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Doggy Design: Interior Design Hints and Tips from Man's Best Friend

One of the key mistakes that people make when furnishing and decorating their homes is overlooking the comforts of their canine companions. However, it is simple to make any house dog-friendly with a few changes to your furnishings and décor. With these easy-to-implement decorating tips, you can transform your abode into your favorite pet's paradise.

Comfort, Comfort, Comfort

Why do you have sofas, chairs and beds if they are not for sitting and sleeping? Make sure that any upholstered furniture in the house is soft and comfortable for every member of the family. Avoid tall beds that require a large leap to get onto, or provide a step if your dog friends are of smaller breeds.

The materials used in your furniture are of critical importance to your dog. First and foremost, please do not furnish your home with plastic or vinyl furniture. In cold weather, it is frigid and uncomfortable and in warm weather our panting tongues are liable to get stuck to such surfaces. Silks and satins may look nice, but we slide off of them when we dream of catching rabbits. Chenille fabrics are plush, but they are prone to claw snags. Corduroy, velour and soft woven fabrics are among dog favorites.   

When you are choosing a color for your furniture, we suggest you look into multi-colored prints and textures. They go with everything and will keep you from shrieking over our every dribble, fur fluff and paw print. Of course, brown is a perennial for interior decor since mud is always in season.

 Deluxe Dining

Most dogs are perfectly content to eat in the kitchen, since they have no need for the formality of a dining room. However, it is important to make sure you have set adequate space for your dog's dining experience and to make sure it is properly outfitted.

 What makes an ideal dinner setting for your dog? In addition to a well-stocked food bowl and a large bowl of fresh water, keep our bowls out of major traffic areas; we don't enjoy having your toes in our food. And, please do not put our food right next to the trash; our sensitive noses object to the unsavory odors.

 If you expect us to eat al fresco, please live in a temperate climate, or invest in a patio heat lamp. Frozen kibble is hard on the canines.

 Flooring

You may like hard flooring because it is easier to clean of dog fur and unmentionable mistakes, but it has several disadvantages for your best friend. Not only can tile, wood and laminate make our paws cold in the winter, but many a puppy has smashed his nose at the end of a long skid when he was unable to stop on a slippery stretch of floor.

 Carpet is ideal for dogs when it comes to comfort. It not only keeps us cozy and warm, but it muffles echoes and other noises, making it better for naps. Want a dog-approved carpet color? Follow the guidelines outlined for upholstery fabric.

 Happy Dog, Happy Home

You don't have to spend a lot of money or buy a lot of new things to make your dog happy. Most dogs are perfectly content with thrift store finds. Next time you are looking to redecorate, remember to select a few furnishings that will make your house a home for all of its occupants.

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