Design Friendly Pet Ideas
Hurd & Honey
Even if you chose to adopt rather than buy, your pet is still a precious member of your family. Pets add significant companionship and warmth to our homes. Cats are always nearby, occasionally seeking our affection, and dogs, they're always happy to see us when we return home. Pets have become a central part of the human family, people are even gifting wisdompanel DNA tests at Christmas time.
Having pets in the home has its challenges. When it comes to their care it's easy to overlook the ways in which our pet's accessories, shedding, and simple presence can overwhelm the home. We become accustomed to living with dog hair all over our furniture, slimy water bowls in the walkways, and giant cat trees that take over our living rooms. It doesn't have to be this way, and living with pets can contribute to the overall hygge of the home.
Clean Mama
ODOR
Pet odor is a common complaint, especially with a litter box. The main reason we don't have a cat is because we don't want to have a litter box. I LOVE cats, and we've been quite close to adopting one, but we always turn away. One of my pet peeves is smelling pet odor when I walk into someone's home. Sometimes I wonder if people can smell our dogs when they come to our home.
There are many effective ways to keep your home smelling fresh, clean, and beautiful. Whether you burn candles, diffuse oils, or vacuum daily, find a way that works for you, and keep your home's odor attractive. Ask a friend to come over and share what they smell, and choose an honest friend.
Live Simply By Annie
ACCESORIES
We don't all have the luxury of a built-in feeding cabinet for our pets, one we can close up that is out-of-sight, but there are several things we can do to minimize the clutter of our pet's belongings.
- Store the leash/brush/bags etc. in a large decorative bag and hang on a coat hook by the door
- Place the water bowl in a separate room, out of the way, choose a bowl that matches your decor
- Feed your pets outdoors, if it works, otherwise, chose a space in your home (coat closet) when they can eat. (This works better for dogs as they eat when they're fed, cats tend to snack randomly and food remains in their bowls.)
- Store their toys in a decorative bin or wicker basket
- If you need pet furniture (stairs, trees, beds) choose aesthetically pleasing ones that match the style of your home
Better Homes & Gardens
With a bit of organization, intentional shopping, and a simple grooming and cleaning routine, your pets will not takeover your home, and they'll even feel like a bigger piece of your family.
*This is a collaborative post.
Hurd & Honey