A lot of stylish people are letting their houses go to the dogs and the cats and the birds — without sacrificing style or comfort. Many pet owners are decorating and remodeling their living spaces with their pets’ needs in mind. Here is a couple doggone good design tips.
Use stain-resistant fabrics.
Forget silk, chintz or the pet-hair magnet known as velvet. Discover the joys of Crypton, a nearly indestructible, synthetic fabric that’s resistant to stains, smells, bacteria and muddy paws.
William Wegman, the artist known for his Weimaraner photos, has designed a line of Crypton fabrics aimed at pet-obsessed style mavens that includes sturdy suedes and twills with names like Polka Dog and Material Dog. It’s available through Roseland Draperies & Interiors; you can view them online at www.cryptonfabric.com.
Leather is a good choice, easy to clean and durable. Most grades of leather will suffer only scratches from Fido or Fluffy’s claws, but, hey, the scratches add patina. If you see a sad irony in buying a sofa made from an animal for your animal, try pleather. It’s cruelty-free, relatively inexpensive and has a timeless appeal.
Then there’s Ultrasuede, a machine-washable microfiber that feels as smooth and seductive as real suede. I can’t say enough good things about Ultrasuede. It’s beautiful, and it always stays cool and comfortable, no matter the climate. That’s important for you and your animal’s comfort.
Match colors to your pet’s fur.
Your pet can be a source of inspiration when choosing colors for your room. Use a grey area rug the same shade as your cat’s fur. Cover your sofa in a honey color microfiber that matches your golden retriever. This isn’t just an aesthetic shout-out to your pet; it’s also a practical choice because the hair they leave behind won’t be as visible.
