Even though we like to think of our pets as important and treasured members of our families, we sometimes forget about the ways in which we can include them in our home design and decorating plans. Thanks to new products and technologies, it has never been easier to incorporate the needs of our four-legged (or in some cases, two-legged and gilled) friends into our home designs.
Fabrics: In addition to fun and whimsical pet- inspired patterns, the growing popularity of outdoor living spaces has led to the development of new moisture-resistant and antimicrobial fabrics that are indistinguishable from traditional indoor fabrics. Whether you choose them to upholster your pieces or use them just as slipcovers, these fabrics are ideal for pet owners who like to share their favorite sofas and chairs with their furry friends. Check out Crypton Super Fabrics (www.cryptonfabric.com) to see new fabrics created by photographer William Wegman and architect Michael Graves that appeal to pet-loving families. Perennials Fabrics (www.perennialsfabrics.com) carries an extensive line of products ranging from contemporary to traditional patterns and has recently teamed up with textile designers Galbraith & Paul® to create an exciting new line of durable and beautiful products.
Flooring Surfaces: If you have a family member (or members) who suffer from allergies and you don’t enjoy heavy cleaning on a frequent basis, you should avoid deep pile carpets such as shag rugs. Hard surfaces enable you to control allergens better, but in the past many pet owners shied away from hardwood floors because of concerns about claw and scratch marks. Thanks to a new water- based, low VOC polymer floor finish called “Traffic” from Bona (www.bona.com), pet owners can put those fears to rest and once again enjoy beautiful and easy-to-clean hardwood floors.
Air Quality and Odor Control: Pet owners and non-pet owners alike should consider room or whole- house air purification systems that are attached to the air conditioning unit. These filtering systems, along with a good vacuum with a HEPA filter, can help remove allergens and irritants from your home (and not just pet irritants) thus making the air healthier for everyone. To help control pet odors, make sure you clean up any messes on carpets and fabrics as soon as they occur and use good quality kitty litters with maximum odor absorption capabilities. Yesterday’s News® by Purina (www.yesterdaysnews.com) is made from recycled newspaper and is a good choice. Avoid scented cat litter – the chemicals used can irritate both you and your pet.
Space Planning – Indoors and Out: Mike Love, owner of Coffee Labs Roasters (coffeelabs.com) in Tarrytown, N.Y., believes that if you own a large dog or a big bird, you should consider this animal’s space needs just as you would consider the space needs of another member of your family and he has put his words into action in his local black lab-inspired coffee house. If you’re like Mike and want to interact with your animals as part of your daily routine, it is important to make sure that pet beds, cages, fish tanks and crawling trees blend with the flow and style of your home. Try the Lotus Cat Tree or the wicker litter box from www.dogbedworks.com or www.petsnap.com
If your animal enjoys the great outdoors, you may want to consider a pet door (www.fishfurfeather.com or www.callingalldogs.com) for easy access in and out. Make sure your yard offers a cool, shady spot for those occasional (and much needed) cat, rabbit and dog naps and keep it enclosed to keep your special family members safe from traffic and other hazards, including wildlife that may prey on them. An outdoor bird aviary is perfect for milder climates and adds a touch of elegance to your garden.
So as you make plans to redesign or redecorate your home, remember all the warmth and comfort your pets bring to your life and make a commitment to find ways to make them warm and comfortable, too.