Pet-friendly home design has become a priority for many homeowners, as pets have grown from being just another animal in the home to being part of the family.They move around the house, follow us to rooms throughout the house, and develop routines with the rest of the family. Most homeowners consider big-picture ideas when thinking about renovations - layouts for kitchens, paint color, finishing, and furniture. However, there are often small design decisions made that significantly affect daily routine. Small changes can create a home that is comfortable for both humans and pets while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the space. That's the foundation of good pet-friendly home design.

Start with the Right Flooring

Floors are one of the most significant considerations when it comes to renovating homes with pets. As pets roam through the house, they track mud, food, water, etc. which contribute to the wear and tear of floors. Although materials may appear to function well in a showroom environment, they may not withstand the realities of actual usage in the home. Additionally, comfort for pets should also be considered. Smooth surfaces, especially polished tile or glossy hardwood, can be challenging for some dogs to navigate due to the slickness of the surface. This issue can further exacerbate issues with older dogs or pets experiencing joint pain.

In contrast, many homeowners opt for materials that are not only aesthetically pleasing but durable and easily maintained. Examples include luxury vinyl plank (LVP), textured porcelain tile, and engineered hardwood with a matte finish. These products offer both durability and ease of maintenance. In addition, these products are versatile in terms of various design styles. If current floors are slippery, placing rugs or runners in high-traffic areas can greatly improve safety.

Choose Materials That Can Handle Everyday Messes

Wear occurs from multiple factors beyond pets alone. Daily life contributes to wear on the home's appearance over time. Children play, friends and relatives visit regularly, meals are prepared, hobbies are pursued, and each person follows their daily routine, all of which contribute to overall wear. Selecting durable materials will enable homeowners to reduce their concerns about maintenance.

As such, households that experience high volumes of activity should prioritize choosing paints that are washable, surfaces that can be quickly cleaned, durable countertops, and high-quality cabinetry. Ultimately, selecting materials that enhance daily function will result in a home that reduces stress related to daily activities.

Make Your Entryway More Functional

Near the back door of a home is typically a very high-activity zone. It is where shoes are removed, dirty paws washed, and other outdoor items stored. Designing an entry/mud room will assist with organizing these zones. Hard-wearing floors, built-in storage, hooks for hanging jackets, umbrellas, hats, gloves, and designated locations for towels and pet supplies will make tasks associated with daily routines easier to accomplish.

Additionally, some homeowners also consider installing pet doors along with standard doors. While homeowners do not necessarily need to install a pet door immediately during renovation projects, developing plans for future installation possibilities allows homeowners additional flexibility down the road.

Don’t Forget About Storage

When designing living spaces within your home, do not forget to incorporate storage solutions for pet-related items. Supplies for pets such as food, toys, treats, blankets,  grooming tools, and cleaning supplies require designated spaces. Storage solutions allow homeowners to maintain orderliness in their homes by preventing accumulation of daily-use items. 

Features such as built-in cabinets, mudroom storage, and closets will be beneficial to any homeowner, regardless of whether or not they have pets. It is also essential to consider how your home will be utilized years after renovations are completed. 

Practical storage solutions combined with durable floor covering and easy-maintenance materials will benefit you at all stages of life. Not only will these elements enhance your home’s livability today, but they will also increase its attractiveness when selling in the future. Successful home designs seamlessly integrate into a household's daily life.

References

Best Flooring for Dogs
Pet-Friendly Mudroom Design
Pet-Friendly Paint