Design & Decor: At HOME with Fido Inspirations and Ideas for making your home pet friendly for you and for them.
Our pets are part of the family, giving back love three-fold for every ounce they get, which more than makes up for the fact that they can be a little messy at times. Right? Right. With just a little planning, a small dose of reality, and a few cool accessories, you and your 4-legged family members can live together in chic bliss.
F.U.R—Flooring. Upholstery. Reality.
This is where we present you with that dose of reality. If you are constantly worried that Fido will jump on your one-of-a-kind imported Italian silk love seat then let me tell you a secret… at some point he probably will. While good training can do amazing things, simply accepting this fact will save you and your pet a lot of stress. So will choosing tightly woven fabrics that are high on the durability scale. These fabrics will stand up to the scratches and various liquids that our pets inevitably leave behind.
MATERIAL INTEREST You need not forgo comfort or style to choose a pet friendly fabric. Outdoor upholstery superstar Sunbrella makes gorgeous indoor textiles that are as durable and colorfast as their outdoor counterparts but uber soft and cozy. They even have a line by renowned designer Richard Frinier.
CRYPTON FABRICS Touted to be super clean and extra beautiful, top furniture lines Stickley, Woodard, La-Z Boy and American Leather trust Crypton.
GET ON THE COUCH!
We love independent companies like The Livable Home who are making furniture specifically for the stylish pet owner. Their designs come in an absolutely beautiful array of fabrics at four levels of durability that owner Amy & her three dogs and one cat have tested themselves. This is the Lucy (all their products are named after favorite pets). Get your own at www.thelivablehomestore.com
FLOOR SHOW
Hard surface floors really are the way to go when you have pets. If you choose hardwood make sure to go with the most durable woods like oak, cherry, maple, or mahogany. These stand up better to pet’s nails and the additional wear and tear than the softer woods like cedar or pine.
THE FUN STUFF
#1 Privacy Please! Give your feline hers with the White Cat Washroom. Available at muttropolis.com
#2 Colorful Pop Art portraits solidify Fido’s place as part of the family unit. Portraits by Laura offer these custom, acrylic on canvas portraits of your little one in your choice of color scheme. Find her on Etsy at www.etsy.com/shop/LauraKG
#3 We always hear about tablescapes but what about puppyscapes! It is high time our furry friends dined in style as well. For the more modern mutt, the Woodsman Double Diner. Available at muttropolis.com
Big thank you to our contributors Molly, Chloe, Bella, Trie, and Pepe for their help with this article.
These pet portraits by www.davidhebble.com