You love your home and you love your pet, so it’s only natural that you want the two to blend. And while it’s important to find ways to make your dog or cat feel comfortable, there are certain aspects of home decor to take into consideration that will keep your home comfortable for you as well. Here are some common home decor mistakes pet owners make and solutions that can make the home a comfortable space for everyone, including your four-legged friends.
Mistake #1: Using the kitchen for the litter box
The kitchen isn’t really the place for the litter box. Not only is it unsightly, it’s unsanitary. One of the best places to store a litter box is inside a closet. Keeping it in a closet keeps it out of sight, while leaving it accessible to clean. If you don’t have closet space, consider a corner in the bathroom or laundry room.
Mistake #2: Having pet items throughout the entire house
If you can’t keep on top of the toys in the house then your pet probably has too many. Things like balls, squeaky toys and even scratching pads should not be on display everywhere you turn. If you can, designate a playroom of sorts for your animal. If you can’t, consider keeping the scratching pad in the garage and one basket of toys in a room that can easily be tucked away in the corner.
Mistake #3: Picking the wrong fabric
It’s understandable that really nice fabric enhances a home’s decor, but unfortunately, not all luxurious fabrics work with indoor pets. If you have animals that are allowed on furniture like the couch or the bed, go with fabrics that are easy to clean. Fabrics like velvet or silk make for a great couch or bedding, but will get destroyed easily once the pets get on it.
Mistake #4: Displaying valuable pieces in the middle of pet territory
This mainly applies to homeowners with cats. Cats like to scratch, so if you have valuable heirloom furniture in your home, display it in an area less accessible or have your cat’s front paws de-clawed. If you don’t then don’t be surprised if your furniture gets torn up.
Mistake #5: Not cleaning often enough
Over time, pet owners become somewhat immune to the odors pets can leave behind. Instead of cleaning every other week, be sure to vacuum at least every two days and clean regularly. A bottle of Febreze is a wonderful aid, but putting the cleaning products to use is the best way to keep on top of the smell and amount of hair throughout the house.
When you are looking for a fabric store near you in Sugar Land, Tx, stop by our INTERIOR FABRICS for great deals on discount designer fabrics. You will find something for every home interior project from gorgeous drapery fabrics to light weight cotton fabrics and luxurious Dupioni silk fabrics.
