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 typically used for outdoor furniture. Suede is a good choice 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 carpet

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 place an anti-slip pad underneath to prevent shifting.

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Pet cage cover

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

Instead of placing the cage in a less noticeable location, you can use cloths that match the color of the home decorations to cover the cage.

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

Ashley Darryl, an interior designer in Manhattan, has a great idea. She places the dog crate under the shoe bench. That way, when the door is open, the crate is hidden 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 the safety of your pets.

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

Instead of being a distraction, pets can be an inspiration when designing your home.

Karen Ferguson, design director at interior design 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 matches the color of the curtains. When she wants to hide this bulky item, she simply pushes 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 them simple and in keeping with the overall style.

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