Transform what pets need into the decor you want
HARTFORD, Conn. — We love our furry pets and adore everything about them — except their unsightly pet supplies all over the house.
From food bowls to crates, cat towers to toys, animals come with a lot of things to make life great for them. That doesn’t mean it needs to be ugly. There are ways to cater your interior design for your pets.
Sharon Mccormick, of Sharon Mccormick Design, had a number of suggestions on to better incorporating your pet gear into your home.
Think multiple uses, such as a crate that is part of an end table or a spot in your bottom kitchen cabinets for food bowls.
There are tons of other creative ways to make your home look great and keep your dog or cat happy and healthy.
The first tip is to create a recess in your bottom kitchen cabinets for built-in food and water bowls.
She suggested including a faucet over the water bowl to prevent spills. Every pet owner knows the annoyance of filling up the water bowl only to spill half of it before putting it back down on the floor.
Next, consider using an end cabinet in a kitchen, mudroom or laundry room as a pet bed. Your dog or cat will love being amid the family but will be out of the way in a quiet corner. Metal mesh doors can be added for when your pet needs to be crated.
When it comes to pet food, pullout storage bins inside cabinets can be a great way to add ready-to-scoop kibble. Bins with covers are best to contain any odors.
If you’re just beginning your renovation project, plan ahead
for your animal. Short pocket doors can be used as a dog gate but slid out of the way when not needed.
For feline friends, small sisal rugs or rug samples can replace scratching posts and are much more visually appealing. Place them in areas where your cat is prone to scratching furniture.
The rugs also can be easily and inexpensively replaced as necessary.
Another way to encourage your cat to scratch that is not an ugly tower are metal etageres. They are available in various finishes with scratch pads and shelf cushions.
Throughout your decor, consider using washable, pet-proof fabric. Buy washable rugs and use as slipcovers on furniture cushions. These are easily removable if company comes and keeps pet hair off your friends’ clothes.
One of the things pets love to do, especially cats, is lounge on window seats. Mccormick suggests making a cutout for a pet bed or litter box in front of the millwork.
Don’t love pet toys all over your house? Pick a bench or console meant to hold baskets to corral pet toys, leashes and pet grooming supplies. This will keep everything you need in one place and look better.
Pet culture has lead to a number of furniture designs. On the market are end tables, night stands and crates with separate spots for beds and litter boxes.
Many high-end furniture manufacturers make pet beds that look like tiny love seats or fourposter beds. Your pet lounging in one of those is sure to impress your social media following.