Almost 34 years ago, I married the love of my life. He is a handsome fella with a huge heart. He often says, "The best kind of company are those that walk on four feet, give sloppy kisses, and don't talk back". This has earned him the title of 'dog whisperer' or 'Dr. Dolittle'. It's a crazy thing, but all God's creatures seem to be drawn to him. On the other hand, I've been referred to as Cruella de Vil. I quite honestly hate the smell of wet dogs, the never-ending battle with dog hair, and the occasional accident that arrives at the most inopportune time.
How have Dr. Dolittle and Cruella de Vil successfully cohabitated for over three decades is, well, nothing short of a miracle. Maybe not though. Joe has taught me about the beautiful friendships fur babies can offer, and I have instilled some good solid boundaries to keep my sanity. Don’t tell my Prince but I can even be found accepting a quick kiss from Piper our 9-year-old rescue.
Due to my Prince's tender heart and my concessions, pets are no longer just creatures that share a roof over our heads; they are now considered family members intricately woven into the fabric of our lives.
At LDD Interiors, we believe that designing homes with your pets in mind not only enhances the comfort and happiness of your furry friend, but also elevates the overall functionality and practicality of your living space. Planning for a pet includes choosing fabrics that can withstand wear and tear and can be laundered often to keep your home fresh and clean. It also involves selecting flooring that can handle your pet's excited nails scrambling across the floor when the Amazon package arrives. Additionally, using screens on doors or windows that can withstand the nose pushing against them each morning while your pet watches the chickadees in the bird bath is important.
Trends LDD loves for Pet-Friendly Homes
Pet Showers
Just as we take the time and care to design a home for our children, we should put the same care into doing the same for our furry friends. As designers, we often make sure there is a bathtub in at least one of the bathrooms for a child. Why not design a dog bath or pet shower in a mudroom? Some may see this as a luxury, but let's look at the additional uses it brings to the table. This pet bathing area can also serve as a spot to wash up muddy kids or boots! It is also an ideal place to water indoor plants, and when you need a spot for the wet mop to dry, you've got a great spot. Conveniently located near the informal entry of the house, it can also be designed to be more utilitarian, which can keep the costs relatively low.
Integrated Cat-Scratchers
Say goodbye to unsightly cat scratchers! Can I get an amen? I personally cringe every time I see these perched in the corner of a room. I get the necessity—they save the furniture and such, but ugh! Thank the heavens above for designers that have creatively integrated these features directly into the architecture and furnishings of the home. From built-in scratching posts to custom cabinetry that hides litter boxes, these solutions blend seamlessly with your decor, ensuring that your home remains stylish and functional.
Pet-Friendly Flooring
For pet owners, durable, scratch-resistant, and easy-to-clean flooring is a top priority. Remember the Amazon delivery person I mentioned earlier? Let’s not forget the mess around the water bowl, the puddles from panting through the thunderstorm, and the occasional 'sorry Mama, I just couldn't hold it' situations. Homes with pets should use materials like luxury vinyl, tile, and sealed hardwoods as they are popular choices, offering a perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality. These floors are designed to withstand the wear and tear of paws, claws, and occasional accidents... all the while helping to keep our sanity intact!
Hidden Feeding Stations
I absolutely adore this concept! Built-in feeding stations are a brilliant way to maintain a neat and organized pet dining area. These stations can be discreetly incorporated into kitchen islands or placed underneath counters, keeping food bowls out of sight but still within easy reach. Some designs even offer storage for pet food and treats, ensuring that everything your pet needs is conveniently close by.
Pet-Specific Rooms
For those with the space, dedicating a room or a section of the home to your pet is a growing trend. Apparently, Joe and I were on trend two-plus decades ago when we designed our mudroom space. While we didn’t have a dog bath, we did dedicate the space for the dogs and literally referred to it as their bedroom! They loved it - each night, a long folding gate would come out of the closet and clip cleverly into the door casing. Over the years, LDD has designed various versions of this with Dutch doors and pocket doors. Whether it’s a cozy nook for your cat, a playroom for your dog, or even a luxury pet suite with all the amenities, these spaces provide a safe and comfortable environment for your pet to relax and play.
The LDD Interiors Approach
At LDD Interiors, we understand that every family—and every pet—is unique. We are Authentic Storytellers, to understanding you and your pet, ensuring a design is personalized. We are Committed to Creativity, making sure that the needs of both you and your pet are met.
We are Honest to Goodness, working closely with our clients to create spaces that are not only beautiful, functional, aligned with our clients budgets, but also enhance the well-being of their furry friends. Whether you're constructing a new home or renovating an existing one, our team is ready to assist you in incorporating your pet's needs into the design process. From choosing the appropriate materials to creating custom pet-friendly features, we will make sure that your home is a space where both you and your pet can thrive.
Don’t be surprised if, during your visit to LDD Studios, you encounter a furry friend on site. Please disregard any occasional dog hair that may float along the floor.
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