7 Genius Design Ideas for Homes With Furry Friends

Pets bring endless love and joy, but any owner knows this bliss comes with a few trade-offs — muddy paw prints, shedding fur and scratched floors. Fortunately, homeowners don’t have to sacrifice their aesthetic goals for their pet’s happiness. Here are eight smart strategies for designing a harmonious home that works for every family member.

1. Choose Durable, Stain-Resistant Materials

Pets can bring in dirt, and their claws can wreck floors and furniture. Investing in materials that can withstand wear and still look amazing is key. Hardwood flooring with a tough polyurethane finish is a smart choice, as it offers excellent resistance to wear and corrosion. Pet parents can skip delicate fabrics and prioritize home additions that resist spills and stains, such as microfiber. 

2. Incorporate Pet-Friendly Furniture

Aging pets require extra care. If a dog struggles to hop onto the sofa or a cat needs a gentle boost, a piece of pet-friendly furniture can be of huge help. Homeowners must choose couches or beds that are lower to the ground to minimize jumping distance. They can also put steps or ramps next to favored lounging spots. Orthopedic bed options can help animals with joint pains and injuries to sleep more soundly.

3. Design a Cozy Den

An outdoor, cozy doghouse to sleep in is ideal for those with a dog that has a litter or a pup who enjoys being outdoors. If there isn’t enough outdoor space, the area under the staircase or a large laundry room cabinet is a great alternative. Pet parents can also swap a wire crate for a stunning furniture-style version that functions as a stylish end table or console. 

4. Add Pet “Skywalks”

Wall-mounted skywalks and tunnels can excite feline friends. It’s a game-changer for high-energy cats — and even small dogs — to keep them off countertops. This instantly gives a space a modern, interactive feel. Functional decor additions, such as sisal rope and carpet squares, provide added grip and scratching resistance.

5. Install a Pull-Out Feeding Station

Tripping over pets’ food and water bowls can be a frustrating experience. A clever pull-out drawer that can be slid out at mealtime is the key to a clutter-free area. Dedicating the bottom drawer of a kitchen island or installing one large enough to hold everything is a smart solution. The mudroom’s low cabinet can also serve as bowl storage.

6. Add Pet-Friendly Plants

Select pet-safe greenery to create a vibrant and worry-free environment. Before purchasing anything, pet owners should check the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals list for toxicity information. Hydrangeas, azaleas and lantana can cause mild symptoms like stomach upset. Safe options include spider plant, Boston fern and Christmas cactus.

7. Match Carpet Color to a Pet’s Fur

Using a pet’s coat as a decor palette can simplify the cleaning routine. Choosing rugs, throw pillows and a sofa in a shade that’s similar to the animal companion’s fur can camouflage shedding. This hack provides a cleaner look and can help prevent the need for frequent vacuuming. A homeowner with a golden retriever can opt for beige or tan. A multi-toned or tweed fabric is a great choice for a calico cat.

Designing With Condo or Homeowners Association (HOA) Pet Policies in Mind 

Living in a condo or apartment often comes with strict rules. These policies are designed to ensure a peaceful environment for all residents, but they can impact how you design your home for your pets. For instance, condominium tenants must sign a pet agreement, which comes with restrictions like:

• Number of pets allowed per unit
• Pet types and breeds
• Pet weight limits
• Common courtesies
• Pet deposit fees
• Fines for breaking the policy

In some communities, breeds such as the pit bull and Rottweiler are prohibited, as their attacks often result in severe injuries. Additionally, many HOAs have the legal authority to enforce community policies about pets and property modification. Such rules may restrict pet parents from making structural changes, such as installing pet doors and built-in kennels. Moreover, rentals require you to return the unit to its original condition. This means things like wall-to-wall skywalks are often off-limits.

Tenants must focus on non-permanent improvements. Instead of building a food drawer, consider buying a console table with an open shelf that can accommodate the bowls. Choose floor-to-ceiling towers or multilevel, stable pieces that require no drilling for your pet’s skywalks. Designing with condo, rental or HOA rules in mind can help maximize space and create a more harmonious living environment.

Happy Home for All

Designing a pet-friendly home is a fun and adventurous experience. Pet parents or aspiring ones can use these ideas to transform their space, where they and their furry friends can live their best lives together.

Ready to design a pet-friendly home you’ll love? Plan rooms, test layouts, and style spaces in minutes with the DecorMatters app. For fresh inspiration, explore interior design ideas.

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