Designing your Dream Home: Pet-Friendly Advice

August 11th, 2015 Paul Dekker

cat and dog asleep on couch
 
Whether you have a cat or a dog, their fur – and messy habits – may seem like a deterrent against re-decorating y our home. But a combination of durable fabrics and frequent vacuuming will help you to design the home of your dreams! From the bedroom to the kitchen, there are plenty of tactics to create a stylish, pet-friendly abode.
 

Fabrics

Especially when choosing a sofa, stain-resistant fabric is a must. Pick a thick, durable option for your upholstered sofa or look into leather. While scratches from Fido’s paws are inevitable, leather is an extraordinarily durable option that can easily be wiped clean. If you decide to go the upholstered route, consider a color similar to that of your pet’s fur. A white coach and a black lab are a bad combination.
 
For the bedroom: Choose a duvet cover that compliments your new furniture set. Easily removable, duvet covers can be thrown in the washing machine regularly to get rid of pet hair and musty odors. Look for an option with tight quilting that can stand up to cat claws and frequent washes.
 

Carpeting

Instead of purchasing wall-to-wall carpeting, opt for hard surface floors and area rugs. Accidents are bound to happen, whether you pet is young or old, and carpeting is much more difficult to clean than hardwood or tile. And these options are also easy to sweep or vacuum fur up from. In areas you do choose to carpet, find a stain-resistant option in a darker color that can mask potential stains.
 

Vacuuming

In a pet-friendly home, the vacuum is your best friend! Bring it out twice a week, getting under furniture and into corners and tight spaces. Use attachments to vacuum furniture and swap out bags or clean the canister frequently to ensure optimal suctioning. Looking for an updated model? There are plenty of options designed specifically for homes with pets. While they may cost a little extra, the added attachments and fur-capable filtration system will keep your floors and furniture looking like new.
 

Grooming

Another tactic to employ to keep your furry friend’s mess to a minimum is frequent grooming. Keep nails trimmed to prevent scratches on the floor and furniture and be sure to brush frequently. Whether you take your dog to the groomer or brush them in your backyard, this will cut down on excess fur – especially while your pet is shedding.
 
For high quality home furnishing, visit us at Conway Furniture. We are happy to help you find durable, attractive options that will hold up against the furriest members of your family. Located at 5663 Line 86 (just east of Listowel), our Ontario store has just what you need to give your home a new look. Click here for more pet-friendly home advice?
 




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