At Filigree, we strive to inspire people to live, work, and play better because of the environment that surrounds them. To that end, we believe that a house is truly not a home without a pet. Owning pets and maintaining the beauty of your interior furnishings and design elements can often present a challenge. Today, we have numerous options for pet-friendly design materials that allow the entire family including our furry friends to live together with a décor that is both stylish and practical.
Start with your floors, as they receive the greatest wear and tear. Low maintenance flooring materials is the key requirement. Try to use only hard surfaces for your flooring options. Pick materials that are easy to clean. We recommend that you stay clear of carpeting, as it will simply attract stains, clumps of animal hair and lingering pet orders. Hardwood, laminates, ceramic and natural stone are all outstanding choices. You can easily soften the effect of hard surface flooring by using inexpensive but attractive area rugs. We sell fabulous cotton area rugs from Dash and Albert and rags rugs from Bombax, and all are at a very moderate price point. They are easy to clean and maintain, and should you get a stain that simply won't go away you have not lost thousands of dollars in your investment.
The fabric that you use on your upholstery is the next area for consideration. Dogs and cats will often spend much of their day curled up on the sofa waiting for us to come home. To help with the appearance of hair accumulation between cleanings, choose fabrics that are in colors not unlike your pet's hair color. Tight weaves can help prevent hair from embedding into cushions. Leather and microfiber fabrics are an excellent choice as they are easy to clean and wear well. We like the use of decorative throws to help protect your furniture. Pair an inexpensive throw from Dash and Albert with one of their rugs and you have made a fun yet affordable design statement.
If your pet is lucky enough to share your bed, low maintenance bedding is a must. Make sure your bedding is machine washable and features a tight weave. Use a waterproof pad to protect your mattress. An inexpensive light weight quilt tossed over your duvet will add character while keeping your bed fresh and clean.
Dog and cat beds provide pets with their own special place to relax. Integrating these into the design of your space will make it feel more like home. Why not splurge and give them a bed designed by John Robshaw. It will add that element of surprise to your décor statement. And, they are easy maintenance as covers zip off for machine washable care.
Homes are usually designed to suit the needs and tastes of the families that dwell within.
Pets are part of the family, so find finishes and elements that work well for them. Your efforts will be rewarded by incredible loyalty and devotion.
