When it comes to home renovation, homeowners should always keep their pets in mind during the planning process. Little changes here and there can make a big difference. Something as simple as creating special storage areas for pet supplies can make your life easier.
A happy pet makes for a happy home – here are some renovation tips and ideas for homeowners with pets.
1. HARD SURFACE FLOORING
First and most importantly, ensure that the type of flooring chosen is suitable for your pet. Cat and dog owners should avoid slippery marble tiles and easily scratched hardwood floors. Instead, opt for hardy, scratch-resistant and easy-to-clean materials like cork. For the environmentally conscious, bamboo flooring is both eco- and pet-friendly. Find some options in Singapore here and here.
2. CARPET TILES
Being a pet owner doesn’t mean giving up on plush, carpeted floors. Consider opting for carpet tiles – removable square tiles that can be easily replaced if your pet makes a mess that’s impossible to clean.
An extra tip for those with pets that shed a lot of fur: match your carpet colour to the colour of your pet’s fur.
3. PET-PROOF GATES
No matter how much you love your pet, there are areas of the house that should be off-limits to your dogs and cats. Keep your pets out of the bedroom, kitchen or block stairways with the help of pet-proof gates. You can find pet-proof gates at major pet stores, or simply repurpose a child-proof gate for larger dogs.
4. SCREEN DOORS AND WINDOW MESH
Keeping your pet safe can be as simple as installing a screen door or covering your windows with wire mesh. Prevent your pet from falling from your HDB flat, or your pet bird from escaping by sealing up the entrances and exits to your house. Wire mesh and screen doors can also prevent insects and mosquitoes from flying in, so they’re definitely worth the investment.
5. VERTICAL GARDENING
Plants and pets can coexist in harmony with the help of vertical gardens. Raising plants off the ground prevents your pets from digging up the soil, or knocking over flowerpots. Vertical gardens allow you to enjoy a touch of greenery with peace of mind and they make lovely feature walls too!
6. DEDICATED PET FEEDING AREAS
Feeding times are especially messy when you have a pet. Include a pet-feeding area in your home renovation plans to reduce the extent of the mess and try special space saving hacks like pull-out food bowls.
Other than feeding areas, it’s important to consider the placement of your pet’s litter boxes. The smell can be unpleasant, so be sure to designate a well-ventilated place for the litter boxes away from the main living areas.
7. TURN EXTRA SPACE INTO PET-FRIENDLY NOOKS
Make use of your dead space by turning them into cosy little nooks perfect for your pets. You can simply place your dog’s favourite pillow or your cat’s scratching post in corners that might otherwise collect dust, or custom-order a little hidey-hole for your pet to rest. From building nooks into shelving units to transforming the space under your staircase, the possibilities are endless. Get inspired by creative pet nooks here.
8. CUSTOM-MADE CAT WALKWAYS FOR THE CRAZY CAT LOVER
On the other hand, if your pet means everything to you, show it how much you care by designing your home around your pet.
This tip is particularly useful for cat owners with limited space. Make use of all that ceiling space by customising vertical playgrounds to satisfy your cat’s sense of adventure. Cat walkways, cat staircases and secret hidey-holes high above the ground will make your cat feel like the king of the world.
9. INDOOR PONDS, WHETHER BIG OR SMALL
It doesn’t matter how big or small your apartment is. There’ll always be space for a pet. An indoor feature pond can transform a home into a peaceful oasis, perfect for unwinding after a long day at work. Homeowners with more space can consider installing a koi pond for that zen atmosphere, or an aquarium of vibrant tropical fish. Even a small DIY-ed pond with a few floating water plants can bring a hint of nature into your life. You can find more tips and tricks to create your own little pond here.
10. DESIGNING CUPBOARD SPACE WITH PET NEEDS IN MIND
While planning your storage space, remember that your pet’s supplies need to be easily accessible too. If you own a dog, you may want to install hooks next to the door so that you can grab a leash quickly before a walk. Don’t forget to save some space for pet food, kitty litter and grooming supplies. A well-organised home starts from the renovation planning process.
A happy pet = a happy you!
Your pet deserves a comfortable home too – consult your home renovators and discuss how you can cater for your pet’s needs. Caring for a pet is never easy, but these tips and your renovators can make living with pets as effortless as possible. Get started: explore even more home renovation ideas here!
