Our pets are family, and a house that welcomes them can still be beautiful. Most of it comes down to choosing the right materials. The good news: the choices that work for pets also work for spilled wine, grandchildren and parties.
Colors that hide fur
Pick colors close to your pet's coat, or ones with enough depth to hide a little wear.
- Warm neutrals. Khaki, caramel and cream hide hair and minor stains. A caramel velvet sofa is a good example.
- Deep colors. Navy, deep red and moss green hide wear and add character to a room.
Fabrics and textures
Performance fabrics have come a long way. Velvets, bouclés and woven textures now come in versions that feel luxurious and clean up easily. Velvet in particular is a good choice: claws don't catch on it the way they do on a loose weave.
For rugs, wool is naturally durable and stain resistant, and a patterned or textured wool hides hair between vacuuming. Jute and sisal are durable too, though cats sometimes treat them as scratching posts.
Furniture
- Sofas with washable slipcovers or a performance velvet in a deep color.
- Chairs with tight upholstery and raised legs, so you can vacuum underneath and fur has less to cling to.
- Ottomans with storage for leashes and toys.
- A feeding station built into the kitchen cabinetry, so bowls have a home that isn't the middle of the floor.
- A good pet bed in a frame that matches the rest of the room.
Floors and windows
Harder woods like oak or maple in a matte or satin finish show fewer scratches. For draperies, outdoor-grade fabrics like Sunbrella come in good textures and resist stains and fading.
Bringing it together
A pet-friendly room is planned, not compromised. Choose durable materials, pick colors that forgive and give your pets a place of their own in each room they use. If you would like help, book a discovery call, and bring the dog.
