A Designer’s Best Friend: 6 Tips For Decorating With Pets

Time Several Hours

Budget $ $$$

Skill Level

WORDS BY The Havenly Team

Fill 1Created with Sketch.

Published on December 30, 2015

Remember that time you came home from work and your best friend ran to the door, punched you with his head, and then licked your face uncontrollably? Seriously, that’s the kind of raw, unadulterated friendship that it rewarding to come home at the end of the day.

Browse through Havenly’s designed rooms long enough and you’ll find that we love our pets just as much as we love a well-designed room. And to celebrate our always-posing-for-a-photo friends, we’ve compiled 6 tips that make it easy to design with your pets in mind.

1. Buy Drool-Worthy Furniture

It’s one thing to  about buy drool-worthy furniture (because it’s beautiful), but it’s another thing to buy furniture in colors and fabrics that can withstand fur, drool, and everything else your favorite four-legged friend can throw at it.

6 Tips For Styling A Pet-Friendly Pad

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2. Match Your Pet’s Personality

Since your pet will likely be a fixture of your living room, it’s fun to think about what colors and textures match your pet. For a spunky pup, consider similar colors and patterns. For a mellow mewler, consider a monochrome look. We love how this pup blends beautifully with his ottoman.

6 Tips For Styling A Pet-Friendly Pad

3. Consider Comfort

Make sure there’s enough space for your pet to spread out when you’re on the couch (big dogs) and that the couch is a good height for a small dog to jump on (if he or she is allowed to). Your animal will likely spend more time on your furniture than you do, so consider what materials appeal to your aesthetic and create a cozy space for your furry friend. Avoid fabrics that might snag nails, for example.

6 Tips For Styling A Pet-Friendly Pad

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4. Storage is Key

Ottomans, chests, and other storage solutions are important to make room for your pet to roam without getting fur all over your favorite faux fur. With your favorite throw pillows, blankets, and decor stored away, your stay-at-home friend will have less to feel guilty about when you come home.

6 Tips For Styling A Pet-Friendly Pad

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5. Be Strategic About Styling  

We love a coffee or side-table that’s styled to the nines. The problem is that accessories that are fragile or hazardous for pets (think candles or faux greenery) can be dangerous for curious noses and enthusiastic tails.

6 Tips For Styling A Pet-Friendly Pad

6. Make Space for Their Stuff

When redecorating (or working with Havenly designer) be sure to consider the space you’ll need for your pet’s favorite props. Whether it’s a dog bed or cat castle, you can easily run out of room when you get your shop on for new furniture.

 

6 Tips For Styling A Pet-Friendly Pad

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Worried that your pet doesn’t dig your digs? Design boldly in the new year and give them a space they’ll be happy to curl up and make home. 

Design Boldly in 2016 With Havenly