Pets at Home: Interior Design with Pets in Mind

Interior plants

As pet parents, we know the joy that furry friends bring into our lives. My partner Dan and I have experienced this firsthand—we’ve rescued and found loving homes for 38 cats, two dogs, and even a parakeet during the 10 years we’ve lived in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. Life without our pets is unimaginable, but designing a home that accommodates both their needs and ours has required careful consideration.

Pet-friendly interior design doesn’t have to mean compromising on style. In New York City, there are many pets. And as a NYC interior designer, I’ve worked with many clients who love their pets as much as we do. So, over the years, I’ve discovered several strategies to create homes that are beautiful, durable, and easy to maintain when you live with pets.

Here are some pet-friendly interior design pro tips to keep in mind:

Understanding Pet-Friendly Interior Design

Creating a pet-friendly home is all about striking the perfect balance between style and the needs of your furry friends. Pets are an integral part of the family, and their comfort and safety should be a top priority. When designing a pet-friendly interior, consider materials and furniture that cater to pets. Opt for durable fabrics that can withstand claws and paws, easy-to-clean flooring options to manage those inevitable muddy paw prints, and non-toxic plants to ensure a safe environment. By thoughtfully selecting these elements, you can create a beautiful, functional, and pet-friendly home that everyone can enjoy.

Skip Rugs and Carpets

Rugs and carpets may feel cozy, but they can trap fur, dander, and allergens, making them a challenge for both cleaning and air quality. When designing a pet-friendly interior, consider materials and furniture that cater to pets and incorporate pet-friendly features. Hard flooring, such as wood, tile, or polished concrete, is a far more practical option.

Pro Tip: Invest in a robot vacuum, like a Roomba, to keep fur and dust under control. For a durable flooring option, consider luxury vinyl planks—they’re pet-proof, waterproof, and stylish. (The New York Times put out this article recently on the best vacuums for pet hair.)

Choose Easily Cleanable Window Treatments

Curtains may add softness to a room, but they can also collect dust and fur, requiring regular laundering or dry cleaning. So, while I love curtains, if this is an issue for you, opt for wood or faux-wood blinds instead. These can be vacuumed or wiped clean, keeping your space fresh and functional.

Bonus: If your furry friends like to peek out the windows, blinds provide privacy and shade while allowing easy access to their favorite spots.

Ditch Bed and Sofa Skirts

Furniture with skirts can trap fur and dust underneath, making cleaning more difficult. Stick to sofas, chairs, and beds with exposed legs or floating bases to allow for easy vacuuming. This is especially helpful in tight spaces common in New York City apartments, particularly if you use a robot vacuum (which I will discuss a bit later).

Opt for Washable or Durable Pet-Friendly Furniture

Slipcovers are a pet owner’s best friend. Choose slipcovers for sofas and chairs that can be removed and tossed into the washing machine. Likewise, washing pillows and cushion covers every few months helps maintain a fresh and hygienic environment.

Pro Tip: For upholstered furniture, opt for performance fabrics designed for high-traffic areas. Many of these are stain-resistant and liquid-repellent, perfect for pets at home.

Embrace Indoor Outdoor Rugs and Fabrics Indoors

Outdoor fabrics aren’t just for patios and decks. They’ve come a long way in design and comfort with options like terry cloth loops, velvet textures, and traditional cotton weaves. These fabrics are:

  • Stain-resistant
  • Easy to clean
  • Affordable

I think interior designers in New York should consider these outdoor fabrics for pet-friendly and family-friendly homes. It’s not the cleanest city so why not do your job keeping your home as clean as possible.  They’re durable, stylish, and available in an array of colors and patterns to suit any aesthetic. (If this sounds a bit strange, check out this site to see what these outdoor fabrics for indoors can be like.)

Designate Pet-Friendly Zones

If possible, create dedicated spaces for your pets, such as a cozy nook for their bed or a stylish feeding station. Consider adding:

  • A built-in feeding area in the kitchen with wipeable surfaces.
  • A washable mat under food and water bowls to protect floors.
  • A mudroom or entryway space with storage for leashes, toys, and cleanup supplies.
  • Consider built in pet beds that blend seamlessly with your furniture or dedicated pet areas.

These small design features can go a long way toward keeping your home organized and pet friendly.

Creating a Safe Space for Your Pets

Ensuring your home is a safe haven for your pets is crucial. Start by pet-proofing your living space: keep hazardous items out of reach, secure heavy furniture to prevent tipping, and organize cords and cables to avoid chewing hazards. Designate a comfy bed in a quiet area where your pet can retreat and relax. Interactive toys and scratching posts are excellent for keeping your pets engaged and active. By creating these safe and dedicated spaces, you can provide a nurturing environment that caters to your pet’s well-being.

With Pets at Home, Prioritize Pet-Safe Materials

Certain materials, like untreated wood, can be easily scratched or damaged by claws, making them less ideal for pet owners. Opt for scratch-resistant flooring or add a protective finish to your existing wood floors.

Also, avoid plants and décor items that could be harmful to your pets, such as lilies for cats or poinsettias for dogs. (Here’s a helpful page on the ASPCA’s website that lists many of these toxic plants for pets at home.)

Maintaining a Pet-Friendly Space

Keeping a pet-friendly home clean and organized requires some strategic planning. Choose washable fabrics for your furniture to make cleaning up pet hair and spills a breeze. Opt for rugs made from durable materials, like indoor-outdoor rugs, which can handle high traffic and are easy to clean. Regularly vacuum your floors and furniture to reduce pet hair and allergens. Designate specific spots for feeding and grooming to contain messes and use pet-safe cleaners to maintain a hygienic environment. These practices will help you maintain a fresh and welcoming space for both you and your pets.

Tips for a Pet-Friendly Living Room

Designing a pet-friendly living room involves considering their needs while maintaining a stylish space. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Choose pet-friendly furniture with removable covers that can be easily washed.
  • Opt for flooring that is easy to clean and resistant to scratches, such as hardwood or tile.
  • Use indoor-outdoor rugs in high-traffic areas that can handle your pets and still look great.
  • Select fabrics and finishes that resist scratching and staining, like high-quality finishes on wood furniture.
  • Consider hiding your cat’s litter tray with a cleverly designed cabinet or sideboard.

By incorporating these elements, you can create a living room that is both beautiful and accommodating to your pets.

Creating a Pet Room

A dedicated pet room can be a fantastic way to provide them with a special space. Here are some creative ideas to consider:

  • Convert a laundry room into an all-in-one pet zone with a built-in feeding station, dog bed, and storage for pet toys and supplies.
  • Use a corner cabinet to create a cozy nook for a dog’s bed.
  • Install a pet-washing station with easy-to-clean subway tile and a raised floor for convenient bathing.
  • Build a bookshelf jungle gym for your cat with floating shelves lined with carpet for a soft-landing spot.
  • Utilize storage ideas like baskets or bins to keep your pet’s toys and supplies organized.

These creative ideas can help you design a functional and enjoyable space for your pets, making your home even more pet friendly.

Why Pet-Friendly Design Matters in New York City

Living in a city as bustling as New York, homes are often smaller, and every design choice matters. As an interior designer here, I’ve found that balancing functionality with aesthetics is key. For instance, incorporating durable yet chic materials allows your space to feel sophisticated while withstanding the wear and tear of an active pet household.

Additionally, urban pets often spend more time indoors, making it even more essential to create a home that works for both humans and animals. Cleanable surfaces, durable fabrics, and smart storage solutions not only simplify maintenance but also improve your quality of life, and, of course, the quality of life of your four-legged friends.

About Jarret Yoshida

Jarret Yoshida has worked in the New York interior design world for more than two decades. With a varied portfolio of projects including residential and commercial spaces, he draws inspiration from his Asian interior designer heritage to create stylish, welcoming, and sophisticated design solutions.

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