Tips On How To Design A Home With Dogs In Mind
Interior Design & Decor5 minutes read
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Designing A Dog-Friendly Home - Who Let The Dogs IN?
As pet owners, we strive to provide only the best for our furry and non-furry friends. We pamper our companions with decadent treats and spoil them with our undivided attention. And we adore them as though they are part of our own family.
Thus, it’s no surprise that a majority of homeowners prefer to have their pets living with them in the house. In particular, dog owners have long had this conundrum weighing on their conscience.
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Home furnishing for dogs come in almost any colour, sizes, and styles. From covert to chic style, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Though, it’s up to you to keep Fido house-trained.
In this article, we’ve compiled tips on how to design your home to accommodate living with your canine compatriots.
The Basics Of A Dog-Friendly Home
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To that end, there are a number of basic things to look at when designing a home with dogs in mind.
Durable Flooring For Your Active Dogs
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We’d suggest opting for hard surfaces such as bare flooring. But do not misunderstand, “bare” doesn’t mean it has to be boring. Painted concrete can look great, with the added advantage of being durable. And brick or terrazzo will work just as well. Moreover, concrete flooring is also cooler during hot weather, which is a boon to our furry buddies.
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Alternatively, ceramic tile is also an excellent choice of flooring. It’s easy to clean and is resistant to any stains your dogs can dish out. Ceramic tiles are also toe-nail proof, and it makes a room look sleek and elegant. Similar to bare flooring, ceramic tiles also offer furry dogs a cool place to nap on.
However, we’d suggest avoiding porous materials such as marble and natural stones. Reason being, they aren’t as pet-proof as other hard surfaces.
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Bonus Tip: Slip-proof rugs are a great addition to any room frequented by your dogs. They look great and will protect your hardwood floors from scratches.
Carpets In A House With Dogs: Yay or Nay?
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On the flip side, having some carpeting at home can also be beneficial to your pets. Carpeting is a safer option for your dogs because it offers a non-slip surface for moving about, perfect for older dogs. Also, carpet is a good choice for your own sanity as it absorbs sound from the clicking of claws on a hard surface.
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So, if you must have carpets in your home, choose a stain-resistant low-pile carpet. This makes it so that it’s easier to clean up accidents. Also, avoid continuous loop carpeting that can unravel when caught by your dog’s toe-nail. Additionally, try to install an antimicrobial, moisture-resistant pad to ensure long term durability.
Fashionable Furnishing Fitting For Your Canines
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Denim, canvas, and synthetic materials are the best options when it comes to easy-to-clean upholstery. These materials are resistant to stains, moisture, and odours that your dogs bring.
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Otherwise, choosing tightly woven upholstery fabrics with patterns will also work well here. Opt for textures and darker colours that help camouflage stains and dog hair. And most importantly, ensure that your fabrics can be slipped off and washed at a moment’s notice.
Lastly, the “no furniture” rule is an option if you can train your dogs. But if that doesn’t work then placing throws on your cushions and chairs will help a lot.
Bonus Tip: Washable fabrics isn’t limited to your upholstery and cushions. If your dogs sleep with you, protect your mattress by covering it with a thick pad. Use cotton bedsheets in a similar colour to your dogs. And duvet covers work particularly well here.
Lay Off The Wallpaper, Painted Walls Are The Way To Go
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While unintentional, the fact still remains, your dogs are capable of damaging your wallpaper.
So if you’re keen on adding patterns to your walls, we’d recommend skipping wallpapers and opt for stencils. Save your favourite wallpapers for rooms that your dogs don’t frequent often.
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Create An Animal Room Near an Entry
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For the privileged, it’s not uncommon to dedicate an entire room to your furry friend(s). Think of it as your dog’s own bedroom, playroom, and sanctuary rolled into one. Your dog will be super ecstatic at the prospect of having somewhere to lay down for the night. Though, we can’t guarantee that he/she will stay put once a thunderstorm comes. Bring on the snuggles!
As far as room layout goes, you’d definitely want your dog’s room to be near an entrance. This way, your dog won’t track dirt and mud throughout your house after a day of frolicking in the yard. In other words, you could have your dog’s room act as mudroom that stops grime at the door. Accordingly, keep an old towel handy for wiping muddy paws clean before your dogs have a chance to track dirt through the house.
Also, flooring and walling that’s easy to clean should be in place for your dog’s room. Any delicate furnishing should be stitched from a stain-resistant fabric. Wall hooks will help keep leashes tangle-free. And also include a cabinet or cupboard to store your pet supplies.
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You can place your dog’s bed anywhere in the house. For instance, beside your bed, in the kitchen, beneath cabinetry, under a window seat, and so on.
Final Word
Dogs are Man’s best friends. And as our best friends, don’t they deserve to have all the love and comfort we can afford them? One way of showing our love for our pets is to accommodate their living habits to ensure a healthy environment for both pet and owner.
While some options may lack the finesse that homeowners crave, the pet-friendly home movement is still going strong. Now, who says you can’t have a fabulous home while owning a dog?
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