Collaborative post
Sharing your home with a furry friend can bring you a lot of joy, from cuddles on the couch to recording their silly antics for social media, but if we’re totally honest, it can also play havoc with your decor.
But, you know what? By making smarter decor choices, you really can pet-proof your place and get all of the pluses of pet ownership with none of the house-ruining negatives…
1. Opt for Pet-Friendly Fabrics
Your pet doesn’t care if your sofa is hand-woven by monks in a remote monastery; if it’s comfy, it’s a go! Enter: leather sofas. Not only do they scream ‘sophistication,’ but they’re also pretty resilient to your pet’s best efforts to turn them into an art project. Leather is easy to clean, doesn’t snag like other fabrics, and can handle an excited claw or two. Plus, it doesn’t hold onto pet hair like a magnet, which is always a win.
2. Choose Washable Paint
Who knew that wagging tails could double as paintbrushes? Any pet owner will tell you walls can get grubby fast. To keep them looking fresh, opt for washable paint. A satin or semi-gloss finish will do wonders—you’ll be wiping off those mysterious smudges faster than you can say “Who tracked mud through the house?”
3. Rethink Your Rugs
Love rugs? Pets do too! They love them for completely different reasons, though. For a less stressful life, choose rugs that are easy to clean or dark enough to hide stains. Consider indoor-outdoor rugs; they’re tough, look snazzy, and can take whatever your pet dishes out. And when accidents happen—as they will—you won’t have to panic.
4. Create a Pet Zone
Even the most decor-savvy pets (no, your cat doesn’t really have an eye for modernism) need a space of their own. Equip this area with all the pet essentials: a plush bed, durable toys, and maybe a fancy water fountain. This way, your pet has a cosy corner to retreat to, which might—just might—convince them to leave your designer cushions alone.
5. Secure Your Treasures
Adore that delicate vase from your Aunt Mildred? To avoid a heartbreak, keep it out of tail’s reach. As a rule, if it’s breakable, it’s probably not pet-proof. Opt for heavier, more robust decor items that won’t tip over at the first sign of a zoomie.
6. Curtains Vs. Blinds
Long, flowing drapes are a no-go unless you’re staging a Tarzan remake for your cat. Instead, consider blinds or short curtains that hang just above the floor to avoid them becoming a climbing frame or hideout spot. They’re less tempting for a play session, and you won’t constantly be untangling your pet from them.
7. Invest in Good Storage
To prevent your pet from mistaking your remote control for a chew toy, invest in some solid, closed storage. It keeps things tidy and pet-proof. Plus, when everything has a place, you’re less likely to find your belongings in the mysterious depths of under the sofa.
Pet-proofing your decor doesn’t have to be a drag, and as you can see, it can be just as stylish as your regular decor, so time to make some changes!