Going to the Dogs (and Cats): Interior Design for Pets
by Kate McIntyrekate.mcIntyre@interiordesignschoolreview.com
Interior Design School Review Columnist
According to the Humane Society of the United States, 39 percent of U.S. households have at least one dog, and 36 percent own one or more cats. Pets are big business in the United States, and as an interior designer, you might well run into clients who insist that you consider their dogs or cats as you make your interior decorating decisions.
Do No (Design) Harm
The biggest concern for interior designers of pet-friendly homes is to ensure that there are no dangerous substances in their design plans. For example, many houseplants can be toxic to pets. Before you make any plant purchases, be sure to ascertain that the plants you want to use will not hurt pets if they decide to nibble on a few leaves.Interior Decorating Space for All
Pets can be hard on homes, so be sure to select tough interior design accessories and fabrics that can stand up to their wear and tear. A suede couch might not be a smart selection for a pet owner because stains on suede are difficult to treat, but a suede-look stain resistant fabric is a great option. Pet owners always appreciate couches and chairs with slipcovers because covers can easily be tossed in the washer when they get stained.Fragile accessories should be placed up high rather than on low tables where a swing of a pet's tail could knock off a priceless heirloom. Cats are well-known for scratching couches and drapes, but if decorating schemes include stylish scratching posts, their scratching can be directed to their own piece of "furniture."
Interior decorating schools can help you to learn how to work with clients with special needs, including those who desire a design that is friendly to their furry friends.
Sources
- "Toxic Plants," The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- "U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics," The Humane Society of the United States
About the Author
Kate McIntyre is a writer in Portland, Oregon. She holds a B.A. from Harvard University and an M.F.A. in fiction writing from Oregon State University.
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