Animal lovers know the impact that pet ownership brings to their lives, and in turn, their homes. While the presence of a pet brings joy and energy to a home, it also brings a variety of routines and all kinds of supplies to manage. Increasingly, folks are considering their furry family members when designing their living spaces, seeking solutions for clutter and wear and tear, while maintaining the integrity of their interior design.
Choose pet-friendly materials
During the design process many people first consider their pets when selecting materials, flooring in particular. Durability and cleanability are top priorities to combat accident stains and scratching, while preventing deeper or long-term damage. For this, tile is the most durable and allows messes to easily be cleaned but might not offer the aesthetic desired. Laminate and vinyl plank flooring are also popular, as they can offer the look of wood with better scratch resistance.
If the space calls for carpeting, a moisture barrier padding with odor control is highly recommended. Avoiding long loop pile carpeting, which can catch pet nails and be particularly attractive to cats who love scratching, will also impact the longevity of the carpet. Multicolored or pattered carpeting will also always hide marks and stains more than a solid color. Windowsills are another area prone to scratching and wear from cats and dogs. Quartz can be an excellent material replacement here, as it blends neatly with white trim and is far more durable than wood.
As a design-build firm dedicated to sincere problem solving, Gaspar’s Construction helps Seattle homeowners discover beautiful, practical solutions. For any finish under consideration, the Gaspar’s team advises clients to take a sample home to replicate the conditions it will be under when installed. This step can ensure confidence that the material and color are just right.
Storage and organization
Owning a pet comes with owning a lot of pet things. Home designers think about all of these supplies in two categories: items the owner needs access to (food, medicine, grooming supplies, leashes, litter, etc.); and items the animal needs access to (food and water dishes, beds, crates, litter boxes, toys).
For items only the pet needs access to, the key is to find clever ways camouflage them in the space, making the home feel less cluttered. Custom-designed niches in base cabinetry and slide-out units integrated into toe-kicks are some of the design solutions Gaspar’s has devised to ensure dishes are tidily out of sight. These specialized spaces are also typically lined with a removable waterproof mat for easy cleaning. Custom-built cabinetry or furniture-like pieces that double as end tables or credenzas are a design-forward way to think about pet beds and crates and bring functional coziness to the space.
For items owners need easy access to, condensing supplies to a dedicated pet station makes life more organized and convenient for anyone providing pet care. Gaspar’s has created stations like these in many mud rooms, kitchens and pantries over the years, ensuring the storage solutions suit the layout and needs of the home. When clients have taken a bit of time to think about all of their pet-related items and the space they require, many opt to incorporate a re-imagined trash/recycling pull out using the containers for pet food or litter.
Custom design features
Customized design solutions elevate day-to-day living with a pet, adding to quality of life for both owners and pets. They can be simple (like a ramp for a cat to get to a window) or elaborate (a fully enclosed “catio”). Integrating a gate into stairways is a popular solution for Seattle dog owners, avoiding unsightly temporary gates that can cause damage to walls and molding. Dog washing and water stations are also popular.
For pet-loving homeowners, the trick is to consider all of these details when designing a remodel for the most seamless, cohesive result.
With a history spanning over 50 years in Seattle, Gaspar’s prides
themselves in craftsmanship and relationships that stand the test of time.