Hey friends! Its Jess, and today I want to chat about something that comes up all the time with my clientsdesigning a home that works beautifully even with pets in the mix. I get itour pets are family, but they can definitely test the durability of our furniture and decor. The good news? You dont have to sacrifice style for function. Heres how I like to approach pet-friendly design:
1. Splurge on Performance Fabrics
If youre going to make one big investment in a pet-friendly home, let it be your sofas and chairs. Performance fabrics are made to resist stains, spills, and claws, and they clean up so much easier than traditional upholstery. A good performance fabric can extend the life of your furniture and keep it looking fresh.
2. Dont Stress Over Rugs
Im a big believer that rugs dont need to be preciousespecially with pets. Accidents happen, and rugs are usually the first to take the hit. Instead of splurging here, I recommend choosing washable or budget-friendly rugs you love but wont cry over if they need replacing down the road.
3. Leather Can Be a Friend
People often worry about leather with pets, but hear me out: high-quality leather actually wears beautifully over time, even with pets in the house. Scratches can blend into a natural patina, and leather is easy to wipe clean.
4. Choose Pet-Friendly Finishes
Wood floors? Go for a harder finish that resists scratches. Throw blankets and slipcovers? Yes, pleaseeasy to wash and swap out when needed. I love layering in machine-washable textures that still look cozy and pulled together.
5. Think Style + Lifestyle
At the end of the day, your home should reflect your style and your lifestyle. Its about finding that balance between what looks beautiful and what actually works for the way you live day to day with pets.
Designing with pets doesnt mean you have to give up your dream home. With a few smart swapslike investing in performance fabrics and saving on rugsyou can create a space thats both functional and fabulous.
xo,
Jess
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