Our members like to design and build things. We even had a really fun ‘dog house building’ competition to benefit a local shelter a number of years back. If you are in the mood to create something on a much smaller scale, and love your pet, consider what you might do inside your home for you and for your pet.
Eating a good meal, taking a nap or playing outdoors are just a few of the simple pleasures in life that most pets and humans both appreciate. There are several ways you can show your pet how much they mean to you by incorporating certain design elements into your home. Many features will not only cater to your pet’s lifestyle, but they also can enhance your home’s appearance and even add to its value. Those of us who treat our dogs like another member of the family are not alone! There are so many pet lovers out there who would agree that a pet-friendly home is a better home.
Improving Comfort and Convenience
Designing areas within your home where your pet can eat, sleep and bathe tells them that they are just as much a member of the family as everyone else. And having these dedicated locations can also help reduce the amount of time you spend cleaning up after your pet.
As the colder weather approaches we know that even pets who love the outdoors in the warmer months will be spending more time indoors with us as the colder weather sets in. (For those of you who live in warmer climates, just trust me!)
- Built-in eating areas are among the most popular designs concepts for homeowners with pets. Beneath the kitchen counter, under an island or within a pull-out drawer are all great options to help save space and minimize spills.
- Custom nooks provide your pet with a quiet retreat to nap or play. Look for opportunities to incorporate these nooks beneath bay windows, or convert a cluttered crawl space beneath stairs into your pet’s private refuge.
- Pet-washing stations in laundry/mud rooms can significantly improve the cleanliness of your home. An enclosed tiled area with an extended faucet can be used to give your pet a full bath or simply to clean paws after a romp in the outdoors. If you have the space for this type of area, you may want to consider it. It can add appeal to your home if you choose to put it on the market.
Selecting the Right Flooring
With the appropriate flooring, both you and your pet can live amicably without pointing fingers (or paws) at one another whenever a new scratch or a spill is discovered. Flooring options today are seemingly endless, and each type comes with varying levels of durability, so you’ll want to do your research as well as consult with a professional before making the investment.
- Bamboo flooring is becoming increasingly popular, especially among pet owners, for its hardness and resistance to stains. And for those who are trying to be green, both bamboo and cork flooring are also good for the environment.
- Hardwood floors have long been among the most desirable options, though many different types of wood and finishes are highly prone to showing wear over time.
- Laminate, stone and tile floors might not be your best option if your pet’s comfort is a top priority. While they are much more durable and typically resist scratches better than other flooring, some pets will find them to be uncomfortably hard and exceedingly slippery.
- Luxury Vinyl Tile is another popular option. It often is purchased in a ‘plank’ size and mirrors hard wood flooring.
You can find a ton of inspiration for pets on Pinterest, Instagram and other social media platforms. Have some fun with it while (maybe) saving yourself some clean up too.
Photo courtesy of Pixabay
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