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While they may not get a lot of airtime, these two characters have been a big part of our family and home for almost a decade.
Much like kids, pets come with plenty of stuff – like toys, beds, blankets, kennels and food. And pet messes can be a challenge, too. In our home, we manage paw prints, shedding, and accidents on a regular basis.
And don’t even get me started on the dog breath.
But it doesn’t have to be impossible to create a beautiful home that is comfortable for your family and your pets. Here are a few ways we have created a pet-friendly home without sacrificing our own personal style.
Integrate pet supplies into your decor.
I think the biggest part of creating a pet friendly home is integrating your pet supplies into your existing decor. After Henry was born and we received a new sofa, we decided that dogs would no longer be allowed up on the couch. It was safer for baby and also easier to keep clean. (The dog hair was out of control.)
But when that rule took effect, it also meant they needed their own comfy spot.
The great thing is that it’s so easy to find a dog bed that integrates with your decor. The simple tan dog bed doesn’t look hideous in our living room – and actually sort of blends into the space completely. I don’t worry about it sticking out like a sore thumb.
As you can see, the dogs approve. They spend the majority of their days laying there together.
In a similar way, we have dog toys in the room in a basket, and make blankets and other pet gear blend into the existing spaces.
Create hidden pet solutions, when possible.
While it can be possible to find pet solutions that work in your decor, sometimes it’s also necessary to think outside the box.
One of the best examples in our home is this hideaway pet gate we created in the kitchen. This is the perfect way to give the dogs a little space when we are gone, but not have to hassle with ugly or clunky doggie gates.
While you may not have the resources to create a custom cabinetry solution like this, you could certainly create a gate that swings like a door for a similar idea. (Check out our other custom baby gate for inspiration.)
But don’t stop at pet gates.
Think about all the ugly or inconvenient things you wish you could hide away. And then find a way to do it.
In our home, we created a “pet closet” in the mudroom, and it’s been a wonderful solution to hide away the dog crate, food, and other pet gear. It’s nothing fancy, but I love that it doesn’t take up visible space. And the dogs really seem to dig the area, too. Franco often goes into his crate during the day when he needs a little space.
Keep pet gear accessible.
Another perk of the “pet closet” is that it keeps things easily accessible. We know where to find the pet medicine, extra blankets and food.
Things don’t get lost because they have a home.
Have a system for handling pet messes.
Unfortunately, pets bring messes with them. In our case, these messes come more often than I’d like.
In the last two weeks alone, I’ve had to handle too much pet hair, tons of muddy foot prints, an accident on the carpet and some pet puking. (Gross.)
But, it makes it easy to clean up when you know the process. We vacuum and mop regularly to take care of the everyday messes. And when there are accidents, I turn to Spot Shot® Pet Instant Carpet Stain & Odor Eliminator.
For example, during “PugPukePocolypse” last week, I applied Spot Shot Pet directly to the stains, let it sit for 60 seconds and then blotted the stain away with a clean white towel. It took away any residual stain and the smell.
Click here to get a coupon for $1 off your Spot Shot purchase so you can give it a try and find it at a local retailer near you.
Do you have any tips or tricks to create a beautiful, pet-friendly home? I’d love to hear them!
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Julia@Cuckoo4Design says
That built-in pet gate is the best thing ever. So stylish and smart