| By :
Mark Etinger
We love our furry little friends but they can be a real nuisance when it comes to interior design. We might have specific colors and fabrics in mind that we need to forgo because they'll end up being a disaster for our puppies and kitties. There are some sacrifices that we have to make, but such is the nature of being a pet owner just like there are certain things we might have to forgo once we add children into the picture too. When it comes to flooring, hardwood floors are the absolute best option. They are low maintenance and easy to clean if there are little "accidents" on the floor. That's not to say you can't own a single rug or carpet, but choose small area rugs instead. An entire room of carpet is a magnet for pet hair and dander, even if you choose fabric that is tightly stitched. Carpeting will also absorb odors and no matter how much spot cleaner you use, stains never seem to come out fully. However, pets prefer warm spots so always indulge in a pet bed to keep them cozy. For any small rugs you choose, pick a low-pile with a continuous loop with a color not too different from your pet's. Trim your pet's nails to avoid scratches on hardwood floors and to avoid the nails catching on carpet pulls. No matter how well you train your dog or cat, they're going to sleep on your sofa sets whether you like it or not. It's fairly unavoidable. Although leather is actually a breeze to clean because you can just wipe off hair, it will scratch easily. Avoid it at all costs if you have a cat. Microfiber/micro-suede is actually the best fabric to choose. It's both durable and simple to clean. A quick sweep of the vacuum or a lint brush will get rid of any fur. Light colored fabrics are actually best. Black, along with bold and bright colors, will show the most fur. People spend so much time thinking about the sofa sets and their personal bedding that they forget about the rest of the furniture. Pets can jump on your dinette furniture too! Choose sturdy, weighted tables -this goes for coffee tables and end tables too. It's a good idea if you avoid any tables with glass just to be safe. If you have a large dog, he might be able to jump on the table and actually knock the glass over. That can spell pain for both your dog and your wallet. Keep vases and other breakable items up very high or simple in rooms that the pets are not allowed in. Before choosing plants, double check that they are not poisonous. Even if you place them up high, remember that cats are secretly ninjas and can not only jump high, they're very clever. Choosing furniture and décor for the home with pets in mind is a step above baby proofing. You want the home to be safe for everyone, cute animals included.
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