Easy Designer Tricks for Pet-Friendly Homes
By Dawn Westdawn.west@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Columnist
Sooner or later, you'll have pet-loving clients who want a design that meets both human and animal needs. Here are a few easy designer tricks to help you out with that pet-friendly design.
Durability
Owners may swear their pets are as gentle as little lambs, but scratchy paws can do a number on delicate surfaces. Consider tough substances, like laminate floors, to make sure that the house and the pet remain good friends. An easy bit of designer forethought will save your clients a lot of hassle in the long run.Easy Storage
Owning an animal requires a lot of gear, including food, leashes, and toys. Talk to your clients about their preferences. Do they want to wash the dog in the bathtub or in a big utility sink near the garage? Do they want to keep gear near the door or further inside the house? Whatever they decide, plan for easy, ample storage space in that area.Dedicated Space
People like their pets nearby, so you're unlikely to be designing a special "pet wing." Designing a space that's pet-focused, however, can leave pets and their owners smiling (and recommending you to friends). Whether it's in the corner of a living room or bedroom, a gathering place for toys, scratching posts, sleeping pillows, etc. signifies the importance of a pet in the owner's life.As an interior designer, people, not pets, are usually at the top of your mind. When you're working with pet owners, though, bringing pets to the forefront of your thoughts will take you a long way toward coming up with a great design.
About the Author
Dawn West teaches writing at Oregon State University. Her previous experience includes working for the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, a not-for-profit in New York City, and serving as the director for an educational program for at-risk youth in Boston. Dawn holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University.
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