Guest Post by Indiana Lee

Many people may avoid getting a pet because they fear the impact that a dog or cat will have on their home. This is understandable. Poor interior design choices can lead to torn pillows, chewed-up carpets, and scratched windowpanes.

However, you don’t necessarily need to install chew-proof carpets and cat-doors if you want to keep a pet in your small home. Instead, consider finding ways to pet-proof your home without compromising your style.

This approach will require some interior design adjustments but can help you keep your home clean, safe, and stylish throughout the year.

Small Home Essentials

Modifying your small home to suit the needs of your pet is essential if you want to bring a puppy or kitten home. You must be able to provide a safe space for them to play, lounge, and live. Failing to make modifications will also cost you money, as young, untrained, pets tend to chew on carpets.

Homes can be hazardous for small pets, too. Exposed cables and poisonous plants are a real threat to their health and well-being. Rather than taking any risks, puppy-proof your home by:

• Storing your expensive rugs until your pet is properly house-trained.

• Choose decor that matches your pet’s fur color.

• Consider creating a dog zone for toys, rugs, and treats so your home stays clean-ish

• Use washable paint when redecorating to make cleaning up accidents easier.

These preventative measures can reduce the risk of damage and help you keep the space clean while your pet gets to grips with its home. You don’t need to compromise on style at this stage, either, as fur-colored rugs, pillows, and throws will look intentional and give you a clear sense of direction while redecorating.

You’ll also need to create bespoke storage solutions if you want to keep your small home clean and elegant.

Tactful use of fold-out futons and hidden storage under sofas is key when redesigning a small home to suit your pet's needs.

Furniture that comes with hidden features keeps toys organized when not in use and gives your pet extra space to lounge when you unfold the futon bed or extra seating.

Centralizing pet toys, food, and blankets means that your home will not look like a messy doggy-day care or cat shelter all day, too.

If you’re still concerned about your pets staining your furniture, consider reupholstering your favorite sectional or armchair. Many fabric choices like Revolution™, Crypton™, and Sustain™ are excellent choices for pet owners due to their resistant properties and leather naturally hides stains and scratches. You may also be able to find tear and stain-resistant versions of your favorite materials like velvet and felts.

Ancillary Areas

You will also need to redesign your home’s ancillary buildings to keep your pet safe. This is crucial if you use garages and sheds as an extra living space.

You can easily pet-proof your garage and other buildings by:

• Storing dangerous chemicals in locked, high shelves. This is crucial, as ingesting just a small amount of antifreeze or motor oil can be fatal for pets.

• Installing some extra ventilation to allow carbon monoxide to escape and clean air to come in.

• Securing sheds with a latch lock. This will keep pets away from sharp objects and harmful materials.

• Installing gates if you don’t want your pet to free-roam in the flower beds or pee on the vegetable patch.

These preventative steps protect your pet and help you organize your space effectively.

Planning the use of your ancillary areas is particularly important when living with a pet in a small home. By keeping chew toys and smelly treats in the garage, you can maintain the elegance and integrity of your interior design style without forcing your pet to go without their favorite toys and treats.

Proper storage and organization can be particularly helpful if you’re downsizing with a pet. Gates and latched doors can reduce the risk of a runaway pet and help you focus on redesigning your small space with style and safety in mind.

Houseplants

Houseplants give your home an elegant, calming atmosphere. However, some plants are toxic for pets and may result in sickness if your pup or kitten decides to nibble on them.

Rather than risking your pet’s safety, make the intentional choice to only keep pet-friendly houseplants in your home.

The American Kennel Club recommends plants like:

• Money Tree;

• Hoya;

• Peperomia;

• Spider plant;

• Echeveria;

• Bromeliads.

These plants will brighten up your small space and look great in window bays or bathrooms.

This is crucial if you’re living in a small home with a pet, as small homes can easily feel cramped if you fail to bring in natural light for houseplants. Just be sure to train your pet to stay away from your plants, as curious cats can break pots and track soil across your carpets.

Comfort

As a pet owner in a small space, you face a crucial decision: will you let pets up on the furniture? If you do decide to let pets climb on your sofas and couches, you may need to replace cream tuxedo couches and suede sectionals with hardier furniture materials.

If you have a small dog or cat and have the budget to buy new furniture, go for scratch-resistant materials like synthetic microfiber, velvet, and polyester weaves. You can give your pet a throw or blanket of their own, too, as this will further protect your couch and prevent muddy paws from leaving a stain.

If you don’t have room for a dog bed or cat nest, consider spending a little more on a plush, non-slip rug. This gives your pet somewhere to lounge and blends in with your overall interior design.

This move will save you space and is relatively cost-effective. You can find pet-friendly plush rugs for under $100 and can move them around your home if your pup or kitten shows a preference for sleeping in the sun or the shade.

Conclusion

Making the most of your small space is key when you have a pet. You can’t afford to put their safety at risk when designing your space and should be prepared to rethink your color scheme to align with your pet’s fur color. Even simple changes, like installing latches on sheds and locks on garages, will keep your pet out of trouble and give you peace of mind.

If you’re still struggling to maintain a comfortable, elegant home you may want to rethink your storage solutions. Properly storing your pet’s toys, food, and blankets immediately elevates the elegance of your home and makes your space look intentional. Bespoke storage solutions, like built-in pet cupboards, reduce visual clutter while ensuring that your pet has all the toys and balls that they need to be fully stimulated and happy throughout the day.

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I write about small space design and decorating, sustainable furniture options, positive self care and a variety of do-it-yourself home décor.

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The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their articles or bios.

Indiana Lee is a passionate writer and avid puzzle enthusiast hailing from the serene landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. With a deep appreciation for aesthetics and a strong preference for designs that seamlessly blend comfort and functionality, she brings a unique perspective to the world of interior decor. Connect with her on LinkedIn.