When your couch is your dog’s throne, and your cat considers the window sill to be her own territory, you can bet your home is no longer yours alone—it’s theirs, too. If you’re residing with your pet (and perhaps one or two), you already know they’re family with fur and opinions. So, making your home comfortable for them shouldn’t ever be an afterthought. Instead, it should be second nature, just like that throw blanket fur.
Creating a home that suits humans and pets is not about sacrificing your style. It’s more about making some modifications so that all may share peacefully without treading on one another’s tails—both literally and metaphorically.
Think Like Your Pet
Before you go shopping for something new or rearranging the furniture, stop and see the world from two feet—or four paws—above the ground level. What does your dog see when he enters the living room? What about your cat’s jump from the armrest to the bookshelf?
Dogs like to sprawl, tagging along from room to room and parking themselves wherever it suits them. Cats are essentially interior designers with an inclination towards being above it all. They are viewing your home with an eye to its windowsill warmth, lookout points, and the intermittent dramatic sunbeam.
Once you begin to see your home through their eyes, it becomes clear where comfort may be missing or how an upgrade could make a huge impact.
Staircases That Are Designed To Withstand Stampedes
If your floors are not able to deal with claws, accidents, and 9 p.m. wild zoomies, then they’re going to wear out quickly.
Opt for floor coverings that are hardy yet still comfortable to walk on (and to lie down on). Consider vinyl planks, ceramic tiles, hardwoods that are sealed, or polished concrete. They’re simpler to clean, more resistant to damage, and don’t absorb odors. Steer clear of looped carpet if you own a cat—it’s just a scratching post in disguise.
Built-In Spaces = Built-In Peace
Each pet deserves to have his or her own little sanctuary to call his or her own. It provides them with a refuge to go to and reduces anxiety (both theirs and yours). If you have the space, built-in pet beds or concealed crate spaces can easily fit into your style. Put a custom dog bed under the bench in the mudroom. Put cushioned seating on that underutilized windowsill your cat already occupies all day. Not into custom carpentry? Don’t worry about it. A basket full of toys on the living room floor, an extra-plush bed beside your own, or an extra-soft mat in the laundry room will do the trick just the same. It’s about communicating to your pet: This place is your place, too.
Pet-Friendly Fabrics (Because Hair Happens)
No matter how frequently you vacuum, pet hair possesses teleportation powers and appears in the most unexpected places—most frequently five minutes after you’ve just finished cleaning.
What is the simplest way to maintain your furniture’s fresh appearance? Use fabrics that don’t cling to your hair like an ex clinging to your heart. Leather, faux leather, canvas material, and closely knitted materials are usually your best bets. Avoid velvets and chenilles or anything with a pile that is too heavy if your pet sheds like it’s its full-time job.
Food And Water Stations That Are Appealing
You’ve seen the bowls. The ones that slide around spill everywhere and somehow always end up underneath the cabinet. It’s time to upgrade.
Elevated feeding can aid digestion and posture—especially with seniors or larger breeds—and just looks nicer. Use an adorable wipeable mat under the bowls to collect spills. It is one of those little details that makes everyday cleanup so much less tedious.
Storage You Didn’t Know You Needed
Toys, leashes, treats, grooming equipment—it adds up quicker than you ever thought it could. Before you know it, your mudroom will be more like a mini pet supplies warehouse.
Your best friends when it comes to storage are baskets, bins, and hooks. Wall hooks near the front door to hang the leash and collar. A kitchen drawer to stash treats and medication. A storage bin in the closet to hold the ten balls your dog claims are his favorites.
And don’t forget to stow some towels by the front door for muddy paws when it rains. You’ll be glad you did.
Cleaning Without Losing Your Mind
Pets are messy. They’re part of the charm. Sort of. The trick to cleanliness is to simplify it, not complicate it.
Select furniture that is easy to vacuum or wipe down. Keep a lint roller in all the rooms (yes, all the rooms). And invest in a vacuum that does pet hair like it’s its job—do not skimp on this one. A “dirty paw” zone outside the door—where to dry off, shake out, or gather the dirt before it reaches the white carpet—is a lifesaver, too.
Sunny Spots Are Gold
Have you ever noticed that your pet finds just the right sliver of sunlight every time? It’s not just adorable. It is instinctual. Sunlight is safe, warm, and comforting to them.
Pets adore basking in sunny places; consider positioning them near big, high-efficiency windows like Renewal by Anderen Windows to set up favorite basking spots. It’s one of those little changes that makes people feel considerate—because it is. To watch birds or sleep peacefully with them, basking in some sunlight? That’s the good stuff.
Keep It Safe And Not Sterile
Certainly, safety comes first. Toxic plants, loose electrical cords, and swallowable decorative objects aren’t worthwhile if they endanger your pet. But boring and safe don’t need to be one and the same. Keep cords strapped down with clips. Tie-down tall furniture and bookshelves. Employ pet-friendly materials whenever you can (no one should need a vet visit because your cat licked the grout sealer). Store the breakables out of reach, beyond your tallest counter-surfer cat.
Decor That Incorporates Them
You don’t need to carpet your living room with paw marks to demonstrate your affection for your pets. But some little decor featuring them? That’s where the appeal comes in.
Framed photos of pets, a bone-shaped leash hook, a throw pillow with your name on it—trendy, personal, and none of it shrieks “crazy cat lady.” Unless that is your thing, in which case, go ahead and carry on.
You can even match pet beds or toys to your home’s color scheme. It’s those little thoughtful details that make the room come together without seeming too theme-y.
Odors
Your house could be stunning, but if it smells like a wet dog 24/7, that’s all people are going to notice. Scent matters—especially when pets live there, too.
Air purifiers are your friend. Keep the litter box in an open area and clean it frequently (no one wants to discuss this, but it does help). Wash the bedding frequently—both yours and theirs.
Skip the heavily scented sprays and opt instead for neutralizing candles or diffusers. You want your house to smell like home, just without the eau de dog.
It’s Your Home Too
The thing is, your pet needs comfort, protection, and happiness, too. So do you. You don’t need to sacrifice style or aesthetics to make your home pet-friendly. The greatest homes don’t merely look nice—they feel nice, too. They’re lived-in and loved-in and sometimes slightly unkempt. But filled with warmth. And if your furry companion is snuggled on the couch beside you as you read this, then you’re already on the right track.
