They are part of the family, but let’s face it most pets won’t take quite the same care with home decor as you would, no matter how well trained. The good news is you can still design your home in a manner that’s both stylish and pet-proof.
Australians are definitely animal lovers, with figures from RSPCA showing we have one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world. About 63 per cent of Australian households own pets, with an estimated 25 million pets in the country.
In many homes pets are treated as one of the family, interior design manager for Elderton Homes Marcel Andrieux said. “It’s becoming increasingly popular for pets to spend time inside, especially with the number of people now living in apartments and the size reduction of homes and backyards,” she said. “When moving into a new abode or updating an existing one, if you own a pet or pets, careful consideration needs to be given to their needs as well as wear and tear on the home.”
A pet-friendly home must be easy-maintenance and robust. “Open-plan spaces are ideal as they can move around more easily with minimal brushing against furniture and door frames which leaves dirty marks. Secure fencing to prevent them from escaping and protection from the elements are important considerations.”
In terms of interiors the flooring should be easy to clean and have a hard wearing finish, like tiles, engineered timber or laminate. “If pets will walk on the carpet, darker colours are better. Furniture with removable covers is also a great idea in addition to using fabrics with scotchgard protection.”
Outdoor areas again should include floor finishes like tiles and decking in mid to dark tones, which are easy to clean. “Artificial turf is a great alternative to lawn, especially for small backyards. Not only is it easy to maintain but it’s incredibly hard wearing and resistant to damage from dogs that like to dig. Pet doors should be considered to ensure the animal can move freely between indoor and outdoor areas.”
Pets also appreciate their own space, just as humans do. “A dedicated space for bedding will help them feel more at home. Designer pet supplies such as bedding, bowls or scratch posts that complement and integrate with the interior decor will also add more colour to the home and pet space.”
It's becoming increasingly popular for pets to spend time inside.
- Marcel Andrieux, interior design manager, Elderton Homes