6 Things To Consider For Home Design When You Have Pets

Pets often call for some creative solution to your home’s flooring and design needs. Here are a few things you should consider for your pet when remodeling your home or designing a home from scratch. At Kaufman Lumber and Kaufman by Design, we help customers customize their homes to fit their needs and preferences. Pets included! Just another way you can count on Kaufman.

1. Choose Colors that Match Pets. 

There is no getting around the regular cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting you have to do when you own a pet that sheds. Pet fur contains odors and oils that attract dirt and grime to your floor. However, you can still choose a color that will help mask the look of fur around your house. Use your pet as inspiration while you are choosing colors for your home. The right neutral colors will be great for hiding day-to-day shedding.

2. Design a Pet Room in your Home’s Layout. 

If you are designing a home layout, include a space for your pet. A mudroom type of space with easy-to-clean surfaces will help keep the fur and tracked-in dirt away from the rest of your home. This room will be most helpful if it is directly next to—or includes—your pet’s main entry to the home. A pet room can be used for anything from wiping off paws on a rainy day to including a pet bath. Use this to store all your pet’s needs.

3. Match Pet Accessories to Home Decor. 

Pets don’t make a habit of cleaning up after themselves. A solution? Give them toys and accessories that match the rest of your home. You might have to do some searching—or maybe DIY some toys—but the right toys for your pet are out there. Consider built-in food and water dishes. This will help minimize the chance of spilling. You can also get creative with the container your pet’s food is stored in. It will be much less of an eyesore in your kitchen if it compliments the rest of the decor.

4. Think of Creative DIY Solutions for Common Pet Necessities. 

Common necessities like a cat’s climbing tower and scratching post can be designed to fit in with the rest of the room. The DIY culture seems to have a solution to everything these days. What is the most unsightly pet necessity in your home? You might not even notice them anymore, but imagine how nice your door would look with a custom doggy door instead of a patched-in one. Consider creating a space for your dog to feel safe and rest during the day.

5. Choose Easy-to-Clean Flooring and Upholstery.

This one is easy. Homeowners and interior designers see the need for more durable flooring and upholstery every day. The best flooring for pets is a tile. Tile is easy to clean and will stand up to pet scratches. Tile also offers some traction for your pet. Marble and stone flooring are also durable and easy to clean, but might need some rugs for traction support. For upholstery, consider leather, Crypton, and other durable, easy-to-clean options. Protect your furniture with easy-to-clean throws and pillows.

6. Consider your Pet’s Routine when you Design the Layout of your Home. 

Where does your pet spend their time? Close to you? Consider additional space in work areas. Does your pet like to see everything going on? Make a space for your pet where they have the best vantage point. Install your most durable flooring choices next to their main entry. Give them their own furniture to help keep them off expensive couches and chairs. Does your pet have any destructive habits they just can’t seem to quit? Take them into account when you design your home. Your pet, and your wallet, will thank you.