Pets make our lives so much richer — they fill our homes with love, joy… and a lot of pet hair! Their shedding and scratching can make it difficult to keep your furniture looking and feeling its best. But, with a little planning, you can choose couches, fabrics, and all sorts of furniture that will last long and be comfortable for you and your pets to cuddle on.
At Olamar Interiors, we believe your home should not only be beautiful but also practical, which means that designing it should involve a lot of thought about how it’s going to work on a day to day basis, including for your four-legged family members. This is all to say that we’ve spent a lot of time researching, testing, and living in furniture that blends style and functionality and is also paw-friendly.
Let’s explore the key things to keep in mind when choosing the right pet-friendly furniture that seamlessly integrates into your home.
1. Doggone Durable Fabrics
When it comes to pet-friendly furniture, the choice of fabric is crucial. Opt for fabrics that are not only stylish but also durable and easy to clean. Performance fabrics like microfiber, leather, and Crypton (a personal fave) are excellent choices, offering resistance to stains, scratches, and the occasional pet hair tumbleweed. Embrace patterns and textures that can cleverly camouflage any pet-related mishaps while adding a touch of visual interest to your space. And yes — although it may be surprising, a leather couch is a great option for homes with pets. Hair is super easy to clean off of leather (try a blow dryer to blow the hair right off!), it stands up to claws, and it develops a patina over time.
2. Strategic Style Choices
Life with pets can be messy, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style. Choosing the right color palette can make a significant difference in maintaining the visual appeal of your space.
Consider selecting furniture in shades that complement — AKA camouflage — your pet’s fur color. This strategic approach can help minimize the visibility of shedding and pet-related stains while still allowing your furniture to shine. On the other hand, incorporating accent pillows and throws in vibrant hues can add a pop of color to your design, creating a harmonious balance.
3. Smart Solutions
Incorporate furniture pieces that are designed with both human and pet comfort in mind. Look for features such as removable, washable covers for cushions, or furniture with built-in pet beds and scratching posts. These thoughtful design elements not only cater to your furry friend’s needs but also enhance the overall functionality of your space.
4. Built-Ins, Hideaways, and Other Tricks
Maintain your home’s elegance with custom-made solutions that blend seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic. Some examples: a pet bath in the mudroom, feeding stations in the bottom drawer of a kitchen cabinet, and litter box enclosures.
By making your pet’s essentials an integral part of your design, you create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment. Moreover, having a designated space for all your pets’ toys, grooming, and eating needs can keep the rest of the house free to look its best.
The biggest pro tip for pet parents is to have a dedicated place to wash off muddy paws like this custom-built one for our clients in Manakin.
Keep Maintenance in Mind
The overarching secret to designing with pets in mind is to prioritize furniture with easy maintenance — pieces that are durable and simple to clean. This ensures that your space remains a sanctuary for both you and your pets, with minimal effort required to keep it looking great.
By doing your research and carefully selecting furniture that considers both the needs of your pets and your design vision, you can create a home that reflects your personality while providing a comfortable haven for your zoo.
Remember, your space should tell a story, and that story includes the joy and warmth your pets bring into your life. Embrace the challenge, get creative, and let your design journey be a celebration of the bond between you and your beloved pets.
Happy designing!