Five tips to create a pet-friendly home

When considering how to decorate our home with pets in mind, it's crucial to design a space that accommodates them. Many people opt for a minimalist approach, avoiding excessive textiles and furniture to simplify cleaning. However, you don't need to sacrifice a cozy atmosphere or style! Continue reading to discover our 5 tips for creating a pet-friendly environment at home.

1. Jungly decoration styles

With three pets at home, it is important for us to choose furniture and textiles that can withstand the likely scratches and nibbles from our pets. After much consideration, we opted for a bohemian-eclectic style, as it allows us to incorporate nature into our home, creating a "mini jungle" where a scratch doesn't seem too out of place. Additionally, by mixing textiles and surfaces, we created contrasts throughout the decor, preventing a small imperfection on the sofa (which often becomes a scratching post) from drawing the observer's full attention.

2. Avoid long or fine knit curtains

While some people routinely trim their pets' nails, others choose to let them grow as part of their pets' identity. If you belong to the latter group, I suggest purchasing scratch-resistant curtains like these ones. Blends of linen and cotton are also a god candidate when it comes to selecting curtains for a pet-friendly home. Additionally, avoid having curtains that are too long, as they tend to collect hair, or consider replacing them with blinds made from durable materials like wood or bamboo.

3. Give your pets their own space

Choose a space that can adjust to your pets' needs and that they can identify as their own. Avoid placing it too far from your preferred relaxation area, as pets tend to stay near us. This space does not necessarily have to be at odds with the rest of the decoration, since today there are products such as this scratching post for cats or this bed for dogs that are stylish and will blend with the rest of your decor.

4. Strong (and washable / replaceable) textiles

It's advisable to select stain-resistant fabrics for sofas or armchairs. Opt for materials with special anti-stain treatments or Teflon. To simplify cleaning, consider removable sofa covers or invest in a steam cleaning machine. Additionally, were you aware that certain fabrics are scratch-resistant against cats? Microfiber textiles, like this IKEA sofa, offer such durability. Although these materials are more resilient than others, remember that the fabric will eventually wear out over time.

5. Find the right place for their food and water

We all wish our pets would behave during mealtime, but often they end up playing with their water or food, causing spills that can stain the surrounding area. To prevent this, avoid placing their bowls on parquet floors, as these can wear out or even rot over time. Instead, opt for a spot in the kitchen or bathroom with a tiled floor, which is much easier to clean and maintain.