How to Create a Pet-Friendly Home Without Sacrificing Style

Living with pets doesn't mean living with compromise. You can create a beautiful home that works for both you and your furry friends. The secret? Planning ahead and making smart choices that serve double duty.

Choose Materials That Work Harder

When you're creating a pet-friendly home, the materials you select make all the difference. Performance fabrics and durable flooring options have evolved far beyond basic, utilitarian choices. Today's pet-friendly materials come in sophisticated styles that rival traditional luxury options.

This is where The Studio by Ashton Woods® becomes your greatest resource. During your design consultation, share details about your pets and daily routines. Do you have a Golden Retriever who loves swimming? A pair of cats who race through the house? Our professional designers understand these lifestyle considerations and can guide you toward materials from our Wall of Inspiration that balance beauty with practicality.
AW Studio® designers know which finishes hide scratches, which fabrics resist stains, and which flooring options handle everything from muddy paws to water bowl spills. By discussing your specific needs, they'll help you select options that work as hard as they look good.

Give Pets Their Own Spaces

Creating a pet-friendly home starts with giving your pets designated areas. Look for homes with flexible spaces that can serve as pet retreats. That nook under the stairs or extra-wide hallway can become a cozy spot with the right furniture and accessories.

In the kitchen, consider furniture-style pet feeding stations that complement your cabinetry. Freestanding units with built-in bowls keep food off the floor while maintaining a cohesive look. If your home includes a mudroom or utility space, it's perfect for setting up a pet care zone with hooks for leashes and storage for supplies.

Storage That Makes Sense

Pet supplies can quickly overtake a space if you don't plan for them. In your entryway, add a storage bench or console with drawers for leashes, waste bags, and towels. Keep attractive baskets in living areas for toy storage. Choose baskets that complement your decor so they blend in when not in use.

Your laundry room can do double duty as pet supply central. Use existing cabinets to store food, medications, and grooming supplies. Clear containers help you see when supplies run low. Label everything to keep it organized.
The Ashton Woods Collections® offers homes with thoughtfully designed storage solutions that adapt easily to pet owners' needs. Our curated options include practical layouts with plenty of storage opportunities.

Design With Safety in Mind

How to create a pet-friendly home means thinking about potential hazards. Choose furniture with rounded edges and stable bases. Solid, sturdy pieces won't tip if your dog jumps up or your cat uses them as a launching pad.

Hide electrical cords behind furniture or use cord covers that attach to baseboards. Add safety latches to lower cabinets containing cleaning products or foods toxic to pets. Consider an induction cooktop since the surface stays relatively cool.

When selecting plants, stick to pet-safe varieties. Spider plants, Boston ferns, and bamboo palms add greenery without risk. Keep them on sturdy plant stands or hanging planters if you have curious cats.

Pick Colors That Hide Reality

How to create a pet-friendly home includes being realistic about fur and dirt. Medium-toned colors work best. Think warm grays, soft browns, or muted blues. These shades hide fur and minor stains between cleanings. Avoid stark white or black unless you enjoy constant maintenance.

Patterns help too. A rug with a subtle geometric design or color variation disguises pet hair and the occasional muddy paw print. Choose patterns that fit your style but offer practical benefits. AW Studio® designers understand these practical considerations and can help you select finishes that balance beauty with real-life functionality.

Window Treatments That Last

Pets and window treatments often don't mix well. How to create a pet-friendly home means choosing options that stand up to daily use. Cordless blinds look cleaner and eliminate dangling cords. Cellular shades that operate from the top down let in light while maintaining privacy at pet level.

For cat owners, vertical blinds typically survive longer than horizontal ones. Cats can walk through vertical blinds without damaging them. Choose vinyl or faux wood materials that wipe clean easily.

Plan Traffic Flow

Think about how your pets move through your home. Open floor plans and wide doorways prevent traffic jams when you're carrying groceries and your dog wants to follow. Ashton Woods homes feature thoughtful layouts with good flow, perfect for households with pets.

Place furniture to create clear pathways. This reduces the chance of accidents and makes your home feel more spacious. Consider how your pet will access their favorite window perch or sunny spot when arranging furniture.

Quality Over Quantity

Creating a pet-friendly home works best when you invest in fewer, better pieces. A well-made sofa in performance fabric outlasts three cheap ones. Quality area rugs can be professionally cleaned rather than replaced. Solid wood furniture stands up to wear and tear better than particleboard.

Whether you choose from The Ashton Woods Collection® with its curated design options or work with The Studio by Ashton Woods® to personalize every detail, you'll find quality materials and finishes that stand up to life with pets.

Living Well Together

The truth about living with pets? It requires some planning but rewards you with a home full of life and love. By making thoughtful choices about materials, layout, and design, you create spaces where everyone thrives. Your home can be both beautiful and practical, proving that style and pet-friendly living go hand in hand.

Curious about your design personality? Our Style Quiz reveals whether you lean toward Urban Farmhouse charm or prefer the sophistication of New Traditional. A quick series of questions helps pinpoint the look that speaks to you, making it simple to create a home that reflects how you actually live, furry friends and all.