When it comes to home life, it seems our pets are the number one consideration. New research of the nation's cat and dog owners commissioned by ManyPets showed 49% of those asked said their pet is the head of their household. If you're one such devoted animal lover, we've pulled together some top advice on the best ways to create a pet-friendly home so that all members of the household - both four-legged and two-legged - can live in perfect union together.
Our home design advice covers everything from the type of flooring your pets need to how you can design your layout to create an easier day-to-day life with your furry friends. So whether you are keen to minimise mess caused by mucky paws or have a needy pet who likes to keep an eye on you at all times, read on to ensure everyone is kept happy.
WHAT IS A PET-FRIENDLY HOME?
While living with pets brings us joy, things do not always run totally smoothly, as most owners will testify. "For many of us our pets are another member of the family and we willingly make space for them in our homes," says Gemma Holsgrove, associate director at interior design specialists Sims Hilditch.
"This can often come at the expense of our interiors." The key to creating a pet-friendly home lies in designing spaces carefully and using materials and finishes that not only take into account the needs and nuances of the animals you are sharing your home with, but which are also stylish and reflective of the human members of the household.
CHOOSE EASY-CARE FLOORING
Your choice of flooring is perhaps one of the most important factors when designing a pet-proof home. You need a floor that is hardwearing in the face of claws and dirt, easy to clean and low maintenance. Also bear in mind that opting for something non-slip will make life easier for your pets. Thankfully, there are several types of flooring that tick all these boxes.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2023 من Homebuilding & Renovating.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة February 2023 من Homebuilding & Renovating.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
How to create your dream kitchen extension
From deciding where to extend to working out the layout of the space, there's lots to consider when adding more space to your home
HOW MUCH DOES CENTRAL HEATING COST?
Whether you're fitting heating in a new home or upgrading your existing system, here's what you need to include in your budget...
How to design the hallacrfect hallway space
An impactful entrance can set the tone for the rest of your home, so pay attention to everything from the layout to those all-important finishing touches
ONE HEAT PUMP OR TWO?
Although one heat pump is considered the norm, here are the situations when it might make sense to double up
Self-build for beginners
Tempted to take on the key project management role? Find out if you're up to the job or whether it's better left to a professional
Green roofs
Roofs covered in vegetation have been around for thousands of years, but the latest systems provide eco credentials as well as a beautiful view
Brick and mix
Ariginally designed by renowned 20th-century architect EJ May, this Edwardian Arts and Crafts dwelling is a treasured asset within its local conservation area in Bromley.
Brick-clad nomes
While the humble brick makes the ideal material for walls and floors, both inside and out, exposed brickwork can add instant character to a home of any age, as these projects from throughout the UK demonstrate...
Creative thinking
In order to overcome initial planning concerns, Angus and Justine Flockhart opted for a dual-roof rear extension that cleverly minimises its impact on the neighbours
Positive energy
Rob Elkins incorporated a suite of eco technology and sustainable principles when designing and building his family home
