Animals are part of our family, right? Therefore, they deserve that every little corner of the decoration is thought in favor of the pets. Gone are the days when a pet place was just in the backyard, isn’t it? More and more pets invade our homes, as well as our hearts. Therefore, it is essential that the decoration of the rooms is designed according to the well-being and safety of our greatest companions.
We brought together a team of architects to bring the best tips for cleaning, organization and practicality for a home adapted for the pets. By following some smart strategies, your best friend will become a part of the family even more. Find out how!
Tips to adapt the home for the comfort of animals
Adaptation and security
The first tip for renovation and decoration is to consider specific spaces for rest, food and physiological needs of pets. For easier access, adapted passages can be installed in the doors. “For those who live in apartments or townhouses, it is essential to invest in protection nets on windows and balconies”, emphasizes architect Ana Yoshida.
Right floor
Another factor to be taken into account is the practicality of the chosen floor, as it will need to be cleaned frequently in the presence of the animal. “If a customer shows interest in a wooden floor, we suggest rethinking the choice, as the material suffers from scratches, deteriorates with the acidity of animal urine and limits the cleaning process, as it cannot be washed”, explains the architect Beatriz Ottaiano.
The same restriction applies to laminate flooring, which spoils with moisture. Among the viable options, porcelain tile appears as the type of coating that meets the most varied styles of decoration, due to the large number of available finishes – woody, marbled, those that imitate concrete, among others. Also, it can be cleaned easily.
Wall cladding
Part of the behavior of pets is the habit of rubbing their bodies against the walls of the house. The market offers numerous options for washable acrylic paints that facilitate cleaning. Regarding the choice of colors, the darker ones are strong allies, as they help to disguise the dirt and, in the case of wallpaper, the vinyl versions can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth.
Furniture and decoration
Pets, especially the messier ones, can make a zone in the home decor. Thus, they end up hitting objects, damaging items and even causing accidents. It is advisable to use closed shelves! In the case of cats , who love climbing on furniture, carpentry can be thought to provide a greater degree of difficulty in this climb.
It is also important to consider, for both chairs and sofa, the waterproofing or shielding of the fabric to avoid any unforeseen events and avoid stains. Linen or voil curtains are not good options and should be discarded as they fray easily. Thinking about durability, roller shutters are the most suitable. In relation to rugs, the suggestion is to choose a model produced with synthetic fibers of vinyl and polyester, which are washable and have a fully closed weave.
Pet houses
In houses or apartments, there is no need to include the structure of a complete house for pets in the decoration. “Generally, upholstered elected positioned in a corner” , says Ana. For those who have a good outdoor area and plans to build a space just for the dog , a great material is the piston, which provides an easy cleaning and allows the environment to become more airy. If possible, it is worth building the little house on a masonry base, favoring the washing of the area.
Practicality in everyday life
To make everything more organized and make the routine easier, a decorating tip is to keep all the pets’ objects in one place. If possible, the guide/collar, water bottle and hygienic bags can be kept close to the door of the house , in order to speed up the tours. The animal’s toys, on the other hand, can be stored in a single, easily accessible box or basket.
As for food, it is important to leave the food and water pots in strategic environments. Give preference to the places where the animal stays for the longest time, according to the availability of space in your home. This will encourage healthier habits and help create a routine.
Play time
Especially if your pet spends a lot of time alone at home, it is essential to invest in some objects for him to play at these times. The toy options on the market are endless and, in addition to entertaining the animal, they also help not to compromise the decor.
