Now more than ever, pets are considered cherished members of the family, with the number of fur kids often outweighing human kids in many households.

However, creating a pet-friendly home that accommodates both humans and furry companions can sometimes be challenging. And if you want to keep your interiors in good shape, you’ll probably need to make a few adjustments before introducing your future best pal to their new home. 

From durable materials and fabrics, to pet-proof storage solutions, pet-friendly interior design is all about striking a balance between style and practicality. 

In this handy guide, we’ll offer up various interior design tips and tricks with some top advice from a range of experts too – including interior designers and veterinary surgeons – to help give your four-legged friends what they need to live their best life while maintaining a stylish space for you to enjoy too.

Flooring Solutions for Pet-Friendly Homes

One of the key things to consider when pet proofing your home is selecting the right flooring materials. Hardwood floors, while aesthetically pleasing, can be prone to scratches from dog claws in particular. 

Alternatives like laminate, vinyl, or tile can provide the durability needed to withstand the wear and tear of pet paws while still looking great. Rugs and carpets made from stain-resistant materials can help protect floors while providing a cosy spot for pets to lounge, they can make all the difference to your interior design too.

“When considering how to make your floor suitable for pets, the pros and cons of each floor type vary. Ideally, the floor should be both resistant to scratches, stains and water, as well as comfortable for your pet to walk on.”

Vinyl is one of the best flooring types if your pet is prone to accidents as it’s water resistant. It’s also reasonably scratch-resistant, and if the worst happens, it’s one of the most affordable flooring types to replace.

On the other hand, real wood flooring may have a stunning and authentic finish, but it’s not especially pet-proof. That’s because it’s susceptible to water damage and could swell and warp if your pet has an accident. 

It’s also prone to scratches, and a more expensive flooring type to replace. That said, if your pet doesn’t dissuade you in your pursuit of real wood flooring (since it also has the potential to increase your home’s value), some types are more suitable than others. The trick is to opt for wood with a high hardness scale (like oak, walnut, mahogany or bamboo), because softwood floors are more likely to scratch.

LVT (luxury vinyl tile) is a great middle-man because some designs are so convincing that they effectively mimic real wood or stone, while being famously hard-wearing, scratch and water-resistant. It’s also easy to lay yourself and replace if a section becomes damaged by your pet.”

– Paul Hambidge, Managing Director at Factory Direct Flooring

Flooring Care Tips for Pet Owners

Paul also offers some further advice to help keep your floors in top condition:

• Clip your dogs claws regularly to keep scratches and marks down to a minimum
• Place floor protectors on the feet of cages or crates that could cause indentations
• Clean up any spillages/accidents immediately after they happen to avoid water damage, which is especially important with solid wood, laminate or carpet.
• Add a coating of polyurethane to solid floors; this adds a waterproof sealant to protect your flooring
• If replacing a floor isn’t an option, use rugs to cover any irreparable stains or large scratches or damage to prevent it getting worse

What is the best carpet for pets?

Choosing a suitable carpet for a pet-friendly interior means you’ll need to consider things such as durability and ease of maintenance. But what does that mean? Here are some key features to look for when selecting a suitable carpet: 

• Stain Resistance: Go for carpets treated with stain-resistant coatings or made from stain-resistant fibres such as nylon or polyester. 
• Durability: Look for carpets with a high-density construction as they are more resistant to wear and tear caused by claws and foot traffic.
• Moisture Resistance: Carpets with moisture-resistant backing or moisture-barrier padding are perfect for preventing liquids from seeping through to the subfloor in case of accidents. This will help protect the carpet from mould and mildew growth, too.
• Odour Resistance: Carpets treated with odour-resistant technology or antimicrobial treatments are perfect for keeping odours and bacteria build-up to a minimum.
• Easy to Clean: Opt for carpets that are easy to clean and maintain, such as those that can be spot-cleaned with mild detergent and water, or steam cleaned without causing damage to the fibres. Carpets with low pile height are generally easier to vacuum and keep clean.
• Specialised Features: Some carpets are marketed as being pet proof and may include features like soil resistance, pet-safe dyes and anti-static properties. 

Ultimately, the best carpet for pets will depend on your specific needs, budget and preferences. Be sure to thoroughly research different carpet options and have a chat with a flooring specialist to find the best solution for your home.

“Even though pets love curling up on carpets, you should avoid a deep pile or loop pile design as claws can easily get stuck in the loops. Cut pile carpets like saxony and twist pile carpets are the best carpets for cats and dogs.

Natural wool carpets are dirt-resistant but may show more stains, polypropylene carpets are the best option for high-traffic areas of your home such as living rooms and stairs as it has built-in resistance to dirt, dust and spills.

Dark colours or patterns are great for hiding a multitude of sins, so you could even match the colour to your dog or cat and camouflage stray hairs and shedding. However, you will need to vacuum regularly to prevent hairs and dirt from building up and being ground into the fibres, and clean up spills immediately to avoid staining.”

– Johanna Constantinou, Trends Expert at Tapi Carpets & Floors

Pet-Friendly Furniture and Fabrics

This can be a real tough one. Finding things like a pet-proof sofa can seem like an impossible task as you’ll probably have your own specific tastes when it comes to the type of soft furnishings you want in your home. But choosing the right furniture and fabrics is essential for creating a living space suitable for your furry friend, especially if you want it to last. 

Firstly, look for hardwearing upholstery fabrics that are easy to clean and resistant to pet hair and stains. Fabrics such as leather and microfibre are excellent for dog and cat owners, as they can be wiped clean with ease. Delicate materials with an open and loop weave such as chenille and boucle can prove difficult to maintain when you have pets as they can easily fray and snag, so may not look their best for very long.

A sofa with removable covers made from hard wearing fabrics or washable cushions (or no fabric at all) should be the first choice. Being able to pop them in the washing machine quickly can be a game changer and makes life much easier. 

If you fancy something a little different, there are loads of furniture pieces out there now specifically designed to accommodate pets, such as side tables that can house a litter tray to keep it out of sight or cupboards that have built-in pet beds. These are great for providing designated spaces for your furry friends too, while preserving the overall look of your home.

Consider the design of your furnishings too. As well as the durability of the materials, the colours or styles you choose can either work with or against the realities of owning pets.

“Patterns are your friend. Any dog owner knows that some stains are simply unavoidable, and a bit of damage is only to be expected from our beloved pooches.

With this in mind, soft furnishings with patterns are a great way to distract the eye from the occasional stain or minor wear and tear that may occur in a household with pets.
Patterns, whether on furniture upholstery, curtains or rugs, can effectively camouflage and divert attention from small imperfections.

Opt for patterns that incorporate a mix of colours and shapes, as they can be more forgiving in concealing dirt or pet-related mishaps. Busy or intricate patterns tend to hide stains better than solid colours.”

– Anne Haimes, Design Director and Founder of Anne Haimes Interiors

Creating “Pet Zones”

Designating specific areas in your home for your pets can have many benefits. Both cats and dogs tend to be creatures of habit, so having a consistent safe space that they’re able to retreat to when needed can help reduce any anxiety they may have. Not only that, it’ll also help you maintain order and organisation more easily, too.

Exciting Play Areas

You could also create a designated play space equipped with toys, treat puzzles and scratching posts to keep your pets entertained and mentally stimulated. If you do have cats, explore the vertical space in your home as well. Make the most of this space by installing climbing walls, shelves, perches or floor-to-ceiling cat trees to create elevated vantage points where they can observe their surroundings and enjoy that added sense of security.

A Convenient Feeding Station

It’s also worth establishing a feeding station for your furry friend in an easily accessible room near the kitchen away from the relaxation and play zones. Also consider placing a bowl of fresh water away from the feeding station, as not all pets (particularly cats) like their food and drink to be next to one another.

Dogs in particular can be messy eaters and drinkers, so choose spill-proof food bowls for your feeding station and place them on an easy to clean surface or mat to avoid floor damage, it may also be worth putting a protective covering on any walls directly next to the food bowls to protect against pet food splatters and slobber.

Cosy Chill Out Spaces 

Set up a pet bed or cushions in a quiet corner or nook where your furry friends can go to relax. It’s quite typical (especially for cats) to seek out a cosy den as there’s safety in small, dark spaces, so any area you have like this that you can dedicate to your pet would be ideal.

“Puppies and kittens need safe and secure places to sleep from the outset – just like babies! Before bringing your new pet home, decide where they will sleep. You want this to be somewhere quiet and comfortable. 

Create yourself a puppy proofing house checklist, and starting with your new pet’s allocated room, go through your house checking for potential hazards. Some of the things to be conscious of are; very small spaces where they could get stuck, open fireplaces, gaps behind kitchen appliances and under fitted cupboards, cleaning fluids, disinfectants and medicines, electric cables that your pet could chew or get tangled in, open toilet lids, any toxic foods within easy reach (such as grapes) and poisonous plants.

If you have a garden or garage, make sure you pet-proof these, too. Things like antifreeze and plant fertiliser are toxic to pets. As your pet gets bigger you’ll also need to think about making sure your fencing is secure.”

– Brian Faulkner, RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon in collaboration with Petplan 

Storage Solutions for Pet Supplies

Keeping pets in tip top condition both physically and mentally can mean you need quite a lot of stuff, especially so for older dogs and cats. So, effective storage solutions are essential for keeping all their supplies organised and accessible to you (but inaccessible to your pet).

Dedicate a shelf, or a cupboard to store pet food, treats, any medication and all their grooming essentials. Using storage bins or baskets can help corral smaller items while keeping them within easy reach.

For larger items such as pet carriers or crates, rather than chucking them in the shed where they could go rusty or mouldy, consider getting collapsible versions so they can be tucked away in cupboards or under the stairs to keep them out of sight when not in use.

“It can be difficult to store items for your pets around the house, especially when they don’t have dedicated storage areas in each room. With a dedicated pet drawer, you can store everything in one easy and convenient location. Stack pouches or dog treats vertically to save space. If your pet is taking any medication daily, use a pill organiser marked with days of the week to help keep track.

If your kitchen has a pull out bin drawer, swap the trash bin for a large container and store dry cat or dog food in here with a scoop.

When you head out for a dog walk, it can be stressful fumbling for leads, waste bags and balls. Keep everything handy and neatly organised in a kitchen drawer so you know where everything is kept before you head out. Choosing a drawer near the kitchen sink or in a utility room will also make the clean-up easier for when you return home and have muddy paws to deal with.”

– Darren Watts, Showroom Development and Design Director at Wren Kitchens

Pet-Friendly Decor and Accessories

As a pet owner, it can be difficult to know what décor and accessories are pet-friendly, especially if you have a chewer.

It’s often wise to keep the majority of the decor on the walls when you have pets, so add some striking artwork, mirrors and framed pictures. 

Think about how you’re going to dress your windows too, curtains can be a blessing and a curse, especially with cats, who will often take the opportunity to use them for acrobatic ropework displays. Consider things like wooden shutter blinds instead, which will be far less appealing to them and easier to keep clean.

As mentioned before, go for machine-washable rugs or rugs made from synthetic fibres such as polypropylene that can withstand spills and accidents. These rugs are easier to clean and maintain than natural materials such as wool and jute, they’re often cheaper too.

Add lots of blankets, and throw pillows made from pet-friendly fabrics that compliment your décor too. Not only will they add new textures and colours to your room, they’ll also provide extra comfy and cosy spots for your pets (and you) to chill out.

When buying any new décor or furniture, always make sure they have non-toxic finishes and paints to ensure the safety of your pets. Avoid products containing toxic chemicals or volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as reed diffusers as these can be harmful, or even fatal, if ingested.

Pet-Friendly Houseplants 

Knowing which plants are safe for pets and which aren’t can be a bit of a minefield, and puppies and kittens love to sample new and exciting things, so it’s vital they aren’t going to do any harm. Some pet parents might be inclined to avoid them altogether, but indoor plants that are safe for pets are perfect for adding a touch of greenery while also creating a calming atmosphere. 

Indoor plants such as spider plants, Boston ferns, or palms are animal-friendly and easy to care for while looking great in the process. It’s important to keep any toxic plants out of reach or trade them in for artificial versions to avoid any potential harm to your furry friends.

If you have a cat and you really want to push the boat out with the greenery, consider growing your own Silvervine in hanging pots alongside other cat friendly plants. It’s easy to grow indoors, looks pretty and it’s perfectly safe for them to chew on too. Having the same sort of effect as catnip, it makes for a great boredom breaker when toys just don’t cut it!

Maintaining a Clean and Healthy Environment

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for keeping your pets safe and your home looking its best. 

It’s definitely worth investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner equipped with pet-specific attachments to effectively remove pet hair and dander from floors, furniture and upholstery. 

Establish a regular cleaning routine that includes vacuuming, dusting and mopping to keep surfaces clean and allergen-free, it will also help keep any potential flea infestations at bay. 

Adding some air purifiers or indoor plants known for their air-purifying properties can help improve indoor air quality and create a healthier pet-friendly home. Try to avoid using plugin air fresheners and reed diffusers as these contain VOCs and are known to cause issues for pets, and while not all pets will be affected by them, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

The Perfect Home for You and Your Furry Family

As a pet parent, putting together a low maintenance pet-friendly interior requires careful consideration of both style and functionality. 

By making a few allowances, you can create the perfect living space that accommodates the needs of both you and your four-legged friend.

With these top tips, tricks and design ideas, we hope you’ve found some interior design inspiration so you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that celebrates the love for your babies and your sense of style!