7 Tips for Pet-Friendly Design

For many homeowners, pets are more like furry family members than mere animals, emphasis on the furry, so it makes sense to consider their presence during the design process. Wear and tear is often a greater concern for pet owners and should be considered when making material selections for your home. Below are LCD's top seven design tips to keep your home looking renewed long after project completion without compromising on style. 

Match your fabric color to your pet's hair & add fabric protector

This can help conceal pet hair, wear and tear, and prevent stains that may get on any fabric. Darker fabrics with a small pattern will typically be most forgiving in hiding pet hair as well as wear and tear. Just be aware that high contrast colors can make a pet hair stand out more prominently, and light colors are more likely to show stains, causing them to be extremely difficult to keep clean: Therefore, having your fabric treated with a fabric protector would be a great solution for fast and easy clean up.

Opt for indoor-outdoor finishes

Indoor-outdoor fabrics are more durable than traditional indoor fabrics, often being both water and UV-resistant. This makes clean-up easier, as well as minimizing wear and tear, so your furniture pieces can look great longer.

Groom and bathe pets regularly

Regular grooming can cut down on shedding and pet odor, resulting in less need for clean-up around the house.

Skip or remove carpet

Carpet can collect pet hair, dust, and allergens as well as trapping pet odor. Hard surface flooring is a more durable and easier to clean alternative, especially is your pet has an occasional accident.

Choose washable paint

Painting with a washable product and opting for a semi-gloss rather than a flat finish can help to keep your home looking fresh as pets often rub up against surfaces in your home including the walls.

Give your pets their own space

Creating pet-specific areas can help to keep your home organized by incorporating your pet's needs into your design rather than having them compete for space.

5 Ways You Could Transform Your Grad's Empty Room

Create your own art studio

  Photo: Houzz

This can be a space where you can explore your creative side. Picture a painting corner, DIY craft table with supplies, and cabinets to store your wrapping paper, cards, ribbons, and bows.

Turn it into a cozy guest room

Photo: LCD, Inc.

When family and friends from out of town come to visit they'll love staying in the newly renovated guest room plus the convenience of hassle free check-ins. As a special touch, prepare a tray of essentials for their stay.

Make it into a home gym

 Photo: Houzz

For all the times you couldn't make your yoga or barre class, your personalized workout studio will be conveniently available at all times. Adding full-length mirrors to check your form, a yoga mat, free weights, ballet bar, or treadmill are just a few ideas of how to customize the space for your own workout needs. Don't forget to add speakers to listen to your favorite workout playlist! 

Convert it into a home office

Photo: LCD, Inc.

Own your own business? Thinking of starting one? Or just need a space for your computer and the stack of mail piling up on the kitchen table? Turn the disused room into a home office and customize it to your liking. By adding a desk, computer, task lighting and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, you'll be all set. 

Create the ultimate walk-in closet

Photo: MyDomaine

Transform the empty room into the closet you've always dreamed of which will accommodate all of your clothes, shoes and accessories. With a full-length mirror, sitting area, ambient lighting, and various sized shelves for display opportunities, getting ready will feel like a luxury every day. 

Or leave it as is, because your grad will be back and it's always great when your family is all together under one roof - Just like old times :)