6 home decorating tips to live in harmony with pets

To help you deal with the above situation,The New York TimesA compilation of advice from some of America's top architects.

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Choose hard fabric

Abbe Feniason, founder of interior design firm Studio Ten 25, says durability and cleanliness are her top criteria when designing a home with pets.

She suggests that for indoor furniture, people should choose hard-wearing fabrics that are used for outdoor furniture. Among them, suede is a good suggestion because it is easy to clean and does not scratch.

Additionally, for upholstered furniture, you can use a cover to protect it from pet claws.

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Buy cheap carpets

As your pets play, your carpet can pick up a lot of hair and dirt.

Therefore, designer Abbe Feniason suggests choosing rugs made from natural fibers at affordable prices. The neutral colors of this type of rug are also suitable for most spaces.

Carpets woven from high-quality wool or fiber will make the space more luxurious, but are very wasteful if scratched or soiled by dogs or cats.

It is important to note that no matter what type of carpet you choose, don't forget to add a non-slip pad underneath to prevent shifting.

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Cover the pet cage

Pet cages sometimes do not harmonize with the overall design of the house.

Instead of placing the cage in an unobtrusive location, you can use cloth that matches the color of your home decor to cover the cage.

With cat litter boxes and small cages, you can also hide it under the bench.

Ashley Darryl, a Manhattan-based interior designer, has a neat idea. She places the dog crate under the shoe bench. This way, when the door is open, it hides the crate and doesn’t detract from the aesthetic of the home.

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Use artificial flowers

Some flowers and houseplants, such as lilies, chrysanthemums, and azaleas, are toxic to dogs and cats. If eaten or swallowed, pets can suffer poisoning, gastrointestinal upset, or even death.

Therefore, Michael San Filippo, spokesman for the American Veterinary Medical Association, advises homeowners not to decorate with plants in their homes.

Instead, you should use artificial flowers to ensure pet safety.

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Choose furniture that matches the color of your pet's fur

Instead of being a nuisance, pets can be an inspiration when you design your home.

Karen Ferguson, design director at interiors firm Harrison Design, suggests people choose a color scheme for their interiors based on their pet's coat color, so that their fur is less noticeable on furniture.

Karen also designed a scratcher that matched the color of the curtains. When she wanted to hide the bulky item, she could just push it behind the curtain.

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Integrating animal cages and furniture

Pet cages can be integrated with furniture to create a harmonious, seamless feel. For example, you can integrate the cage with the kitchen island or the cabinets in the laundry room.

With these types of cages, you should keep it simple and in keeping with the overall style.

Alternatively, you can design the cat cage or litter box with a cabinet-like door, which will help it blend in with the rest of the house.