Pet ownership is on the rise.
According to a 2011-2012 American Pet Products Association (APPA) survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet. In 1988 just 56% of Americans were pet owners.
As more and more of us cohabitate with our fuzzy, furry friends, the need for pet friendly décor is surging as well. In fact, the APPA reports that Americans have spent more than $55 billion on pet-related products so far in 2013.
Which all brings to mind a common conundrum: how to keep your home stylish and visually appealing while accommodating the many needs of a high-energy – and often messy – pet?
Following are just a few simple tips:
Vacuum. Vacuum. Vacuum. Nothing is more unattractive than a carpet or sofa strewn with animal hair. Dyson has a vacuum for pets designed just for pet owners – engineered to remove all hair and dirt from upholstery and carpets.
Strong, stain resistant upholstery. When choosing fabrics, make sure the fabric is either stain resistant, scotch guarded or, at a minimum, matches your pet’s fur color! Leather is ultra-sturdy, and surface wear adds to its character. If you prefer fabric, consider using exterior upholstery fabrics. I suggest the Sunbrella line by Joe Ruggiero. It’s beautiful, yet durable and easy to care for – and comes in hundreds of patterns and colors.
Forgo wall to wall. Abundant carpeting absorbs odors and is difficult to clean, so hard surface flooring is ideal when you own pets. Hard wood is beautiful, but a large dog can wreak havoc on it, leaving deep scratches. Stone or tile flooring is optimum – especially for larger animals.
Throw rugs. Recommended for cats and dogs area rugs are great and can be placed strategically to help prevent pets from tracking in debris and dirt.
A place for everything. Keep toys organized in one central locale and stored in an attractive bowl or basket. Hang leashes, collars and towels from handy hooks and stash waste bags in drawers or cabinets.
Sweet dreams. Dogs can spend up to 14 hours a day sleeping, so quality counts when choosing a dog bed. The options are endless, but select a bed that ties into your décor and keep the colors dark.
A space of their own. Dogs love small spaces. Create a special pet hideaway like a breakfast nook or large closet where pets can sleep and retreat. You can even build their home into one of your kitchen or pantry cabinets using a revolving door.
Built-in feeding. To obscure messy pet dishes, install bowls in a low pullout drawer. If you don’t opt for a built-in system, at least make sure your pet bowls are stylish and stored under a table or chair.
Do you have any creative ideas for pet friendly décor? If so, I would love to hear from you! Visit us on Facebook and post your photos there.