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Turn Pet-Proofing into a Fashion Statement
By Cynthia Hernandez
At first it seemed a rather unusual request, but then I realized that it not only made perfect sense, but was something I’d been doing myself for years. A client recently asked for my assistance in a new home decorating project, and in the course of our conversation specified that all of our decorating decisions would need to consider the presence of her two very large, very active dogs. Decorating for dogs? I’m not suggesting that you give your pets a vote on whether they prefer plaid or stripes on the sofa. The reality is, if you have canine or feline family members, it is essential to think about pet friendly choices when you decorate your home.
Decorating with animals in mind is really just one part of what we call lifestyle design. It is relatively easy to make a room look like it has been pulled from the pages of a magazine if no one has to actually live there. It is an entirely different undertaking to make a home look and feel great while also accommodating the demands of your lifestyle, including children and pets.
If Rex or Fluffy are part of your family portrait, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you select your home furnishings.
When it comes to floor coverings, your dog’s toenails are the thing to think about. Big dogs can destroy the finish on even the finest hardwood floor, particularly right in front of that beautiful French door which looks out over your squirrel-inhabited backyard. Rather than hardwood, think about a beautiful wood laminate or ceramic tile in areas where you prefer hard surface flooring. In carpeted areas, your best bet is a high quality cut pile, again to deter the effects of those toenails. Looped pile carpets, such as berbers, can easily snag, and if Rex gets a yarn caught on his nail you may see huge damage in no time (picture that sweater with a loose yarn that you shouldn’t have pulled on!) For area rugs, think of hand-knotted or hand-tufted with an attached backing, to avoid losing threads to Fluffy. Avoid the beautiful but easily cat-damaged looped or needlepoint varieties.
Where your furniture pieces are concerned, consider coverings which will stand up to having pets rub against or even lounge on them. If your animal friends shed, opt for upholstery fabrics which can easily be cleaned. Leather is an excellent choice, but should be avoided if Fluffy likes to claw. Other great choices include durable, low-nap cotton or cotton polyester blends. There are many gorgeous fabrics available in these materials. If you have a puppy in the house, try to avoid exposed wooden legs on furniture, as these may look to him like his own personal teething ring. On the other hand, "leggy" furniture might be a good choice for cats with a tendency to scratch on things other than their scratching post.
A true test of a good decorator is one who can dress your windows for privacy, light control and beauty, while still making them pet friendly. Our four-legged loved ones live to bask in the sunlight and look out the windows, so rather than frustrate yourself and them, opt for window treatments which will serve both your needs and theirs. Reconsider choosing silk draperies which puddle lavishly on the floor. Look more toward an option like shades which can be pulled completely out of the way, paired with tailored side panels and an awesome top treatment.
If you are gone much of the day and Fido is on his own, think about choosing one window where coverings can be left open, perhaps on the back side of your home, to accommodate your pet’s sun basking and scenery watching. There’s nothing like a mailman on one side of a window, a frenzied dog on the other, and a partially opened window treatment between them to set you up for an unpleasant end to your day!
Finally, rather than focusing only on what-not-to-do when decorating with pets, think about some special ways that you can actually indulge them, and yourself. It’s okay to splurge on a custom-made dog bed or very chic food and water dishes to complement your decorating scheme. Perhaps it could be your pet’s reward for getting good grades in obedience school?
Cynthia Hernandez is the owner of Interiors by Decorating Den. She can be reached at 860-838-1919 or via email at ideal_interiorsLLC@sbcglobal.net. She spends her spare time catering to three spoiled cats and a one neurotic dog.
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