Is your home the perfect sanctuary for your pet? Latest figures estimate that 12 million households (44 percent) in the UK have pets, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association’s Pet Population report.
The pet population currently stands at around 54 million, and of this, 27 percent of households have dogs and 17 percent have cats, but have you created a harmonious living space that your pet will love and equally feel at home in?
If the answer is ‘not quite’ then take note of these top tips from Stacey Sibley, creative director of interior designers Alexander James Interior Design, and also the proud owner of two Westies, Alfie, and Piglet. Here, Stacey shares her expertise and eye for design to help you to transform your home into a ‘purrfect’ sanctuary for your four-legged friend:
Think carefully about the fabrics you choose to upholster and how likely they are to gather fur.
Avoid: Fabrics that are a magnet for pet hair e.g. velvet, mohair, corduroy, velour or chenille. Steer clear of any delicate materials that could be damaged by your adorable little friend e.g. silk.
Opt for: Smooth tapestries, leathers, and synthetic fibers. Invest in quality textiles that will withstand the test of those claws!
Beware of any exposed wood on your furniture – an excitable puppy may see it as their new favorite teething toy!
Avoid: Furniture with exposed wicker, rattan and sisal furniture.
Opt for: Metal and chrome will leave your would-be teether searching for another toy.
In light of the inevitable rainy, muddy days and those early months when your puppy/kitten is still learning to toilet-train, we highly recommend flooring that is easy to clean.
Avoid: Hardwood floors that dent/scratch easily and require rapid cleaning should a puddle appear (hardwood floors stain very quickly)! If you are absolutely set for those beautiful wooden floors, then opt for harder woods e.g. mahogany or oak.
Opt for: Laminate flooring, stone or ceramic tiles. These also have the additional benefit of keeping your pets cooler during hotter weather.
An all-important part of a pet’s day is the need for space in the home to play.
Avoid: Letting your energetic little friend run riot around the whole house. They need to chase balls, roll excitedly around and play tug of war, but there are some areas of the house in which this is less desirable.
Opt for: Creating a designated ‘play space’ which your pet knows is suitable for play and where they can enjoy some quality ‘me’ time. Keep their toys stored neatly away and out of view but easily accessible.
Pet-friendly interiors are all about keeping your space as tidy as possible, allowing that stunning new kitchen to glisten without unsightly doggy/kitty bowls smudging that perfect vision.
Avoid: Leaving food bowls out in plain sight.
Opt for: Sliding them underneath the toe kick of your kitchen cabinetry, bringing them out for food time, and slotting that water dish around a corner so your furry friends always have fresh water available.
Don’t overlook walls – they could become a headache to clean if you don’t consider their texture.
Avoid: A highly-textured wall will attract pet fur, even if the little rascal isn’t rubbing against it.
Opt for: Satin or semi-gloss paint, helping to repel fur and to keep those walls glistening clean.
An essential part of pet-friendly interior design must surely be the addition of their very own comfy pet bed.
Avoid: Mismatching with the rest of the room’s decor i.e. don’t place a traditional tartan pet bed into a swanky, sleek apartment, rather select a simpler, more contemporary design that will enhance the rest of your interiors.
Opt for: A pet bed made of high-quality materials, creating a sumptuous space for them to relax, unwind and recharge after their busy day of play.
Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.
