create a space and routine for them that you can live with it.
To help you out, here are 10 of the best home design tips with pets in mind.
THINK AHEAD
If you're building or renovating, this is a good time to think about your pet's needs. Dog beds and cat flaps don't have to be kitsch eyesores if you take a considered approach to their inclusion.
"Clients commonly ask about incorporating space in the laundry where the pet will sleep," says architect Jan Robertson of Robertson & Hindmarsh. "You might also want to consider a deep tub for washing a muddy dog and good ventilation for litter tray areas."
CUSTOMISE IT
Forget paw-print cushions and day-glo beds, creature comforts can be modified to suit your style. Blanket boxes can be converted to cat beds and kitchen-drawer feeding stations – there are lots of creative options.
MATCH, DON'T MIX
Have a look at your home as it is and consider what may need to change. "If you have your heart set on a black cat, pale lounges and soft furnishings are a rookie error," says Paul Mansfield from online magazine Pooch.
CHOOSE A VERSATILE SOFA
"The only sofa your pet really has his eye on is yours," says Paul. "If it's leather, you may need to reset your design aesthetic to the distressed look. Microfibre is the fabric of choice for a pet owner – it's easy to clean and wears well."
CREATE A FEATURE
Fish can't wreck your home, which is probably why they're Australia's third most popular pet. Hanging a fish tank may cost a pretty penny but it will add an interesting element to a space, and you can also consider investing in a more sculptural home for your scaled friends as well. Don't forget to have fun with playing around with the interiors of the tank, either — play around with different stone and coral options.
If you don't have a fish, think about organising a striking cat run or stylish furniture for your kittens. You could also create a cute little corner specifically for your dog and their many belongings.
BREATHE EASY
It's important to pick a spot in the house where your feathered friends is not in contact with toxins.
"Cooking fumes, air fresheners, scented candles and hair spray are poisonous and cigarette smoke can be fatal to birds," says Irene Falcone, founder of online organic beauty and lifestyle store Nourished Life.
Furthermore, it's a good idea to keep your furry friends away from these air pollutants where possible too as they have sensitive noses.
INVEST IN A GOOD VACUUM
Whether it's fur or feathers, you'll be vacuuming a lot more once you have a pet, so make sure you've got the best vacuum cleaner possible.
Pet vacuums come with modified accessories, advanced filtration systems and extra suction power. Wash the vacuum filter regularly to stop odours building up and, if it has a bag, pop in a moth ball or a cotton wool ball infused with a drop or two of essential oils.
BE PREPARED
At some point, your pet will do the unthinkable... on the carpet, on the sofa, even on your bed.
"I've found a product that really helps neutralise smells left by urine and other nasties called Doggy Don't Smell," says Irene. "It has a blend of organic ingredients that destroy the bacteria that causes the smell."
COVER YOUR TRACKS
If you have timber floors, expect a certain amount of scratching over the years.
"We chose vitrified porcelain tiles in the shape of timber planks with an ingrained effect," says Leanne Carter-Taylor of Quintessential Duckeggblue. "Our four dogs can run around on them without skidding. Best of all, their claws don't leave any tracks."
THINK AESTHETICS
If industrial and antique objects are your bag, think about chic storage. "On a trip to Belgium I found a giant metal coffee bean container, complete with original advertising," says Leanne. "It has a hinged lid and is perfect to keep dry pet food fresh."
Source: https://www.homestolove.com.au/home-design-for-pets-14636