If you’re like us (and millions of other people), you may have a new four-legged addition to the family. In fact, pet adoptions soared in 2020 with many shelters reporting that they had almost no animals left. While that’s amazing, adopting a puppy or kitten means you’ll be dealing with a few messes in the house. You can still have a chic home, even with kids and pets, you just have to plan for them. Here are four ways to decorate with your fur babies in mind.

1. Performance Fabrics

Believe it or not, you can have a white sofa with a dog in the house. All you have to do is plan for a performance fabric. Those types of fabrics are more durable, which means they’ll stand up to wear and tear. They also resist spills and stains - that’s great for dogs, kids, and the occasional drops from food or drinks. Be honest, we’re all eating on our sofas more, right? Performance fabrics protect your upholstery from your pets - and from you and your family.

2. Treated Carpets

Quite a few pet messes happen on the floor, of course, but that doesn’t mean you have to avoid carpet. Today’s technology offers a serious upgrade in carpets that can hold up to even the toughest stains. Some companies use individual strands of performance materials woven together, while others treat the entire carpet. Either way, you can find products that are soft, easy to clean, and that even repel allergens.

3. Be Window Smart

There is nothing a dog or cat loves more than to watch the world go by outside the windows. But be smart about what you use to cover those windows. Pets can get caught up in traditional blinds and get hurt, or they can destroy them. Either scenario is not a good one. Instead, use chic roll-up shades or draperies that can be pulled aside to let Fido watch the squirrels outside.

4. Add Special Touches

There are so many good design ideas you can add for your new family member. Built-in feeding stations are great because they allow you to hide the bowls away when it isn’t dinnertime. Of course doggie doors are a bonus so you don’t have to let your dog in and out. You can also create hidden places for a pet to rest or to keep the litter box out of sight. We’re starting a mudroom renovation in the next few weeks and I’m incorporating a feeding station like this one by Kriste Michelini Interiors in my own home.

If you have a new pet, or you’re thinking about adopting, keep these design tips in mind so you can enjoy your time snuggling and playing without worrying about how your home will survive.

All the best,

Kara