Monday, September 12, 2016

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.





No comments:

Post a Comment