Sharing your home with pets shouldn't mean sacrificing style – 8 interior design tips to live in harmony
Sharing your home with pets shouldn't mean sacrificing style. With some wise design choices, tails can be wagging all around
For many people, a house wouldn't feel like a home without a pet or two to share it with. Personally, the soft snore of my loving Labrador while I work and his enthusiastic wagging tail when I get home make my home a happier place.
That said, his fur has an almost unbelievable knack of getting absolutely everywhere – it gets lodged in the sofa cushions and magically forms a fluffy sea beneath the dining table. And don't even get me started on the snail trail of drool that follows him around. Daily vacuuming is non-negotiable around here, and everything from the walls to the furniture has taken a hit over the years.
If, like me, you are keen to incorporate some of the latest interior decor trends while still creating spaces built to endure claws, fur, drool and odours, you're in the right place. I asked the experts how to choose pet-proof fixtures and finishes that will make life for both you and your lovable furballs run so much smoother.
How to create a pet-friendly home in style: 8 interior design tips
Anything that cuts down how often you have to clean your house is always a good idea. Creating a pet-friendly home is all about designing spaces that make life easier for everyone and incorporating finishes that are easy-to-clean, durable and low-maintenance.
To make things simple, with the help of leading experts, we've broken the process down, looking at each and every element that goes into producing the perfect pet-friendly home.
1. Choose stress-free flooring
Flooring is one of the hardest-working elements of your home and when you share your space with pets, it has to perform better than ever if you want it to stay looking great.
One of the best options is wooden flooring, although, as Adam Robertson, MD of Urbane Living, explains, you still need to choose with care. "High-quality engineered wood offers excellent stability and resilience, making it particularly well-suited to homes with pets.
I would recommend matt, brushed or lightly textured surfaces," continues Adam. "These disguise minor scratches, dust and paw prints far more effectively than highly polished floors, and also provide better grip for dogs. Mid-toned oak flooring is often the sweet spot for pet owners. Very dark floors can highlight fur, dust and scratches, while light floors can show muddy paw prints more readily."
Other great flooring choices include luxury vinyl tiles and, as María D Arráez, director of Tile of Spain UK, explains, porcelain tiles. "Porcelain and ceramic tiles are a practical option because they are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to scratches, muddy paw prints and spills.
They're also a great choice for busy areas such as kitchens, utility rooms and hallways where pets spend a lot of time. For added comfort, many homeowners pair tiles with underfloor heating, creating a surface that works well for both people and pets."
2. Select a durable, scrubbable paint finish
My walls take a real battering thanks to my dog – muddy splatters after a good post-walk shake are a regular feature. It goes without saying that you should choose a scrubbable paint (a Class 1 scrub rating can withstand thousands of scrubs without deteriorating), but what else should you be on the lookout for?
"Choose a durable paint to create a protective barrier against any wear and tear that will naturally occur," says Jon Mee, technical interiors expert at eco-friendly paint company Earthborn. "This also makes for easy cleaning as you simply have to wipe down the wall with a wet cloth.
"We’re also seeing more and more customers seeking to minimise harmful chemicals and smells in their home, especially when they have little ones and furry companions to think about," continues Jon. "Exposure to these substances can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and allergies. To avoid this, you must use low-VOC formulations.
"There is no need to hold back when it comes to paint colour trends and choices to be functional," points out Jon. "To create visual interest, we’d recommend opting for two or more colours together on your walls to showcase your personality. Consider painting the skirting or lower half of the wall one colour and the upper half another. This technique not only adds a contrasting and stylish feel to spaces, but it also helps to hide scuffs and marks that commonly occur at lower levels."
3. Customise your kitchen carefully
The kitchen is the space in which everyone tends to congregate – pets included.
According to bespoke kitchen designer Tom Howley, modern kitchen trends are now taking into account our four-legged companions. "When designing a kitchen or utility room, we frequently integrate practical pet features like built-in feeding stations, integrated bed nooks, and low-level storage for treats or toys,” says Tom.
"We also often include other clever customisations, such as hidden charging drawers for pet tech like GPS collars," continues Tom. "Elevated pet-dining areas clad in the same stone or timber as the kitchen worktops bring a sense of cohesion, whilst personalised touches like cabinetry engraved with a pet’s name add charm."
If you want your dog's feeding area to tie in with your kitchen scheme, look no further than this elevated design which features a super-useful storage drawer beneath the two removable bowls.
4. Create a layout that flows easily
Designing a pet-friendly home isn't just about the finishes, materials and furniture you choose – the overall layout of your spaces matters too. This becomes even more important when dealing with small living room layouts where every inch counts.
Matt Payne, regional sales manager at Neville Johnson, explains that the most successful layouts for pets depends on the creature in question.
"The best layouts are those that allow them to feel involved without being under everyone's feet. Dogs, in particular, tend to prefer spaces where they can observe household activities, so layouts that provide clear sightlines between living, dining and kitchen areas can help them feel more connected. Many will naturally choose a 'supervisory position' where they can keep an eye on family members, visitors and key routes through the home."
"Cats often favour the opposite, enjoying the ability to retreat and observe from a distance," Matt points out. "Elevated perches, shelving and sunny window spots can be far more appealing than even the most expensive pet bed. It's also worth considering how your pet naturally moves through the home. Many animals establish their own daily routes between feeding areas, sleeping spots, favourite humans and preferred window views."
5. Give everyone their own space
As well as creating clear pathways so that no one is getting under anyone else's feet, it is a great idea to create spaces dedicated solely to your pets.
The good news is that there are plenty of low-effort interior design ideas to use that won't jar with your interior scheme, as Kate Palmer, creative director at The Painted Furniture Company, explains. "For dog owners who crate train, purpose-built furniture designed to house a crate can make this much easier to live with aesthetically.
Rather than a metal cage in the middle of the room, the crate sits within a proper piece of cabinetry, with storage for accessories built in, and when the crate is no longer needed, the furniture adapts accordingly."
"Both cats and dogs benefit from having dedicated quiet spaces where they know they won't be disturbed," picks up Susan Nilson, accredited cat and dog training and behaviour expert at The Cat and Dog House.
"For dogs, especially anxious or fearful dogs, this would ideally be a cosy corner in a low-traffic area of the home, with a familiar bed or blanket with their scent on, and a favourite toy. For cats, the ideal set-up includes both hiding spots at lower levels (a known stress-reducer) and elevated perches where they can observe their territory from a position of safety. A cat who can see the room from above feels in control of their environment, which directly reduces stress."
Susan is an accredited cat and dog training and behavior professional via CAPBT (COAPE Association of Pet Behaviorists and Trainers) and PPAB (Pet Professional Accreditation Board). She is also founder and owner of The Cat and Dog House, an online educational authority site that helps cat and dog owners better understand their pets' body language, behavior, and emotional states to improve communication and keep more pets in homes.
6. Focus on cosy yet durable soft furnishings
Furniture, particularly upholstered pieces, can really suffer at the hands (or paws) of pets. Stains, scratches, chew marks and stubborn fur are all to be expected. Debbie Leigh, design manager at ILIV, explains how to choose materials that can handle life with pets with ease.
"When designing a pet-friendly home, the fabric choices you make for soft furnishings will have the biggest impact on how well your space holds up over time," she begins. "Avoid loosely woven or delicate fabrics like linen or velvet, which can snag, pill and trap pet hair. Instead, opt for tightly woven, performance fabrics. Patterns, floral home decor and textured weaves are also your friend, as they disguise the inevitable marks and hair that come with sharing your home with animals."
Dr Sarah Endersby BVetMed (Hons) MRCVS and global technical manager behaviour at Ceva Animal Health, explains that fabrics can also affect your pet's overall well-being. "Soft materials like short-pile velvet, fleece, or faux fur can be comforting and bring a sense of safety and nesting in resting areas.
Meanwhile, tightly woven performance fabrics and smooth leathers prevent claw snags, which reduces stress for both you and your pet. Avoid loose knits or weaves, as pets can easily sink their claws into them, frightening them if they get caught. Slippery fabrics, where they can struggle to gain grip or traction with their paws, or noisy fabrics may also disturb them."
Dr Sarah has worked in both mixed and small animal clinics. Sarah then joined Ceva Animal Health UK as a veterinary advisor for 6 years before working for International Cat Care as Veterinary Development Manager and latterly as the Head of the International Society of Feline Medicine. In January 2020, Sarah returned to Ceva Animal Health, joining the Companion Animals Franchise as the Global Technical Manager for Behaviour products.
7. Incorporate pet-focused storage to cut down on clutter
The best storage is always tailored to your needs. In order to cut down on pet-related clutter, this is one area to really focus on.
"Dedicated feeding areas, practical storage and easy-clean spaces are essential when designing a home around pets," says Matt Payne. "Consider designated storage for food and treats to keep them fresh and smells at bay, as well as hallway or utility storage, or laundry room organisation ideas for leads, towels, and muddy paws after a walk.
Thoughtfully positioned water stations away from busy walkways can help minimise spills, while hidden litter tray or dog crate solutions can keep everyday necessities discreetly tucked away. Consider integrated storage for robotic vacuums, too – they can make managing pet hair and keeping your home looking its best much easier."
"Freestanding painted furniture is a brilliant choice," adds Kate Palmer. "It's hardwearing, easy to wipe clean and a painted dresser in a hallway or kitchen gives you practical storage for leads, treats and grooming kit, while looking far more considered than a row of hooks and a plastic box."
With an airtight seal to keep pet food fresh and odours contained, this handy bin also features a lock to keep snooping snouts out and a useful scoop in the lid – it even has wheels.
Hang this on your hallway or utility room wall and keep all the essentials for getting out on a walk to hand – lead, keys, collar and harness all in one handy spot. All fixings are included too.
Keep everything needed for your pet's mealtimes in one place with this feeding station which comes complete with two removable bowls within a drawer and plenty of storage for food and treats.
8. Keep your pet's safety in mind
If you want to be able to relax in your home, ensuring it is designed in a way that keeps all members of the family safe and sound, including pets, is really important.
There are several steps you can take here, including addressing your kitchen storage, as Dr Sarah Endersby explains. "A calm environment for pets should be a predictable and safe one."
"Always store medications and toxic foods, such as chocolate and grapes, well out of their reach. It’s also important to secure heavy furniture to prevent accidents, protect electrical cords to avoid chewing hazards, and replace toxic houseplants with pet-safe alternatives. Avoid slippery floors where possible and ensure pathways (or jump zones for cats) are clear and uncluttered to prevent accidents.
"Heat sources can be dangerous too, such as fireplaces and log burners, so access to these objects should be restricted," continues Sarah. "Ensuring your pet has a clear ‘escape’ route to their safe place (which is always accessible) should they be startled or scared by something helps them to feel safer too."
FAQs
Should you avoid carpet if you live with pets?
Despite regularly cleaning carpets around the house, ours still bear the war wounds inflicted by our late cat's nonchalant clawing. That said, according to Jodie Hatton, design manager at Brintons, pet owners don't have to rule out carpet altogether.
"It's a common misconception that carpets should be avoided in homes with pets. In reality, a well-chosen wool carpet can be an excellent option for busy households, offering natural durability, comfort and practicality. For spaces such as reception rooms or living rooms where softness underfoot is important, wool is a resilient and long-lasting choice that stands up well to everyday family life.
"Wool fibres also have natural stain-resistant properties thanks to their protective outer layer, giving homeowners valuable time to clean up spills or muddy paw prints before they penetrate the fibres," continues Jodie.
"In addition, wool is naturally anti-static and hypoallergenic, helping to reduce dust mites and airborne allergens, making it a healthier environment for both people and pets, particularly those with sensitivities. We recommend selecting a cut-pile or twist wool carpet rather than a loop-pile construction, as looped fibres are more susceptible to snagging from claws."
Jodie is a textile designer with over 10 years of experience in bespoke design, focusing on high-end interior projects. She is the Design Manager at Brintons, purveyors of designer carpets, and she is currently working towards completing a master's in design research, focusing on sustainable and regenerative design solutions.
Do some colour schemes work better for pets than others?
You might not think you need to consider your pets when considering the latest paint trends, but you do, according to Susan Nilson.
"Something people don’t always think about when it comes to pets is colour schemes, but it’s worth considering. Cats and dogs both have more limited colour vision than humans, so reds and oranges don’t stand out to them the way they do to us. Instead, they’re seen as much less vivid, closer to muted browns or greys," explains Susan.
"What cats and dogs see best is the blue, violet, and green range of the colour spectrum, so interior decor in those tones likely gives them a more visible contrast than a room dominated by warm reds and oranges.
"Some bright white fabrics and paints also contain fluorescent whitening agents that absorb ultraviolet light and re-emit visible light," adds Susan. "Since cats and dogs can see a little into the ultraviolet range, those materials may appear slightly brighter to them than to us. That’s worth keeping in mind when choosing fabrics for your pet’s resting area."
If you choose to share your home with animals, it's a given that you are going to end up with a busier cleaning schedule than someone who is pet-free. That said, there are plenty of cleaning tips for pet owners that can make life easier.
