Pet-friendly home design needs are skyrocketing as more and more people gravitate towards homing furry friends into their living spaces (86.9 million US households own a pet). In the architecture industry, the trend has even endeared a cute name – Barkitecture.
The movement is motivating because, now, pet parents are proudly integrating animal-friendly features into their homes. With keen consideration of everything–from flooring to dedicated kennels for new puppies–guardians are no longer holding back from indulging their pets’ needs with practical designs.
So, if you are looking to integrate pet-friendly spaces seamlessly within your modern home design–here’s a detailed guide for you:
Begin with the Basics
Pet-friendly features are all about creating safe and comfortable spaces–without compromising on your home design’s visual appeal and aesthetic. That means opting for:
- Materials resistant to occasional chew or flow
- Layouts that minimize pet-related accident
- Furniture and elements with soft edges
Therefore, for upholstery, choose materials like microfibers and leather. These materials are easy to clean and can withstand some wear and tear. Avoid delicate fabrics and textured materials–your pets will not be kind to them.
Bamboo is a great pet-friendly flooring option. It’s relatively sturdy and can survive through playful chase sessions. Also, keep rugs and carpets out of high-traffic areas because they can soon become a magnet for pet fur. If you want to keep them, choose stain-resistant rugs designed especially for pet homes.
Creating a Pet-Safe Home
Pets are no less than furry babies. And these babies don’t always play by the house rules. Therefore, when planning a pet in your home, safety should be your priority.
It includes pet-friendly features like:
- Grill around windows and balconies
- Railing heights
- Concealed electrical points and chores
- Pet gates to manage movement and keep the furry members out of dangerous areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room.
Moreover, get tables with rounded edges. Also, keep fragile items like glassware and ceramics at a height to save them from vigorous tail wagging. If you want to keep house plants–research every plant before buying because many popular ones can be toxic to your pets. Spider plants or Boston ferns are some pet-safe alternatives.
Design a Dedicated Space
While your pets have the entire home, a dedicated space that feels like their private quarter or corner is essential.
It can be as simple as a cozy nook with a dog bed or, if you have the space, a beautiful kennel for a new puppy in the backyard. Modern-built kennels will also add an aesthetic appeal to your home’s exterior, thus blending functionality with style. These will provide your pet with a quiet space to rest and even feel safe during times of training or overstimulation.
But the dedicated space shouldn’t be limited to a kennel. Consider adding spaces for your pet in your everyday furniture. How about a side table with a built-in pet bed underneath or crates built under the desk? With a bit of creativity and customization–you can integrate a dedicated pet space in every space your furry friends love.
Incorporate Storage Solutions
An inviting and stylish home is clutter-free. Even though keeping the mess clean all the time is challenging for toddlers like pets, it is still possible. The trick lies in incorporating storage solutions for everything pets–their toys, food, and accessories.
Go for smart storage solutions. This includes built-in cabinetry in mudrooms, organizers to stash pet gear out of sight but within easy reach, and stylish baskets strategically placed around the home to hold blankets and toys.
Extend Pet-Friendly Spaces Outside
Your pets can’t be contained at home because they thrive in outdoor exploration. They need an open sky to explore, play, and stay healthy. So, design the exterior of your home with your pet in mind.
This includes:
- Choosing non-toxic plants
- Designing designated pathways for the pets to explore
- Sturdy frences to keep them safe within the boundaries
Add a stylish dog kennel in the backyard. If you have the space, create training areas for your pet with agility equipment, an obstacle course, or a sandpit for your dogs to dig.
Remember–the goal is to create an outdoor space that caters to your pet’s instincts in a stylish and functional home.
Style Up with Pet-Friendly Decor
We are no strangers to dogs who love to droll over everything–and wall wallpapers are no different. Therefore, avoid expensive wallpaper and opt for water-based enamel paint. Choose the right colors–darker colors or patterns that can cleverly disguise pet hair and stains.
Install high shelves to keep the fragile decor out of your pet’s reach. To add vibrance, you can also install wall art high up–like a playful illustration of animals or photos.
Give your cats a beautiful tree house with dangle toys fitted with scratch posts and cat caves. Go for artificial flowers to add beauty and vibrancy. Pets are usually allergic to quite a few flowers, including Lilies, Daffodils, Tulips, hyacinths, and more.
Design Your Pet-Friendly Haven
With every modification and addition to the home, your end goal should be the same–create a space that caters to your pet’s instincts in a stylish and functional home.
So, integrate the above pet-friendly space into your home and create a cohesive environment that celebrates your pet’s presence and harmoniously incorporates the personality of every family member (humans and furry friends alike)
