By Wendy King
>> THERE'S MORE TO A PET-FRIENDLY
HOUSE
than doggie doors and cat flaps. If you're
building a new home, it's the perfect time to plan to
make life with your furry friends a lot more friendly and a
little less … well, furry. Here are some design and decor
considerations to chew on.
FORTIFIED MATERIALS
From flooring to furniture and feature-wall paint, materials
have to be durable, stain-resistant, easy-to clean and still
look good. You want floors that will stand up to scratchy
claws and dirty paws. Most tile fits the bill, including brick,
terrazzo and ceramic. Hardwood flooring (go with oak)
can handle smaller pets, but if your dog is large, luxury
vinyl and high-end laminates are better choices. Carpets
with a loose, snag-prone weave are a no-no. Go for low-
pile options and area rugs that can be spot-cleaned and
taken outside to air.
Cont'd on page 102
Adopting
pet-friendly
design and decor
YOU WANT FLOORS THAT
WILL STAND UP TO SCRATCHY
CLAWS AND DIRTY PAWS.
Parade of Homes SPRING 2021 101
