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.
YOU WANT FLOORS THAT WILL STAND UP TO SCRATCHY CLAWS AND DIRTY PAWS.
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
Parade of Homes SPRING 2021 101
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