It can be difficult to design a home that works for both people and pets, but it doesn’t have to be. Using your thoughts and imagination, you can absolutely make stylish and useful spaces just for your pet. Thoughtful design can make your pet feel more at home, no matter if you live in a small apartment or a big house. Having a designated space for your pets can also keep the rest of your home neat, tidy, and looking great.
Here’s how to make the perfect pet space that fits your style, your way of life, and your pet’s needs, from cozy corners to built-in nooks and stylish furniture.
Why Your Pet Needs Their Own Space
It’s not just about giving them their own space, it’s also about structure. Pets are like people in a way, they do best when they have a routine and a place to call their own. Giving them a specific area of the house where they can relax, sleep, eat, and play can help them behave. Better, feel less anxious, and keep the peace in the house.
They can also help you, having a separate area for your pet keeps toys from getting scattered, dirt from being tracked in, and beds, bowls, and scratching posts from taking over the house.
Choose The Right Place
Choose the best space that works for your pet’s way of life. Does your dog like to be around people and wants to be with you? If your cat takes a lot of naps, is there a quiet place? Think about how much energy and how often they do things. Some of the best places for pet spaces are:
- A corner in the living room or den is good for dogs who would like to be in the middle of things
- A quiet bedroom or a home office is great for older pets or cats that need more sleep
- A laundry room or mudroom is great for storing food and a messy paw
- A built-in nook or under the stairs is a smart use of space that isn’t used much
If you know that your pet likes peace and quiet, stay away from places that are too loud or busy.
Pick Furniture That Looks Good and Works Well
Pet furniture can match your other furniture. You don’t have to have a dog bed that doesn’t match or a cat tower that is covered in carpet. Today, there are plenty of choices with a great mix of style and function.
You can choose a stylish pet bed. Most pet beds have washable covers in many different colors or patterns that will go well with your home. Think about getting raised or memory foam beds for older pets. Look into a pet crate. They can double as furniture. Many new crates can be used as side tables or consoles, giving your pet a cozy place to sleep without ruining the look of your home.
You can find stylish cat furniture as well. Think about modern wood cat tree, wall-mounted perches, or sleek litter box cabinets that fit in with the rest of your decor. If you’re handy, you could even make a custom pet by repurposing furniture or building it yourself.
Have A Feeding Station
You can make meals better, both literally and aesthetically. Instead of leaving bowls all over the floor, make a nice place for them to eat where they have raised fears that help with posture and digestion. You can get nonslip mats or feeding trays to keep your floors safe and cat spills. You can find matching food and water bowls that are made of ceramic, stainless steel, or wood.
If you have more than one pet, you could try keeping their feeding areas apart, so they don’t guard their food or crowd each other. If you have concerns about storage, put a bin or drawer nearby for pet food and treats.
Clear Out Space for Storage
You can keep messes under control with built-in or designated storage. When you get a pet, a lot of things come with it. You now have toys, leashes, grooming supplies, medicine, and more. To keep it all neat and organized, you can get baskets or bins with labels for toys, treats, grooming, and tools.
You can install hooks to hang leashes and collars near the door or entryway. Many storage benches or Ottomans can be used as seating and storage space. Allowing you to double purpose. Floating shelves or cabinets are another great way to keep important things close but out of sight. When your pet’s things are in order, it allows you to stay ready and keeps your space from looking messy.
Is Flooring Important?
When it comes to your flooring, think about how long it will last. Ask yourself things like how easy it will be to clean and how comfortable it will be. The floor is your pet’s space and should be easy to clean and soft on their paws.
Some of the best choices are sealed hardwood, tile, and vinyl. All of which are strong and won’t be scratched. Don’t buy carpets and rugs, they trap hair and smell bad, unless they can easily be washed. For something more comfortable and easy to clean, add a rug or mat that could be washed to your pet’s space. This is especially important if your pet is over and has a tendency to have accidents. You could also use peel-and-stick tiles or washable floor mats to make the pet zone stand out.
Pay Attention to Their Senses and Instincts
Having a great pet space means more than just making your pet comfortable, it also uses their natural instincts. If you have dogs, put a cozy bed, two toys, and puzzle feeders in a den-like area.
If you have cats, you can give them vertical spaces with wall-mounted shelves, a window, a perch, or a scratching post. If you have small animals, you can think about how they need safe places to live, places to play, and places to hide. Try adding some variety by changing out your pet pets toys every week or using scented sprays and new textures to keep them interested.
Match the Style Of Your Home
You wanna make sure that your pet’s area fits in with the rest of your home. You can use the same colors, materials, and design elements in your pet’s area as you do in the rest of your house.
Use the same accent color on a wall in your pet’s nook as you do in your living room. You can pick pet beds and mats that go well with each other. Choosing natural wood, simple lines, or rough textures to match the rest of your style will allow you to be consistent with whatever Theme you have, farmhouse, coastal, or mid-century. You want your pet’s area to flow with the rest of your home.
Smart Upkeep Keeps it Clean
When you’re designing, keep maintenance in mind, not just looks. A pet space will only look good if it’s easy to clean and keep up with. Try picking materials that are washable and long-lasting. When you’re choosing pet beds and cushions, use covers that can be washed.
Every week, or more if there’s a lot of shedding, vacuum and use a lint roller on the surfaces. And to keep smells and bugs away, clean food stations, and wash their bowls often. The way you choose to design their space affects how you upkeep it.
Conclusion
Making your home pet-friendly doesn’t mean you have to give up your style. It just means you need to put some planning and thought into it. You make a space that works for everyone in your home when you actually consider your pet’s needs when choosing your layout, materials, and decor.
A great pet space is warm, clean, and made just for your pet’s needs. This could look like a soft corner bed, a wall of climbing shelves, or a stylish feeding station that hides away at night. Making these kinds of upgrades will help your home feel more complete and make your pet feel
