If you’re sharing your home with animals of any kind, then you’ll need to make sure that you’ve considered their interests before investing in decorations. Fortunately, it’s possible to create an interior vibe that’s warm and cosy, while still meeting the needs of your cats, dogs, and other furry friends.
Integrating Natural Elements
To begin with, it’s a good idea to incorporate natural elements, like stone, timber, and living houseplants. Just be sure that any plants are not going to be chewed on, especially if they’re not going to agree with the animal’s digestive system.
If you’re keeping rabbits, then you might need to store large amounts of food close to the hutch. The right storage units made using materials like timber, can provide a space for feeding hay for rabbits and small animals. This way, you can conceal these functional items, and protect the space’s aesthetics, while still making feeding time convenient.
Creating Animal-Friendly Zones
You’ll want to set aside dedicated parts of the home that will cater to the needs of the animals housed there. These should ideally be in keeping with the surrounding décor. This might mean going bespoke. A custom enclosure can help you to get maximum space from an awkward recess, like the one beneath the stairs. You can build a feeding station and bedding in this area so that the animals will always have somewhere to retreat.
Choosing Durable and Stylish Materials
The materials you choose should be rugged enough to resist the attention of any sharp claws and paws. Leather sofas, for example, might be clawed at by a cat. Instead, it’s a good idea to look for durable fabrics for your upholstery, and hard, scratch-resistant materials for your flooring. Tiles and laminate flooring are often preferable to carpets.
Stylish Storage Solutions for Essentials
It’s a good idea to keep all of your animal-related supplies in the same place. We’ve already touched on the possibility that you might store rabbit food near the rabbit hutch, but the same logic applies in the case of larger animals. Keeping toys, food, collars and leads in the same place can help to ensure that these things are easy to reach. This is where benches with built-in storage for food can be so useful.
Lighting and Ambiance for Shared Spaces
Lighting is a great way to create a cosy vibe in a given space. But you’ll need to be sure that any wires are concealed, and that the lighting isn’t going to be producing enough heat to cause a problem for inquisitive animals. LED lighting is ideal: LED bulbs tend to run colder, as well as being vastly more efficient.
Incorporating Custom Décor
If you can tailor your home décor to your personal preference, you’ll have an easier time relaxing. This goes for your dogs and cats, too. Personalised water and food bowls, photos, and DIY furniture for animals can all help you craft an interior that’s right for both you and your furry friends.
A Home for All
When you’re decorating a home, you needn’t always make compromises between the needs of the human and animal residents. With the right décor and storage, you can cater to the needs of both!
If you have pets in your home, you might also like these articles:
Designing a pet-friendly home office
The Cosy Home guide to spring cleaning for pet owners
How to design a dog friendly garden
