Living with a dog often means compromising your interior design aesthetic. From chewed furniture to muddy paw prints, our four-legged friends aren’t always conducive to a stylish home. But it doesn’t have to be this way! With some smart design choices, you can create an enviroment that is both pet-friendly and fashionably chic. Here’s how to make canine go contemporary in your home.
Choose Durable and Washable Fabrics
When selecting fabrics for sofas, chairs, pillows, and rugs, durability and cleanability should be your top concerns. Skip delicate silks or velvets in favor of performance fabrics like microfiber, polyester, nylon, or olefin that can withstand claws, dirt, and moisture. Washable slipcovers are ideal for sofas and chairs. Stick with indoor/outdoor rugs that can be easily cleaned with a hose.
Opt for Leather Furniture
Leather is the ideal pet-friendly furnishing. It’s easy to wipe clean, resists odors, doesn’t retain hair, and has a sleek, modern look. Opt for top-grain leather over bonded leather, which is less durable. Use leather protection spray to prevent staining and cracking. Place blankets or throws over leather chairs and sofas to keep them clean.
Choose Pet-Resistant Fabrics for Upholstery
If leather isn’t your style, look for upholstery fabrics touted as “pet-proof” or resistant to staining, odors, and damage. Crypton Home is a popular brand of fabrics treated to repel pet hair, stains, bacteria, and moisture. Other good options include microfiber, polyester, and olefin, which resist liquids.
Use Washable Area Rugs
Pile rugs trap dirt, hair, and moisture, so they require frequent washing to look their best with pets. Choose flatwoven, braided, or low-pile rugs in natural fibers like jute, seagrass, sisal, or cotton that can be easily cleaned. Or opt for polypropylene, nylon or olefin rugs that can handle a spin in your washing machine. Add rug pads to prevent sliding.
Protect Wood Floors and Furniture
Wood floors and furnishings look classic but require vigilance with pets. Place slip-resistant rug pads under area rugs to prevent scratches from friction. Use felt pads under furniture legs. Keep nails trimmed to minimize scratches and gouges. Use coasters under food, water and beverage containers. Oil finishes help wood resist moisture and stains.
Choose Stylish Pet Beds
Pet beds from chic brands like Casper, Tuft + Paw, and Wild One prove you don’t have to sacrifice style for pet comfort. Elevated cots and hammocks keep pets off the floor. Or opt for a luxe dog bed that complements your decor, like a leather or velvet version with brass hardware.
Coordinate Pet Accessories
Leashes, bowls, toys and other pet essentials don’t have to clash with your home’s aesthetic. Opt for neutral colors like black, white, gray or tan. Choose ceramic pet bowls that coordinate with your dinnerware. Search for toys in colors and patterns that complement your decor. Store items out of sight in baskets, bins or stylish holders.
Use Pet-Friendly Accent Pieces
Pets and decor can co-exist through smart accent choices like indoor planters on platforms or stands, sconce lighting instead of table lamps, washable pillows and blankets, framed prints or canvases with non-glass fronts, and wipeable faux leather or vinyl on ottomans and headboards.
Layer with Washable Throws and Blankets
Add interest to sofas, chairs, beds and more while protecting them from pet wear-and-tear. Opt for machine-washable throws in wool, cotton, acrylic and microfiber. Swap out frequently to control odors and hair. Use blankets to cover dog beds and off-limit furniture. Pro tip: Buy a few extra to rotate for laundry day!
With the right design strategies, you can create a stylish space that celebrates your love of both design and dogs. Focus on durable, easy-care fabrics. Choose pet-friendly finishes for floors and furniture. Select chic beds, toys and accessories. Add layers for protection. With a little forethought, you can have the contemporary canine-friendly home you desire.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contemporary Design for Dogs
How can I make my home look stylish with pets?
- Opt for leather, microfiber, or performance upholstery fabrics that resist stains, pet hair, and moisture.
- Choose wood or leather furniture with protective finishes. Use rug pads, felt pads, coasters.
- Select indoor/outdoor washable rugs in natural fibers or synthetic materials.
- Buy pet beds that complement your decor. Choose neutral colors for pet items.
- Use accents like platforms, sconces, washable pillows/blankets. Add protective layers.
What type of flooring works best with dogs?
Wood, especially with a protective finish, or tile floors work best for homes with dogs. Both are durable and can withstand scratching. Tile is seamless, preventing liquids from seeping between cracks. Wood can be refinished over time. Laminate flooring is also good for dogs. Avoid carpeting which absorbs odors.
How do I choose furniture that can handle dog wear and tear?
Opt for furniture with durable fabrics like leather, microfiber, nylon, or polyester blends. Stain protection treatments add an extra layer of defense. Avoid silks, chenille, velvet, and other delicate fabrics prone to snagging. For wood furniture, stick with finishes like polyurethane that resist moisture and scratches.
What are some tips to minimize pet hair on furniture and floors?
- Use slipcovers on upholstered furniture for easy removal and washing.
- Vacuum furniture frequently using attachments for pet hair.
- Close doors to off-limit rooms. Keep pets on non-carpeted surfaces.
- Use lint rollers and masking tape to remove pet hair.
- Brush or comb your dog regularly to control shedding.
- Clean rugs and launder pet beds often to prevent buildup of hair.
How can I stop my dog from scratching up floors and furniture?
- Trim nails often to minimize scratching. Use nail caps if needed.
- Set up a scratching post to redirect scratching instincts.
- Use bitter no-chew sprays on furniture legs and baseboards.
- Place rugs on high-traffic areas. Use rug pads under area rugs.
- Consider using wall-mounted lamps or sconces instead of table lamps.
- Keep dog active and engaged to prevent boredom-induced scratching.
Conclusion
With some strategic design moves, dog owners don’t have to choose between contemporary style and pet-friendly practicality. Focus on durable, stain-resistant fabrics and finishes. Select furnishings with pets in mind, like leather sofas or hardwood floors. Coordinate accessories in neutral hues. Use washable rugs, throws and blankets to protect surfaces while maintaining your aesthetic. Approach things practically by anticipating wear and tear. With forethought, you can design a fashionable, functional home that caters to both you and your canine companions. The key is finding the perfect balance between style and pet-proofing with the suggestions outlined here. With a contemporary canine-friendly home, your four-legged friends can co-exist in stylish harmony with your interior design tastes and sensibilities.
