Your Pet With Less

Many people think that minimalism and pet ownership can't go together. Consider this myth debunked! Here's how to share your minimalist space with your animals without cramping your style

- HELEN WALLACE

Minimalism was first defined as an interior design trend in the 1960s and, while constantly evolving with modern times, is still the preferred look by many. Since Tidying Up with Marie Kondo came out on Netflix in 2019, it has surged in popularity with many people converting to a less-is-more lifestyle.

While you might be able to train your children to exercise caution around your items and furniture, animals won't understand why dirty paws on the couch are a bad idea or that they shed a lot of hair everywhere. For this reason many people think that this style and pet ownership are mutually exclusive. However, this could not be further from the truth! All it takes is some paring back and finding ways to blend your pet's things in with yours. Here are six tips to help you do it.

1/ First - buy less stuff 

Yes, we know you love to spoil your furkid, but the more things you buy, the more clutter you'll have lying around your space. Not just that, but a lot of waste ends up in our landfills, which takes its toll on the environment. Many minimalists want to minimise their impact on the planet and a good first step is to buy less stuff. When it comes to toys, they really don't need more than about five favourites and you can give them recyclable items, such as toilet rolls, to enjoy before you recycle them.

2/ When you do, consider your decor