Interiors fit for pets and their humans
Durable flooring and stain-proofed fabrics create spaces that welcome furry friends
Welcoming a new pet into a household can be an exciting time, but it can also be fraught with worries, like whether Spot will bother the neighbours or destroy the house.
Fear not — the right kind of decor, furniture and textiles will help establish a space suitable for two- and four-legged residents.
Many decor items can be purchased for pets that help maintain the overall look of a home. As with kids’ toys, the squeaky pet varieties can be kept in decorative boxes and baskets, or in benches or ottomans that come with storage space.
In the front hall, leashes, poop bags and other accessories can be kept in a basket or even a big vase, or on pretty decorative hooks.
Cynthia Soda, interior designer and principal of Soda Pop Design Inc., says families with kids can have a little fun with this: mount hooks in the shape of the first letter of each child’s name, as well as the pet’s name, so everyone’s stuff has its place.
When it comes to food and water bowls, it’s best to put them in a low-traffic area so the animals are comfortable. To demar- cate the spot, keep bowls from sliding and catch any spills, Evelyn Eshun, principal designer at Evelyn Eshun Design and “mom” to a brindle Chihuahua named Lola, suggests using a small carpet or even an end piece or sample size you can get from a carpet store.
In some new-build homes, she says, pet owners are including separate alcoves in kitchens for the dog or cat to eat and rest, away from human traffic.
If you’re choosing flooring for a reno or a new build, look for durable options that will wear well, Eshun says.
Choose an option that already has an antique look, such as a handscraped wood, which will hide marks from animals (and children, for that matter). A hand-scraped white oak in a lighter tone “is not only beautiful and attractive, but will definitely wear better,” Eshun says.
Another option is vinyl flooring tiles that look like wood but are durable, particularly in a home with big dogs, says Soda. “It stands up really well to wear and tear and scratches and mess,” she says.
Tiles can be easy to clean, but avoid glossy finishes, which can be difficult for animals to walk on. Stair runners can also give pets a good grip, and prevent scratches, Eshun notes.
When it comes to the upholstery, curtains, cushions and other textiles, you’ve got a few options for keeping them in good shape.
For upholstery, consider a stainproof option from Maxwell Fabrics or Crypton, Soda says. You can also stain-proof existing upholstery, Eshun says. Do it yourself, or consider a company such as Fiber Protect, which makes house calls.
If you will be letting the animals onto the furniture, Eshun suggests adding a pillow or throw blanket in a soft material they can be trained to sit and sleep on and that can be easily tossed in the wash.
When hanging window coverings, both designers advise staying away from puddling (extra fabric that “puddles” on the floor), and from fabrics that may be attractive to pets, such as lush velvets or a sheer curtain with holes or a pattern that may be fun to play with.
You can also get a bracket or hook to lift and wrap the ends of curtains while you’re out of the house to keep them out of playful paws.
As for walls, marks are usually inevitable. However, some companies, such as paint producer Benjamin Moore, have introduced more durable scuff-proof paints. But, it’s best to keep one little tool handy regardless.
“At the end of the day (scuffs are) still going to happen and that’s why things like the (Mr. Clean) Magic Eraser exist,” Soda says.
Finally, don’t forget to include Fido in photographs around the home.
“Print some really pretty photos in black and white, with a white matte and a simple black frame,” Eshun says.