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Interior architecture should not be seen as a luxury that only a few can afford since it is a design tool that improves the quality of life of all those who inhabit these spaces. As of 2023, 57% of households worldwide own at least one pet, experts estimate that there are more than a billion pets worldwide. Pet ownership has increased significantly over the past three decades, so it is necessary to begin to include the needs of our pets in the design and
planning of our homes
When it comes to pet interior design, it's essential to consider the needs and comfort of our furry friends from the start of our concept design planning. Pet-friendly furniture and decor can not only enhance the aesthetics of our homes but also create a safe and comfortable space for our beloved companions. From durable fabrics that withstand claws and accidents to clever storage solutions for toys and accessories, there are numerous ways to create a pet-friendly environment without sacrificing style.
MAKING PET-FRIENDLY HOMES
As with any other user, we must start with their specific needs such as cozy sleeping areas, play zones, or designated feeding stations, after all a happy and contented pet makes for a harmonious home.
When choosing the materials for your home, you have to consider how easy they are to clean and the possibility that your pet can damage them, although we do not believe in saying what materials to use or not, we can give you our opinion on some of them. Wood is for sure one of the must-chewable materials for dogs, avoiding exposed wicker and rattan when you have a new puppy is always recommended. Flat and matte paint is harder to clean and will expose dirtiness easier, melamine sponges are a great ally for these paint finishes, however with good maintenance and the right cleaners you can keep your house always clean.
One key element in designing a pet-friendly home is selecting furniture that can withstand the wear and tear caused by our furry friends, Pet-friendly fabrics that are resistant to stains and scratches are becoming increasingly popular choices for sofas and chairs. There’s no need to have a trade-off between style and practicality there are plenty of fabulous pet-friendly fabrics out there that can stand up to paws, hairs, and a bit of mud. Tight-knit fabrics are less likely to collect pet hair and easier to keep clean than fabrics such as velvet, corduroy, velour, and chenille. Fabrics, such as microfiber and microsuede are great options when decorating high-traffic areas of your home. If you think that no fabric is resistant enough for your pet, you can try Crypton a nearly indestructible synthetic fabric that’s resistant to stains, smells, bacteria, and muddy paws. As for the carpets, these are experts in capturing and preserving our homes with dust and bacteria that are not entirely healthy, but if what you are looking for is to add coziness and a barrier to the temperature of the floor, we recommend purchasing a washable rug. Today there are hundreds of brands of stain and dirt-resistant rugs that allow you to wash them at home without the need for a professional service.
FROM PET-FRIENDLY HOMES TO REAL INTERIOR DESIGN FOR PETS
The concept of pet interior design goes beyond simply choosing pet-friendly materials and furniture, for a house to actually be considered interior designed for your pet, spaces must be created that meet their needs and desires. Not all pets require the same things, 70% of U.S. households (90.5 million homes) owned a pet. 69 million U.S. households have a pet dog, compared to 45.3 million with a cat. 3.5 million American households own a horse, and 2.9 million own a saltwater fish. Although we can design spaces for these and many more pets, we will focus on dogs and cats for the moment since these can be free in our homes without the need for a contained environment.
A space for human best friends, dogs and their needs.
Sleeping, walking, eating, and playing are the most important things in your dog’s life. Due to the friendly and sociable nature of most dogs, it is recommended to play and walk outside to provide stimulation and experiences for our pets, in the case of the less friendly ones you can always design an indoor doggy playroom to provide a space with a safe environment to let off steam. As for sleep, unlike humans dogs sleep on average for eight hours, they follow a polyphasic sleep cycle in which they sleep on and off for 14 hours a day. Insufficient doggy sleep can lead to stress, irritability, and behavior problems. Feeling safe and having enough space to stretch is essential while planning a sleeping spot for our dogs, according to clinical pet behaviorist, Helen Greenley, you should also ensure the spot is suitable for your dog’s needs. Heavier set dogs such as Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, or Malamutes need cooler sleeping spots so as not to overheat. Breeds with finer coats such as Vizslas, Whippets, and Miniature Pinschers need more warmth.
Eating and drinking can be messy, building an eating station for your dog will contain spillages and will make it easier to clean. Use the materials and design from the rest of the room to create a space with low-level taps over bowls for a smart but practical area that’s in keeping with the rest of your interiors.
Only cat owners understand how different they are from dogs.
Cats are notorious for their love of lounging, climbing, and exploring, so it's important to provide them with an environment that caters to their natural instincts. When it comes to interior designs for cats, there are several key elements to consider. First and foremost is the inclusion of vertical spaces. Cats love to climb and perch up high, so incorporating cat trees, wall shelves, or even custom-built climbing structures can provide them with the perfect vantage point.
Another important aspect is creating cozy nooks and hiding spots. Cats enjoy having their own little sanctuaries where they can retreat and feel safe. This can be achieved through the use of enclosed beds, hidden cubbies, or even dedicated cat-friendly furniture pieces. Additionally, incorporating interactive elements into the design can help stimulate your cat's mind and keep them entertained. From puzzle toys to scratching posts integrated into furniture pieces, there are endless possibilities for creating a space that encourages playfulness and mental stimulation. Cats are curious by nature which makes them play and jump near our decor, there will be people who say that with cats you cannot have nice things, but it is possible that the solution is easier than you think. Museum wax is actually used by museum conservators to keep pieces from falling and breaking. It's great for securing antiques collectibles, heirlooms, vases, picture frames, and other easily breakable household items.
If you have plants or flowers and your cats like to chew on them try with vinegar, spraying vinegar on your plants might harm them, so soak cotton balls in a water and vinegar solution and place them on top of the soil. The smell of the vinegar will keep your cat away and break her habit of eating or playing in the plants. It is very important to know which plants can be dangerous for your pets.
MAKE EVERYONE FEEL WELCOME AND LOVED
By considering their natural behaviors and providing them with engaging environments, you can ensure that both you and your pet companion will enjoy a harmonious living space together.
Making everyone feel safe and that they belong is the best that interior architecture design has to offer. When we talk about the lives of our pets, it is important to keep in mind that we are the only thing they know, while for us they are a small part of our lives, we are all of theirs. Providing a safe space that allows them to enjoy explore and be happy is only a tiny effort for those who give unconditional love.
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