Colorado is ranked number one for the state with the most devoted dog owners, according to a 2023 report from Forbes Advisor. This means that more people are willing to relocate homes or readjust their budgets to support their dog’s lifestyle than any other state in the country.
This won’t come as a surprise to you if you’ve spent any time in Colorado. As an interior designer working in the Centennial State, it’s a factor I have to prioritize in many of my projects. Designing dream interiors for our clients often involves having to account for the needs of their furry friends.
Here are a few of the tips our team uses to make our projects pet friendly.
Couch considerations
Many of our clients’ dogs are like family. For this reason, it’s important for us to find furniture that works for humans and their four-legged family members. When we’re looking for furniture fit for pets, it’s important to seek out couches and chairs that are performance fabric. These furniture pieces are able to withstand wear from human and animal use, while providing you with the durable comfort and style you’re seeking for your home.
To rug or not to rug?
Choosing to use a rug is dependent on your design dreams and, of course, the discipline of your furry friend. If you choose a rug, consider one made from a waterproof performance fabric, like the options from Anderson Tuftex. Wool is also a great heavy duty option able to withstand dog nails. Be sure to avoid decorative accents like tassels so your rug doesn’t become your pets next favorite toy. If you choose to go without a rug, make sure your floors are slip resistant and made out of sturdy materials to avoid the inevitable scratch marks.
Fabric versus furry friends
No matter how much we love our pets, the fur that they leave behind can be a nuisance that doesn’t fit into our decor. It’s important that we choose decorative pieces, like blankets and pillows, that can withstand the regular washing and vacuuming required to keep our spaces clean and fur free. One of my favorite pet-friendly companies is Paw.com. They make excellent, fashionable throw blankets that are water resistant and washing machine friendly. To keep your furniture fresh outside of the washer, consider keeping a deshedder handly, like this one! It’s easy on fabric, but helps keep fur far away from your favorite furniture.
Safety over style
I love to decorate a room with a houseplant, but many houseplants can be hazardous for animals. Before adding plants to your space, our team researches pet friendly options and identifies creative solutions, like hanging plants, to keep your pets safe. Just because you have pets doesn’t mean you can’t have style! We’ll work with you to identify the perfect decorative plants and elements that put the safety of your furry friends first.
Is your furry friend begging for an interior design refresh? Let’s work together! Together, we can create a space that is paw-sitively one of a kind.
