Chic Pet Pads

Hi! It's Winston. A lot of stylish and worldly people are letting their homes go to the dogs (and cats and birds) these days (yes, that's me in the artwork!). Many of my furry friends have exclaimed, "It's about time!", so I wanted to discuss it further in three segments. This one is about the actual design process. Next, I will tell you my favorite pet-friendly furniture pieces, and third - the fun way to great decor.

Families don't have to sacrifice comfort or style to have their beloved pets right by their side. Pets have needs and pet-friendly decorating is becoming a full-blown trend. Pets are family. They bring joy, laughter, exercise and love into our lives, so why not incorporate those traits into our homes? The key is choosing the right materials, spaces and accommodations that your pet needs. When you think about it, we all need the right materials, spaces and accommodations to live our best life, so let's make a simple list!

VACUUM REGULARLY. Having heard a lot about my ancestors being around golden retrievers for 27 years, this is a never-ending no-brainer. And a hassle. Get a good vacuum (Dyson DC14 Animal is highly recommended) and get into the habit.

BRUSH AND BATHE YOUR ANIMALS WEEKLY. Keeping your animals clean will help your house stay cleaner. Keep an eye on nails so scratches don't occur on fabric or floors. Regular brushing will keep loose hairs away. It's easier to clean our animals than our upholstery and always more fun! We all need a spa day, so let's bring it to the dogs (and cats)!

MATCH YOUR DECOR TO YOUR PET'S FUR. Brilliant, right?

CHOOSE HARD SURFACE FLOORS. Bare floors don't have to be boring. Painted or stained concrete, tile or ceramic, wood or brick are all beautiful. Add a polypropaline area rug (made from plastic that you can literally hose down), and you are good to go.

USE THE RIGHT FABRICS. From slip-covers to crypton, there's a pet-friendly solution that fits everyone. Crypton and stain resistent fabrics have grown in the upholstery world, and very easy to get. Visit cryptonfabric.com if you don't know about it. You literally take a warm, moist towel with a little bit of clear detergent to clean red wine, coffee, dirt, anything. It is setting us free from every day occurances that happen in just about any household, everywhere. Cover your bed with a sheet for easy cleaning when you aren't home or create a fun fort that they prefer.

USE SHEEN IN YOUR PAINT. This is a subject that many people don't know much about. Once you actually pick a paint color, there are more decisions? Yes. Flat, eggshell, satin, semi-gloss and high gloss "sheen". Flat is the least expensive and reflects zero light, which many people love. However, it is not washable because there is no sheen in it. Any spill, after dog-bath extravaganza or smudge is very hard to fix. You can't simply wipe it down with a rag. So, that being said... get at least eggshell finish so you can clean your walls and rest easy.

SET UP AN ANIMAL ROOM FOR BATHING AND SLEEPING. We all need our safe place and this is especially true for our pets. Create a room with paw wipes or even a built-in bath area, water, a nice place to rest and lots of things that smell like you.

BE CREATIVE WITH CLUTTER. Toys, leashes, water/food bowls and tasty treats don't need to be scattered everywhere. There are all kinds of storage coffee and end tables around and fun ways to incorporate dog bowls into a very chic kitchen. I will discuss more ideas in my next blog - clever furniture ideas for people with families and pets.

RELAX. I am here if you have any questions. There are so many clever ways to live your best life... so make sure to live it. Be safe out there - Winston

Find us at megmorrisoninteriors.net or call 772-529-1009.