![How to design a pet-friendly home](https://cdn.magzter.com/1509000563/1672759480/articles/fJff3i6X_1674551943998/HOW-TO-DESIGN-A-PETFRIENDLY-HOME.jpg)
When it comes to home life, it seems our pets are the number one consideration. New research of the nation's cat and dog owners commissioned by ManyPets showed 49% of those asked said their pet is the head of their household. If you're one such devoted animal lover, we've pulled together some top advice on the best ways to create a pet-friendly home so that all members of the household - both four-legged and two-legged - can live in perfect union together.
Our home design advice covers everything from the type of flooring your pets need to how you can design your layout to create an easier day-to-day life with your furry friends. So whether you are keen to minimise mess caused by mucky paws or have a needy pet who likes to keep an eye on you at all times, read on to ensure everyone is kept happy.
WHAT IS A PET-FRIENDLY HOME?
While living with pets brings us joy, things do not always run totally smoothly, as most owners will testify. "For many of us our pets are another member of the family and we willingly make space for them in our homes," says Gemma Holsgrove, associate director at interior design specialists Sims Hilditch.
"This can often come at the expense of our interiors." The key to creating a pet-friendly home lies in designing spaces carefully and using materials and finishes that not only take into account the needs and nuances of the animals you are sharing your home with, but which are also stylish and reflective of the human members of the household.
CHOOSE EASY-CARE FLOORING
Your choice of flooring is perhaps one of the most important factors when designing a pet-proof home. You need a floor that is hardwearing in the face of claws and dirt, easy to clean and low maintenance. Also bear in mind that opting for something non-slip will make life easier for your pets. Thankfully, there are several types of flooring that tick all these boxes.
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2023 edition of Homebuilding & Renovating.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/HVGaVM8OS1690365129807/WHY-I-CHOSETO-HIRE-AN-INTERIOR-DESIGNER.jpg)
WHY I CHOSE...TO HIRE AN INTERIOR DESIGNER
Hiring a professional to help in an area you're not confident with can be invaluable. Ben Adam-Smith did just that by employing an interior designer to inject character into his and his wife Kay's self-build
![HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/hX14NFRVF1690364169583/HOW-TO-PREVENT-YOUR-HOME-OVERHEATING.jpg)
HOW TO PREVENT YOUR HOME OVERHEATING
With UK summers getting hotter, what steps can be taken to prevent overheating in homes? We outline what you can do to have a comfortable property all year round
![Multifunctional home office](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/bQF1NRgYn1690363801834/MULTIFUNCTIONAL-HOME-OFFICE.jpg)
Multifunctional home office
How to create a hybrid space that's suitable for both work and home life
![Build a new garage for less](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/5KDvQf5qT1690363297353/BUILD-A-NEW-GARAGE-FOR-LESS.jpg)
Build a new garage for less
Taking on a self-build or renovation project? Then factor in a garage from the beginning you can benefit from economies of scale and efficiency tactics, says Tim Phillips
![The golden rules of house design](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/e0bkx8WUk1690362548667/THE-GOLDEN-RULES-OF-HOUSE-DESIGN.jpg)
The golden rules of house design
Designing a house is hugely exciting, but knowing where to start can also feel daunting. With the help of some top architectural experts, we bring you the golden rules that will ensure you create the home of your dreams
![THE HEALTHY HOME](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/bGny7OvYU1690362181629/THE-HEALTHY-HOME.jpg)
THE HEALTHY HOME
PART THREE: BOOSTING BIODIVERSITY IN OUR HOMES
![Victorian overhauls](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/-vVfv5HqF1690361443158/VICTORIAN-OVERHAULS.jpg)
Victorian overhauls
A carefully conceived extension could be the key to unlocking the potential of your period property without compromising its character. Let our selection of innovative schemes be your inspiration...
![Bird's eve view](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/loPicgK-V1690360761899/BIRDS-EVE-VIEW.jpg)
Bird's eve view
Peter and Romney Lelliott opted for an upside-down new build, enabling them to enjoy far-reaching country views from the elevated living space of their contemporary new home
![A collage to treasure](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/EsAcQt8Zp1690358184836/A-COLLAGE-TO-TREASURE.jpg)
A collage to treasure
Kirstin Eriksson has transformed her Cotswold property by taking it from a neglected cottage to a perfect family home packed full of clever design ideas
![Hidden, paradise](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/16135/1366590/cGwHImDb51690357484190/HIDDEN-PARADISE.jpg)
Hidden, paradise
With hard work and a lot of initiative, Minnie and James Vosper lovingly brought their run-down home into the 21st century