A life with pets is filled with love, cuddles — and a little bit of mess. If you have a furry friend in your home, you may be familiar with claw marks and mud trails, but while there are challenges, you don’t have to give up on having an organised and sophisticated home. All it takes is some creativity and a few pet-friendly features.

So, how exactly do you maintain your style with four feet running around? Whether it’s durable flooring, washable furniture, or hidden storage, there are plenty of solutions to choose from.

Want to know more? Keep reading because we’re about to share our must-have features for pet-friendly homes.

Durable and easy-to-clean flooring

When you have pets, durable, easy to clean flooring is a gamechanger. With muddy paws and sharp claws, you need something that’s scratch-resistant and easy to maintain.

Hybrid flooring styles are a great option for dog and cat parents, with modern finishes that come in a variety of nature-inspired designs. Perfect for creating a stylish and cohesive colour scheme, they’re long-lasting, resistant to spills and able to withstand foot traffic.

If you want to add extra softness, you can use washable rugs to add cosiness to your space. Experimenting with different styles will add interest, while also creating a cosy spot for playtime or cuddles.

Scratch-resistant furniture and finishes

You want your furniture to stand the test of time, but curious creatures can find your favourite accessories hard to resist. Whether it’s a couch that’s seen better days, or a rug that’s been torn up, there are a few things to consider when choosing furniture for a pet-friendly home.

The first is to look for pet-friendly fabrics. Think couches and armchairs made of leather and microfiber which can easily be wiped clean. You may also want to invest in chair and couch covers that can be thrown in the wash.

If you have cats, give them somewhere of their own to scratch. A scratching post in the corner of the room can save your furniture and help keep them entertained.

Smart storage solutions

Your furry friend will often come with supplies like leads, food and what may seem like an endless supply of toys. So, what do you do with all your pet supplies? The answer is clever storage solutions.

Reduce clutter by making sure that everything has a home. Dry pet food can be stored in your pantry and you can accessorise with cute containers. You can store any leads, collars, and doggy bags in a special “walkies” drawer. When it comes to their toys, utilise baskets or even dual-function furniture like ottomans or simple storage baskets that you can tuck away when not in use.

As for where they’ll sleep, built-in pet beds are becoming a popular option for pet-parents. These clever solutions fit neatly under cabinets or under your bed for a cosy hideaway. Plus, they can also add to your overall design in colours that flawlessly integrate into your space.

Hidden storage ideas

Hidden storage can hide away any pet essentials, and there are many different ways to create more space. Try these seamless storage solutions for blankets, grooming supplies, toys, and more:

  • Built-in cabinets
  • Under-bed storage
  • Ottomans with hidden storage
  • Shelves and drawers under benchtops
  • Garage shelving
  • Cube storage shelves

If you have items you don’t need every day, oversized storage tubs can keep them safe, and baskets, boxes, and bags can also match your decor. By giving everything a home you’ll always know where to find things, while minimising clutter.

Pet-friendly decor and design

Just because you have pets, doesn’t mean your decor needs to suffer. In fact, pet-friendly design can be as stylish as the rest of your home

When it comes to deciding on a colour scheme, you’ll need to balance design and functionality. A crisp white sofa can be a beautiful decor choice, but can easily be ruined by muddy paws. Instead, think about earthy tones that conceal stains, such as beige, olive, and brown. You can use these colours for soft furnishings like rugs and pillows, as well as larger pieces like your couches and chairs.

Remember, your pet’s furniture can also match the decor in your home. Going for a neutral style? A fluffy grey bed can be the perfect addition to a modern theme. Meanwhile, if maximalist is more your vibe, have fun with coloured accessories like a patterned scratching post.

Designing a functional pet corner

A dedicated zone for your pet can be a great way to create a pet-friendly space, as well as providing somewhere to house their things. In this space, you can store their toys, bed and feeding stations.

They’ll feel happy knowing they have someone safe to retreat to, and any mess can also be contained. For a sleek design, purchase a room divider to hide this section away from view. Your pet corner will be a haven for your dog or cat, so be sure to consider their unique needs. Make sure it’s easy to maintain, with room to zip around with a vacuum and mop.

Creating a harmonious home

Life with pets can be messy, but it’s worth it for the love they bring into your home. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice style and organisation, as with the right pet-friendly features, any space can be comfortable for both you and your four-legged friend.

Start small and experiment what works for you and your furry friends. No matter your design style, with a few small changes, your home can be pet and human-friendly.