Pet-friendly Interior Design: How to Decorate With Your Best Friend in Mind

Being a pet owner is extremely rewarding. The love and companionship our best furry, scaley, or feathery friends provide is second to none. 

That said, even the best dog and cat pals can end up taking over a home if you’re not careful. They shed their hair, leave toys strewn about, and require a lot of storage for their food and other necessities. How do you both keep your home organized and stylish, while still making space for all the stuff that comes with pet ownership? 

We’ve got the answer to that question and more with today’s post. We’ll help you make the right choices for both your home and your pets with our top pet-friendly interior design tips and ideas listed below.

9 of Our Favorite Pet-Friendly Interior Design Ideas

Built-In Kennel

If you’re tight on space, converting one of your bottom cabinets in your laundry room or front entryway into a kennel can help save some room and give your pet a much-needed sanctuary. 

Dogs are den animals, which means they crave a dedicated space to sleep, hide from danger, or raise a family. Making sure your pup has their own dedicated crate as a safe haven is important for their wellbeing. Providing them with one that's cool and fits in with your home decor is important for yours. When you create a dedicated space for your dog with a built-in kennel, everybody wins.

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Organizers

When you have a pet, you don’t just have a pet. You have a pet plus their food, their toys, their beds, and their other accessories. As a devoted pet owner, you likely have plenty of other things, too. Your pet deserves pampering, after all. 

And all that stuff needs a place to go, which is where stylish organizers come in. There are a lot of options out there from boxes to shelves and more depending on your specific style and the pet you have. Be sure to find something that fits your space, your style, and your specific storage needs. 

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Dedicated washing stations

Whether it's a quick rinse after a muddy romp in the park or a regular bath to maintain their hygiene, a dedicated washing station can be a game-changer. You won't have to struggle in your regular bathroom or yard, and your pet will appreciate a designated space for their grooming needs.

Consider transforming a corner of your laundry room into a pet washing station. You can install a low-profile, easy-to-clean basin with a handheld showerhead. Keep a supply of pet shampoo, towels, and grooming tools nearby for a hassle-free experience.

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Built-in Food Bowls

Pet feeding time can often be a cluttered affair with bowls scattered around the kitchen. One clever solution to this issue is built-in food bowls, a streamlined, organized, and stylish solution to feeding your pets. They are especially great if you have limited space or if you want to integrate pet-feeding seamlessly into your kitchen design. 

One popular approach is to incorporate pet food bowls into a kitchen island. They can be concealed with a sliding cover when not in use, maintaining a clean and sleek look.

For a more dedicated approach, create a custom feeding station with built-in bowls, storage for pet food, and a countertop for preparation. This station can blend seamlessly with your kitchen's aesthetic.

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Treat Station

Between meal times, you and your pet have treat time! Why not dedicate some space for these special moments as well. 

For example, put all of your treats into different mason jars to create a fun, dedicated treat station in your kitchen or similarly appropriate space. If the jars don’t do it for you, there are plenty of other resources available to find the cool DIY treat station that works for you and your home. 

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Hidden pet beds

Pets love having their own space to curl up and relax. But pet beds aren’t typically known as a beautiful addition to a home’s decor. 

If you want to keep your napping buddies nice and close, you can create a built-in window seat on the back of your favorite couch. A soft cushion between your couch and window gives your feline friend a spot for cat naps while keeping your living room stylish.

For an even more out-of-the way option, tuck a pet bed in the space under your bed. This works especially well for cats who love their privacy, but it works just as well for little dogs who need some alone time. 

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Durable flooring

As pet owners, we know that pets can be tough on flooring. Scratches, stains, and accidents are all part of the package, especially with large dogs. To combat this, it’s important you choose the right material for your floors.

Durable flooring not only stands up to the wear and tear of pet claws but also makes cleaning up accidents a breeze. Consider these hearty materials for a pet-friendly floor:

Hardwood floors with a strong finish are a good choice for you and your pets. This material can withstand the rigors of pet activity and is particularly easy to clean. 

Luxury vinyl is not only durable but also comes in various styles, including wood and stone looks. It's scratch-resistant and waterproof, making it a top choice for pet-friendly homes.

Ceramic tile is an exceptionally tough and easy to clean flooring material. It works well in areas where accidents are more likely to occur, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Outdoor Area Rugs

If replacing the flooring in your house is more investment than you want to make, you can keep your floors scratch-free with an area rug. 

Your pets have sharp claws and messy paws, which can really do some damage to your floors. Not to mention things like drool, potty accidents, and beyond. Luckily, there’s a way to defend against these pet-ownership incidentals. You can protect your floors with an outdoor area rug! 

Here’s an extra tip: match the color of the rug to your pet’s fur and the hair they leave behind will be less noticeable!

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Leather Couches & Chairs

Fabrics like velvet, chenille, corduroy or more will collect pet hair like crazy. Instead, decorate your home with leather couches and chairs. 

Leather is ideal for pet-filled homes for a number of reasons. First, it’s incredibly durable. It will stand up to accidental claw or bite marks better than fabric furniture. Second, it’s less absorbent than fabric furniture and will be less likely to absorb any unfortunate pet smells. Last, but not least, leather is easy to clean and maintain. 

A leather couch or chair may be more expensive up front, but that is more than made up for by how easy it will be to clean and maintain and how exceptionally long-lasting it will be.

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Give Your Pets Decor They Will Love

You love your pets, so it makes sense to want them to love your home, too. And they’re certain to love the suggestions above. Curious as to why pets love area rugs as included up top? We have that answer, too: discover all of the reasons why pets love natural fiber area rugs. 

We’d love to hear about your experience decorating around your furry friends, so if you have any tips of your own to add, let us know in the comments!