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For homeowners with a keen eye for style who also share their space with furry friends, combining high-end luxury with pet practicality may seem impossible. How can you maintain an elegant, sophisticated home aesthetic that is also durable, stain-resistant and easy to clean? The good news is that with careful planning and pet-friendly decor, you really can have the best of both worlds.
An elegantly styled home doesn’t have to be off-limits for pets. By choosing luxury materials that can withstand scratches, stains, and wear and tear, while discreetly accommodating your pet’s needs, you can fuse pet practicality with high-end decor and still enjoy the comfort and companionship that cats offer. Here, we’ll provide some inspiration on how to balance beautiful surroundings with your beloved felines.
Install solar window shades or smart glass
Protecting your furnishings from sun damage while still letting daylight in can be a challenge with pets. Traditional curtains get tangled in claws and stain easily but, an elegant solution is installing automated shades that work in tandem with the natural light, or can be automated to suit your preferences.
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Solar roller shades are powered by small solar panels positioned along the top. Just tap a button or use a remote and they roll up or down automatically. This allows you to control sunlight and privacy without cords that can be hazardous to pets.
Advanced window tech offers the ultimate luxury in pet-friendly design. Smart glass, with LCD technology that tints at the touch of a button, means you can instantly “switch” clear windows to frosted or tinted mode for adjustable light control and privacy. Automated solutions provide the solar protection needed for fine furnishings and flooring while still letting in natural light. Smart glass also gives curious cats an outdoor view without compromising style or safety.
Use durable, stain-resistant fabrics and textiles
When selecting upholstery, rugs and other soft furnishings for your home, durability and stain resistance should be top priorities. Look for performance fabrics designed to withstand everyday wear and tear. For window treatments, look for coated fabrics or outdoor performance fabrics for blinds and bifold door coverings. While more expensive than regular curtains, they offer protection from UV rays, stains and pet damage. Paired with electric blinds for a sleeker, more contemporary look, you can find stain-resistant textiles that still work for homes with pets.
Incorporate home automation features
Smart home technology can be a pet owner’s best friend. Automating everyday pet care tasks not only helps maintain your home’s elegance but also assists with day to day cat ownership responsibilities. For example, investing in a pet feeder that can be programmed to dispense portions at scheduled times eliminates the need for a pet food bowl to be out 24/7.
Similarly, you may consider a water fountain designed specifically for pets which continuously circulates and filters water. It’s more hygienic than a stagnant bowl and the gently flowing water encourages cats to drink more. These high-tech accessories improve pet convenience in sleek, modern packages that discreetly blend into your home’s luxury aesthetic. They also help minimise odours, stains and other pet mess issues that can ruin your clean home.
Install scratch-resistant flooring
Flooring is one of the biggest considerations when designing a home for cats. Durable, pet-friendly floors allow you to maintain both style and comfort. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is an excellent choice as it mimics the look of real hardwood or stone but is completely waterproof and scratch-resistant. High-end brands offer realistic wood and marble looks that hold up to claws and general wear and tear. Porcelain or ceramic tile is another great option — just be sure to use textured tiles that aren’t slippery.
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For rugs, natural fibre blends tend to withstand pet traffic the best. Jute rugs hide both stains and any shed fur well, or try wool rug pads underneath to protect your floors. Hardwood floors are another good alternative. Use area rugs to define spaces while protecting your floors underneath. If you have existing hardwood or natural stone floors, regular polishing keeps them looking new, but embrace your family cat and aim for floors that weather well.
Incorporate pet beds into decor
Instead of unsightly pet beds in high traffic areas, look for creative ways to tuck beds into out-of-the-way nooks. Choose a cushion, mat or hammock style bed that fits into corners, under tables or on top of furniture. For example, a padded pet bed or mat can be tucked under an open desk or console table, creating a perfect pet hideaway. Suspend a woven rattan or cotton hammock bed under windows or staircases for an elevated cat napping spot. Or you could even add a weatherproof bedding outside on a patio for the summer months.
Look for upholstered pet beds with attractive fabrics like faux leather or soft chenille that coordinate with your existing furnishings. Neutral colours like beige, grey and chocolate brown are great choices that blend into any room and look elegant at all times. Elevated, enclosed beds that function like end tables or ottomans are also available. Your pet can snuggle inside while the exterior functions as stylish decor. This keeps their bed completely out of sight but still accessible. With some creative space planning, pet beds don’t have to be an eyesore.
Balance luxury with companionship
Creating a home that is both elegantly styled and pet-friendly may seem daunting, but is absolutely achievable. By carefully selecting home furnishings, incorporating cat beds and accessories seamlessly into your existing decor, and accommodating further pet needs with smart home technology, you can strike a very happy balance.
When embracing beloved feline family members, certain compromises like frequent cleaning and repair of damages may be necessary, but your home can still feel luxe and polished. A beautifully decorated home and a happy, healthy pet family don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
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