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Australian Dog Lover
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All of these elements may be important from a human point of view, but it is too easy to forget that the design and décor of a home also have an effect on its canine residents. Not only do dogs see the home from a much different, lower perspective, but they perceive it in an entirely different way.
They won’t care whether your furniture, paint and curtains are perfectly colour-coordinated — but if the fabric on the sofa gives off a bad smell (to them), or there aren’t any safe places to make a den, then your dog won’t feel at home at all.
#1. A CONVENIENT WAY IN & OUT
The practicality of a dog door depends, of course, on where you live and the size of your dog. But having a built-in dog door can be a great idea for both dog and owner.
If security or unwanted critters gaining access to your house is a concern, there are now models on the market that are activated by a chip on your dog's (or cat's) collar.
#2. A PLACE TO KEEP LEASHES & TOYS
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| Traditional Entry by Atlanta Furniture & Accessories |
A mud room is a luxury high on our own wishlist, but any entrance hall equipped with hooks and storage will work—as long as it can be tread upon by dirty paws and spritzed with wet fur.
What you need is a resilient staging area where your dog can be cleaned and dried before being unleashed into the rest of the house.
It also makes sense to keep all your dogs' walking accessories and toys in one spot to save time on a daily basis.
#3. RESILIENT FLOORING
Easy to clean, non-porous surfaces are ideal. Polished concrete and tiles work well, as do hardwood floors (but be warned that dogs with scratchy paws are likely to leave their mark on soft woods.)
Underfloor heating is energy-efficient and any dog's favourite. Carpeting is not recommended as it's too hard to keep clean but if you must have it, select a low pile in a stain-resistant synthetic fibre or wool.
The drawers can hold all your pet supplies (leashes, collars, sprays, meds) with the bowls integrated in the lower part of the cabinet or island bench.
It will become one of your greatest daily satisfactions not to mention a permanent source of amazement for your non dog-owning friends!
#5. A PLACE TO STORE KIBBLE
Most manufacturers recommend storing kibble and canned foods in a cool, dry place.
Most of us will use the kitchen pantry or an inside cupboard which works just fine.
Bags of dog food are unwieldy, not to mention unattractive and prone to attracting vermin.
Having a stylish custom-designed built-in airtight bin is ideal but an old-fashioned metal garbage can or plastic storage container also work well.
If you're renovating, consider installing a dog shower with a handheld nozzle—these work well in tiled niches in mud rooms and laundry rooms. Mud rooms are these informal spaces located near a back entry - a perfect place for a dog to eat his dinner or have his dirty paws wiped clean.
Dogs drool. They also shake water on walls on rainy days or after their bath. Walls painted with satin paint are much easier to clean than walls painted with flat paint.
To truly design the mudroom with your dog in mind, consider painting your walls in yellow, blue or grey. These are the only colours that dogs are able to see. Greys are currently a popular colour in any home decor.
#7. PET-PROOFED FURNITURE
Dogs don't need to be allowed on the furniture, of course, but who can resist lounging on the sofa with a furry companion? It's wise to protect the comfiest seats in the house with slipcovers in washable fabrics but for those owners wanting a sleeker, more modern look for their lounge furniture, many standard fabrics can be successfully treated for stain-resistance.
Technological advances have also made a number of other upholstery options possible, including a large selection of indoor-outdoor fabrics that are durable and inherently stain, moisture and fade-proof.
Forget silk 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.
It is available in upholstery shops, from many furniture manufacturers and interior designers; you can find it online at www.cryptonfabric.com
Leather is a good choice, easy to wipe down and durable. Most grades of leather will suffer only scratches from your dog's claws and after a while you'll get a nice patina that looks great. At least, that's what we tell ourselves...Then there's Ultrasuede, a machine-washable microfibre that feels as smooth and seductive as real suede.
If you want to branch out into other fabrics, remember that the general rule is that tight-weave fabrics with pattern, texture, and darker colours are best for hiding pet hair and dirt.
#8. A COMFY SPOT TO NAP
Dogs need a place to retreat to where they can sleep soundly— somewhere quiet and comfy but close to the action and free from draughts. The problem is that dog beds and crates take up a lot of space. Instead of allowing them to clutter your rooms, consider building a spot especially for your pets such as a window seat or cosy built-in niches under stairs or islands.
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| Cottage mudroom featuring a built-in dog bed. Photo Credit: Casa Verde Design |
For windows, avoid vertical mini-blinds, which can be quickly damaged as curious dogs push through them to see what’s outside. Also take precautions to tie up curtain pulls and cords so they will not be a strangulation hazard or temptation for chewing.
Although dogs have been domesticated for a long time, human living spaces are quite different from the natural world they would prefer. Fortunately, with a little clever adaptation by people, you can make your home feel natural for your dog, whether you live in a cabin in the woods or a high rise in the city.
Making even small changes in our living environments can have a significant effect on our mutual happiness!
And for the dog who has everything, this may inspire his/her owner...
In early 2015 one lucky canine was the proud winner of Samsung’s first Dream Doghouse, a $30,000 pooch pad featuring an AstroTurf-covered treadmill, hydrotherapy pool, entertainment wall, and of course a paw-controlled snack dispenser.
A team of 12 designers and builders collaborated on this project, which took six weeks to complete. On top of the treadmill and hot tub, the tiny home has a vinyl wall that can be covered with photos of the owner’s choosing, while the opposite wall features a Samsung Galaxy Tab S tablet, for whatever the dog feels like doing online.
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