With the rise of pet owners across the country, demand for customised and suitable home design has also increased. A survey by Magicbricks says that around 78% of pet owners designed and decorated their houses as per their pets’ likings. Now, this is becoming a significant trend and will also provide a lot of opportunities for home designers to tap into this idea. This is because this trend is coming out of a need and is going to be sustained in the future.

If we talk about how to achieve a chic and pet-friendly environment, there are many factors like materials, layout, furnishings, etc. We have to understand all these aspects to have complete knowledge about shaping a home. We will also discuss practical tips and design ideas to make sure that you can customise the home accordingly whenever you want.

Understanding the Needs of Pets in Home Design

We will explore specific design strategies, but first, we have to understand what aspect we have to keep in mind to ensure the design we create will fulfil pets’ requirements.

Remember that safe places play a huge role if you have dogs and cats. So, they can play, rest, and explore without any hassle or interference from anyone in the home. This also helps them to manage their stress and be comfortable. For instance, dogs ask for specific places for sleeping and eating. Meanwhile, cats love vertical spaces, which are suitable for climbing and exploring their surroundings.

Specifically in India, there are mostly compact homes. So, it becomes more important to maximise available space while making sure that pets have access to their essentials.

Things to Keep in Mind for Pet-Friendly Home Design

1. Choosing Durable Materials

Always opt for durable and scratch-resistant materials that you can easily clean. Ceramic tiles or laminate are good options for flooring. These are more resistant to scratches and stains compared to carpets. Plus, such materials do not promote mould growth as compared to carpets.

When it comes to upholstery fabrics, microfibre or leather-like materials are more pet-friendly. This will not trap pet hair and will be easy to clean as well.

2. Creating Designated Pet Areas

Specific pet spaces help them feel secure while minimising clutter in other areas. For this, you can create a cosy pet bed in the living room and also finalise a feeding area near the kitchen. These small aspects will ensure comfortable spots all around the home. Modern pet beds or sleek feeding bowls, kinds of stylish pet furniture, also add to the overall home design.

3. Layouts for Pet Mobility

While choosing a home layout, make sure that it accommodates the mobility and other needs of your pet. You can arrange furniture in a way that your pet can easily move around freely without obstruction. Also try to avoid placing anything near their spaces, as it may make it difficult for them to navigate their environment.

Multiple pet owners can opt for open layouts. People in urban areas should focus more on creating vertical space through shelves or cat trees. This will allow them to explore their environment freely without compromising floor space.

4. Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly features are important to consider while designing the home. Pet doors are one of the prominent examples of the same. More than that, built-in feeding stations or storage solutions will also make things convenient for both of you. Most importantly, never overlook the importance of designated potty areas while training your pet for the same. This will help you maintain cleanliness throughout the home.

5. Safety and Accessibility

Make sure that your home is safe and your pet can access their things without any hassle. Look and eliminate all the hazards related to the same. You can secure electrical cords or cables and install safety barriers in risky areas. This will help prevent countless unwanted situations and keep your pet safe. Moreover, keep toxic plants and household cleaners away from your pet.

6. Multi-Functional Design

Multi-functional design elements will serve both you and your pets. You can choose furniture with built-in storage compartments, which will help you store toys, treats, and supplies. Meanwhile, stylish, pet-friendly rugs will help create cosy spaces without sacrificing aesthetics. These items are more suitable for urban areas as prices are too premium for spaces.

7. Indoor Pet Play Areas

Indoor play areas are compulsory if you want your pet to be safe while not compromising on their activities. They need physical and mental stimulation to maintain their health. You can set up scratching posts, climbing towers, interactive toys, and designated play zones for the same. If we primarily talk about dogs, they like agility equipment, while wall-mounted shelves are a favourite for cats.

8. Personalising Your Space with Pet Decor

Pet-themed accents show your love for animals and also add to the overall aesthetic of your home. You can create a gallery wall showcasing their portraits. You will not believe it, but this makes them feel more valued and part of the family. Animal-print throw pillows or whimsical wall art kinds of decorative elements are a good option for decoration.

9. Relaxing Retreat for Your Pets

Tranquil corners within your home help pets unwind comfortably away from daily activity noise levels. For this, you can set up plush bedding or blankets to make such places.

Moreover, you can use soothing scents, soft lighting options, and gentle background music to create a calming atmosphere. This is where indoor plants can also add to the overall environment.

10. Clean and Tidy Home

Regular cleaning becomes more important when you are sharing living spaces with pets. You have to be proactive in this case and make sure that you keep things tidy while maintaining the style.

You can use slipcovers on furniture to prevent fur accumulation and will also make it easier for you to wash them regularly. Area rugs are also very helpful for minimising messes caused by accidents. This will also help you clean the area easily.

Conclusion

I hope the articles helped you understand the whole idea of creating a suitable home. It requires you to make many informed choices to even create a safe pet environment. However, we have gone beyond safety and highlighted a balanced approach. This will become the way of living in the future, primarily in a society where animals are more than welcome.

So, keeping the needs of pets and owners in mind, we have come up with this article. This will add to their right decisions when it comes to customising their home accordingly. Thank you for being here.