How to enjoy a stylish and pet-friendly home
Many of us will agree that snuggling up with a furbaby is one of life’s greatest pleasures. As it happens, Australia has one of the highest pet ownership rates in the work. Almost two-thirds of us have a pet today – a number that has no doubt skyrocketed with the events of the past year.
And while the benefits are many, sharing your house with a playful pooch or sleepy cat comes with its own set of challenges. One of these is how to make your interior work for both you and your pet.
Start with the floor
Those with indoor pets will know full well how much fur your furry friend can shed, regardless of their coat length. Apart from regular grooms and regular vacuuming (hello robot vacuum!), we recommend taking your time to pick out the right flooring. Even the most expensive flooring options won’t look anywhere near as good if they’re covered with scuff marks or hair.
Opt for hard-wearing floors that are easy to vacuum and keep clean. Coated engineered board or a solid Australian timber species are good options. And when it comes to colour, generally lighter is better – darker floor tends to show up marks easier. Top it off with a pattern like herringbone and you’re well on your way to a stylish and pet-friendly interior.
Choose hard-wearing rugs
While we love the look of a beautiful antique woven rug, what we don’t love is seeing that rug ruined by an excitable puppy. If you know your pooch is prone to chewing – or your cat is an avid furniture scratcher – choose furnishings that will withstand a bit of a nibble or scratch.
Indoor-outdoor rugs – or the polyester variety – are a great way to soften an interior (particularly one with hard flooring) while being ridiculously practical. They’re soft, durable and easy to clean. If your pet accidentally uses it as a toilet – it can be hosed down, and will look as good as new in no time. Jute rugs are another hardy option that will withstand even the longest of cat claws.
Align pet furnishings with existing interior
A good way to reduce the likelihood of spots of fur on the couch is to get your pet their own furniture. Luckily, the days of being limited to cringe-worthy paw printed bedding is over. The pet supplies industry is booming – and with it, so are the options for stylish pet furniture. Go for bedding that works with your existing décor – the last thing you want is for your dog bed or kitty litter to stick out like a sore thumb.
And if your pet is one that prefers to share your furniture rather than having their own, then look for furniture that’s durable – and maybe avoid the Hampton white.