Pet Friendly Decorating

Millions of people around the world today share their homes with beloved pets. The family companion may be a dog, a cat, fish, hamsters, birds or even reptiles. Whatever the animal, homeowners can decorate their homes in ways that will keep the household both stylish and pet friendly at the same time.

For example, many homeowners have furry pets, and their biggest home decorating issue is pet hair. Here's where it pays to know which fabrics tend to be pet hair magnets. For example, a pet-friendly home will want to avoid fabrics such as velvet or silk. Fur tends to cling to velvet, while silk is delicate and difficult to clean. Leather or suede repel pet hair, but cat owners wisely avoid these fabrics, along with vinyl, because cats love to claw furniture.

Instead of these troublesome options, choose fabrics without texture where pet hair can get caught. The ideal upholstery fabrics are those that can be wiped down with a damp cloth to remove pet hair or that can be easily washed such as cotton duck or denim. Many pet owners train their dogs and cats to stay off the furniture, but others don't even bother to try. One helpful option is to get a colorful, washable blanket for the pet and place that on its favorite sofa or chair. Using a blanket means that most of the pet hair will be on the blanket, which can be washed a lot easier than the furniture.

Color is another major consideration when choosing furniture. If possible, try getting furniture in colors that are close to the color of the pet's fur. That way pet hair will be less noticeable until it can be cleaned up.

Bare floors such as stone, tile or hardwood make the most pet-friendly flooring. That's because they can be quickly and easily swept to remove hair. Carpets, on the other hand, tend to collect pet fur that's difficult to vacuum up. What's more, dog and cat fur have been known to clog up even the finest vacuum cleaners. Instead of wall-to-wall carpet, cover bare floors with large, beautiful area rugs. Synthetic rugs are best for homes with pets because they'll resist wear and stains yet kept their beauty and softness underfoot for both homeowners and pets. These days, synthetic rugs come in all designs and colors, from charming floral area rugs to bold solid colored version such as yellow rugs, pink rugs and orange rugs. Many smaller rugs can be washed, while larger rugs can be cleaned more easily.

Whenever possible for with washable home furnishings including cushions, pillows, bedding, blankets and slipcovers. No matter how well trained, pets of all kinds will have accidents. When accidents happen, it's best if the furnishings can be tossed in the washer for a thorough cleaning. This is a major money saver since furnishings won't have to be replaced as often.

The best way to keep a home with pets looking beautiful is to keep everything spic and span. Cleaning up after pets can take much time and effort, especially when both spouses work outside the home. In families with children as well as pets, the easiest way to keep on top of cleaning is to set up a chore chart and devote half an hour daily to tidying up. In addition to sweeping, vacuuming and wiping down furniture, be sure to dust anywhere that shed pet hair might land. This way a home can be hospitable to pets and humans alike.