nikkiMdesign: Designing your home with your pets in mind

We love our pets and we love our homes...creating a comfortable and stylish space to share with our furry friends can be a difficult task, especially for those who have multiple animals or larger pets. The most common complaints from our clients about pets in the home tend to be fur on the furniture, ugly dog crates, tattered scratching posts, stinky litter boxes, mud, and, of course, storage needs. We've compiled some design inspiration and tips for you and your pet to live harmoniously together.

1. Fur, fur, everywhere!

Tip: pick neutral or dark colors and textured fabrics to help hide fur, better yet, pick colors that match your pet! Hardwood floors are easier to clean than wall to wall carpeting, however don't go too dark that will show scratches and dirt.

2. Dog Crates. They don't have to be ugly and they can be used as furniture too!

Here is a gilded crate for your loved one. Most definitely worth the 11k price tag, right?

If you have the opportunity, have your crate built into another piece of furniture.

3. Tattered scratching posts, eye sore! These are great pieces for your feline friends to scratch and a wonderful way to add sculptural elements to your interiors.

4. Stinky litter boxes.

Tip: clean them out...frequently. :) If you have more than one cat, be sure to have multiple litter boxes. Here are some fun ways to conceal the litter box.

5. Mud. Clever way to deal with muddy paws... pet showers in your mudroom.

I am smitten with these bed designs for your four-legged friend.

My favorite!

and for our feathered friends...

From Peter Rolfe is this fun and minimalist way to store pet items. So cute!

Here is the ultimate feline friendly home. Asahi Kasei's Plus-Nyan house is minimalist design that combines living space for both the owner and the cats. The entire house is like a kitty play house, with shelves for climbing, beams for walking across, and tunnels built into the walls, the home even has an outdoor patio for the kitties to bask in the sun. This residence truly is Smart Design with Pets in Mind.