Pet-Friendly Interiors: Designing Stylish Spaces That Accommodate Furry Friends – News18

Pets are a part of our families and aim to bring happiness and joy into our homes. Designing spaces for these furry friends revolves around the right decisions. Just as you might remodel your house in preparation for a child’s arrival or when one grows older, pet parents are becoming increasingly interested in amenities that prioritise their animal companions. Innovative materials, creative layouts, and thoughtful design solutions allow pets to freely enjoy a space while preserving the elegance and functionality of the interior.

Cosy Nooks for Furry Friends

Pets just like humans appreciate cosy nooks to relax and sleep. “Creating dedicated nooks for your pets allows them to feel like a natural part of the family environment. You can incorporate built-in pet beds into your furniture. For example, under-window seating areas or the lower part of a bookshelf can be designed with a cosy pet bed integrated into the structure. These built-ins provide a comfortable resting place for your pet and maintain the sleek lines of a well-designed interior”, says Ar. Gagandeep Kapila, Founder and Principal Architect, Workshop for Metropolitan Architecture.

Dedicated Pet Spaces

Going beyond cosy nooks, one can also opt for custom furniture pieces for pets. Emphasising the same Ar. Pallavi Pashine, Founder and Principal Architect, Sanlankar Pashine & Associates asserts, “Furniture pieces like end tables or consoles, can be designed to include hidden pet crates. This allows your pet to have their own secure space without cluttering the room with stand-alone crates. If you are designing a mudroom, consider adding a pet washing station or storage for pet supplies. These spaces can be both functional and stylish, offering a convenient place to clean up after muddy walks.”

Integrating the Right Pet Accessories

Pet accessories can be included in style to merge with the decor. “For instance, stylish and elevated pet feeding stations made from wood and stainless steel can be designed. The feeding stations can be integrated into islands as well for a streamlined look. Additionally, decorative toy storage can be added for an uncluttered look. Decorative storage solutions like woven baskets, or built-in storage units that can blend with your design. These solutions keep toys easily accessible for your pets while preserving the organised look of the space,” suggests Kapila.

Opting for Open Floor Plans

“Pets, especially dogs, need room to move around, and open floor plans are ideal for creating a sense of freedom. By minimising barriers between rooms, pets can move from one area to another without feeling restricted. This can also help reduce anxiety and encourage interaction between pets and their owners. For homes with smaller square footage, clever space-saving solutions such as vertical shelving or multi-purpose furniture can create additional room for pets to play”, explains Pashine.

To establish a peaceful living space for furry friends, integrate pet-friendly design elements into every room of your house. You can build a chic and practical house that meets the demands of your furry friends by integrating the tips mentioned above!