Pet-friendly design is essential when you have pets.

Enjoying pets is much easier when you don't have to worry about delicate fabrics, fragile knick-knacks, or easily-stained carpet. 

There are lots of things you can do to accommodate pet-friendly living. In some ways, designing around pets is like designing around kids. Easy-to-clean flooring and furniture are musts! Avoid wall-to-wall carpeting if possible, and choose surfaces that resist odors. Buy inexpensive area rugs, in case you have to replace them. Indoor-outdoor rugs are also a great idea; you'll find lots of styles that are easy on the eyes as well as the feet. 

Other pet-friendly decorating options include stain-resistant fabrics and washable slipcovers. Keep in mind that furry pets shed. Even if you sweep or vacuum often, it pays to choose colors that disguise your most-shedding pet's fur (e.g., light floors or sofa for light-colored fur; darker tones for dark fur). Some people opt for furniture that can be wiped clean instead of upholstery. 

For cats, strategically-placed scratching posts will go a long way to protect your furniture. If your cat refuses to use the scratching post, try a different style. Some cats are choosy about whether they scratch upright or on the floor. Keep in mind, too, that scratching requires a good stretch, so many cats will ignore a post that is too short. If your cats like to entertain themselves by pushing objects off high places, don't bother trying to fight it. You'll save yourself a lot of heartache if you just remember not to place breakables near the edge of shelves or counters. Better yet, place your most valued objects behind glass.

Finally, keep your pets' safety in mind when you accessorize your home. If you have cats, choose flameless candles instead of real ones, and avoid long cords on window blinds (cats or even small children can accidentally strangle themselves). Check to make sure that your houseplants are not toxic to pets. These might seem like a lot of precautions, but with a little forethought, you can enjoy beautiful and practical decor.

Designing a Home with Pet-Friendly Amenities

If you have the luxury of building or remodeling a home, you have an opportunity to simplify your life by making petcare tasks as convenient as possible. Think about the way you really live. If your dogs follow you around, it won't make sense to put their sleeping nook far away from family areas. If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen and the dogs are always underfoot, try putting a nook under a cabinet or in a nearby corner. If you hate having to go for a walk before your morning coffee, you'll appreciate a fenced yard so that you can simply open the door to let the dogs out. A doggy door can give you even more peace of mind if your dog spends hours home alone. If you've always had trouble finding an out-of-the-way place for the cat litter box, think about where you might put it in a new home. A screen porch or large utility room might be ideal.

To see photos of pet-friendly ideas for homes and gardens, please visit our our Pet-Friendly Homes and Animal-Friendly Yards & Gardens idea boards on Pinterest.™