Help your pets feel at home in your living area with thoughtful play zones and stylish accessories
With their playful demeanour and adorable quirks, our pets have been close companions since time immemorial. But ask any pet owner, and chances are, you’ll hear stories of precious furniture being chewed on or scratched by their furry roommates.
As our four-legged friends are essentially part of the family, there’s good reason to consider home design ideas that can better accommodate their living habits and needs. A pet-friendly haven starts with the right choice of furniture, made with materials that can withstand wear and tear.
(Related: Luxurious Dog Accessories and Stylish Pet Furniture For Your Home)
According to Jeremy Tay, director of Prestige Global Designs, corduroy, velvet and other delicate materials should be avoided. He suggests dark leather and smooth synthetics to facilitate the removal of fur, and to pick upholstery textiles that are stain-resistant and waterrepellent so spills and slobber can be washed with just water and soap.
Winnie Heimgartner-Wong, managing director of upholstery purveyor Cetec, agrees. “Avoid using loose or fluffy woven fabrics as these will entice cats to play with them,” she says. “Steer clear of fabrics with natural fibres such as wool and linen, which will absorb stains easily but are hard to remove or clean up.”
To prevent furniture from being knocked over by your pets, Tay suggests choosing items with good weight and stability. “Avoid coffee tables with a thin glass top, which might shatter if your pet jumps on it,” he adds.
(Related: Home Tour: By Invite Only Founder Trixie Khong's Pet-Friendly Penthouse In Singapore)
