We Answer Wednesday - How to decorate a stylish home with pets

"I love my dog. She's my world but I need some ideas to make my home stylish yet still pet friendly."

We love pets but yes, they can cramp your style and put some limits on your decor choices but you can live in style with pets.  Work with your lifestyle not against it and it will all come together beautifully

But there are ways to live in style with your furry little friends - the right pieces, materials and a bit of creativity can get you the look you crave.

1- Ditch the blankets (the multiple blankets) that you use to cover your sofa and chairs to keep the pet hair off! Instead opt for pet friendly fabrics. Leather is a good choice for homeowners with pets. It is durable and easy to clean. Most grades will only be affected by pet scratches. If you are uncomfortable buying leather, buy pleather. It is cruelty-free, cost-effective, and pleasing to the eye. Have you heard of Crypton? It is an upholstery fabric made to fit your lifestyle. Soft, durable, and resistant to both stains and odors, Crypton Home fabric is available in a wide array of textures and vibrant colors. The image below is a Pottery barn sofa upholstered in Crypton Home Fabric.

 

2 - Skip wall-to-wall carpet.  Carpet is like a pet hair magnet, so either opt out or be prepared to vacuum regularly  Want the look of carpet - choose an area rug - it's less time consuming to clean and you can always bring outside to air out (and shake out). If you must have carpet choose a low pile. It's easier to clean if there's an accident. And avoid continuous loop carpet because a pet toenail can unravel it by catching a single woven loop.

 

 

3 - Put washable fabrics on your bed.  If you have a pet, cat or dog, chances are they make their way into your bed at some point. Protect your mattress from the inevitable by covering it with a thick pad. Use cotton bed sheets, preferably in a medium color or a pattern that can hide the pet hair and stains between washings. For bedspreads, duvet covers work well because you can take them off and wash them regularly. Delicate-looking mattress coverlets are surprisingly durable; their tight quilting resists pet toenail snags and repeated washings.

 

 

 

 4 - Animal space near the entry.  If you have a pet that goes outside take that into consideration - it's a part of your lifestyle so what do you have at your entry? Think about your flooring - easy to clean and scratch resistant are key.  Hooks and/or storage for leashes and other dog belongings. A basket with park toys and/or winter apparel.

 

 

5 - Match your colours to your pet's fur.  Use your pet as a source of inspiration when choosing colors for your room. Paint a concrete floor the same shade of gray as your cat. Cover your sofa in a honey microfiber that matches your golden retriever. This isn't just an aesthetic shout-out to your pet; it's also a practical choice because the hair they leave behind won't be as visible. Put a white floor in a house with a black Lab, you're going to have black 'tumbleweeds' everywhere. 

 

 

6 -  Furniture options that include your pet. Our pets are apart of our home, they are family so it is important that they are welcome in our home with some space of their own.  Some easy ways to make 'fluffy' feel at home...

 

 

Beside table that does double duty. Place a comfy dog bed or pillow inside and your bestie has their own bed right beside you. Have some fun and get your furry friend a bed in a coordinating colour - so cute!

 

 

 

The front entry is a high traffic area , especially for dog owners.  So have a pet station by the front door.  We love this converted front entry console furniture piece.  It works for everyone - so storage, some decor, and even a spot to lay in.  Plus it looks great too!

 

 

Think of small customization changes you can make.   The kitchen island is a great spot for dog bowls and some storage.  We love these built in dog bowls - they are tucked away and that means they don't get in the way.  You can add a drawer (perfect spot for storing treats, medication, grooming tools and documents) or have an open shelf - it's a bit more decorative but still useful.

Pets add so much love to our lives so be sure to take them into consideration when you are designing and decorating your space. Another simple tip keep your dog or cat clean will help your house stay cleaner, longer. Trimmed nails won't scratch floors or upholstery. Regularly brushing and bathing removes loose hair before it ends up on your floor, your bed, your throw pillows, your curtains. Furniture and rugs will last longer if they don't need to be washed as often. Think of it this way: It's easier to clean your dog than your upholstery, and it's usually more fun.