Last updated on November 15th, 2023
Drool and dog hair are part of the package when you have a pet in the house. And if your pet leaves behind clumps of hair on your designer sofa, you just have to grin and bear it. Or do you? Enter barkitecture, the art of designing your home around the pitfalls of fur and drool.
It’s about choosing materials that are pet-friendly, such as the flooring, the fabric, and safety features to ensure the safety of your pooch. Is this balancing act even possible? There is only one way to find out. Let’s go!
Tip One – The Flooring
Smooth flooring lacks the traction animals need to move around. A slippery floor can wreak havoc on their joints and is best avoided if you love your pooch. This rules out surfaces such as marble or granite. Hardwood or laminate flooring is your best bet.
Tip Two – Suitable Furnishings
It seems like a tall order. But the right material on your sofa can make all the difference as it protects it from fur, drool, and scratches. So, what are your options? Fabrics such as denim, leatherette, canvas, or Crypton discourage claw marks and fur accumulation. The fur magnets? Materials such as suede and velvet can be disastrous. If you don’t want to tear your hair out in exasperation, keep away from these materials.
Tip Three – Cozy Corners
A cozy hidey-hole is just what your cat needs for some “me” time. You can easily install one under the window seat, the space under the staircase, or the nook you don’t know what to do with. A corner in the room will suffice too.
Tip Four – Carpets, a Balancing Act
What’s better than an artsy throw rug to bring out the charm of your wooden floor? Well, rugs and fur are not the best of friends. Rugs not only attract fur but dander, fleas, and ticks too. Yup, enough to send a shiver down your spine! And if you must have one, give it a regular wash.
Tip Five – Be Selective with Your Furniture
Light-weight flimsy furniture that topples easily is a strict no-no. Sharp corners are best left alone to avoid injury. Padded sides are the best pick for your ottomans and sofas as pets can get hyperactive when they have energy to burn.
Tip Six – Catios and Kennels
Whether it’s spying on the neighbor’s dog or watching the birds on a branch, pets love to look at the world outside, especially when you are away. It can be a perch or a window seat of wooden crates, they are sure to bring joy to your pet’s life.
Tip Seven – Make It Pet-Friendly
It’s a lot like looking after your toddler. Pets never grow up and need constant care. This means installing safety grills in your windows, concealed power points, and keeping poisonous plants out of the house.
Tip Eight – Storage and Grooming Stations
Grooming your pet’s fur is no picnic. Rather than have a road map of scratches on your arms, install a grooming station, where you can control your pet while you comb out the knots.
Tips Nine – Wallpaper and Paint
Rips and stains on your wallpaper or paint are part of being a pet parent. However, while you accept the inevitable, there are ways to reduce the damage. Get water-repellent paint to prevent staining or pet-proof wallpaper. However, make sure you check for durability. Sealant coating and paints that can be cleaned easily are other options. But do check the products for toxicity!
Our Thoughts
You can do the best you can to protect your home with these barkitecture tips. However, pets are like babies. They are going to make a mess sometime or the other. And it’s best to take it in your stride rather than fuss over stains. What’s more, when you use these tips, the stains will hardly be noticeable! For tips on furnishings and wall finishes, you know where to look: Homebliss.in. We are not the best home design platform for nothing!
