Creature comforts

HOW YOU AND YOUR FURRY FRIENDS CAN LIVE IN STYLE IN A PET-FRIENDLY HOME.

- SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

A TREASURED part of the family, your best friend, made to feel right at home with love, affection... and more often than not, pet parents dote on their cats and dogs.

Indeed, they're so cherished, the majority of households give their animals free rein to roam their homes, according to findings from the 2024 UK Houzz Pets & the Home Study.

Admittedly, though, it takes careful consideration and house rules to pet-proof your interiors; stop your favourite chair from getting covered in dog hair, and the arms of your sofa a potential scratching post.

To create a space sympathetic to both of you, these top tips help preserve your scheme while prioritising your pets’ needs...

FLOORS FOR PAWS

Pets can make a significant impact on flooring, perhaps why it’s one of the most popular upgrades, says Victoria Harrison, editor at home and design platform, Houzz.

If you're ready to invest in new flooring, durable, hard-wearing materials are recommended...

"There are a multitude of options, but ceramic or porcelain tile, luxury vinyl and engineered hardwood are all scratch and water-resistant," says Victoria. "They're also easy to clean, which is important to consider, especially in high-traffic areas near the door or around feeding and grooming stations."

PROTECT YOUR UPHOLSTERY