Designing a Dog-Friendly Home That’s Chic and Functional

As a devoted dog mom, you want your home to be aesthetically pleasing, comfortable, and practical for you and your furry companion!  But how do you balance functionality and sophistication without sacrificing either?   Read on for tips to create a pet-friendly space that expresses your personal style.

Pet-Friendly Furniture!

Whether the rule in your home is pets on or off the couch, you’re probably still fighting the battle against dog hair on upholstered fabrics.  You can choose fabrics and materials that resist stains, scratches, and fur build-up.  The Spruce recommends the 5 top pet-friendly fabrics for your home.  Their top choices include leather, microfiber, synthetic performance fabrics, denim, or canvas.  A slip-cover in one of these fabrics is a great option, too!  Look for a color close to your pet’s hair color to reduce the appearance of any stray dog hairs.  Patterns are another great way to disguise dirt or pet-hair until cleaning day.  

 

Furniture choices can also incorporate crates and pet-supply storage.  If your dog is crate trained, then you may want a way to incorporate the crate into your living space.  Many dogs use their crates as a cozy bed, a space that they feel comfortable and safe in.  Crates aren’t known for being chic home accents, but now there are many options for beautiful ones that serve as accent tables! There are options for different wood tones and styles. Check out this Reader’s Digest list as a starting point!  Bonus if it has a drawer to stash doggy accessories!  

Whether you want to provide a dog bed or a larger nook for your precious pal, there are stylish ways to include it in your home. An aesthetic dog bed will make a harmonious addition to your living space.  Modern shapes and neutral tones work well for a modern home while fun patterns, bright colors, or quirky shapes will blend with a more eclectic style.  A sunlit corner or mudbench could be the perfect spot for a built-in nook! Better Homes and Gardens has some inspiration for you! A place that is out of the traffic flow of a bustling home could be a refurbished cabinet in the laundry room or kitchen.  A built-in nook under a staircase makes a great hideaway as well. Many dog parents use baby gates to enclose a space.  But you’re not stuck with the ugly plastic ones. There are many choices on the market now to compliment your decor!  A little creativity and some clever sourcing will keep you happy and your pet comfortable.

 

Don’t Overlook Doggy Safe Decor

From wagging tails to curious noses, home accessories need to be pet proof as well!  Dogs and cats have an inquisitive nature and may smell, lick, paw at, or chew things they find interesting.  Keep small or breakable items out of reach (or out of tail wagging zones)!  Make pet-safe house plant choices.  Real Simple magazine has a list of 9 dog-safe houseplants!  And what dog lover’s home would be complete without pictures of your beloved pet? Stunning wall art featuring your fur baby shows the world how much you value them.  John Glaser Photography’s skilled photographers will capture breathtaking images of your pet.  Options for display, from albums for your coffee table, to traditional matted portraits, or sleek modern wall art are all available.  

Designing a pet-friendly home doesn’t mean compromising on style. With thoughtful choices in furniture, fabrics, and décor, you can create a space that is both chic and comfortable for you and your furry companion. From cozy pet zones to dog-safe accessories, every detail can reflect your personal style while keeping your pup happy and safe. With a little creativity, your home can be a beautiful and functional haven for both you and your beloved dog!