Taming the Chaos: Designing for the Whole Family
As an interior designer, I’ve seen it all – from pristine showrooms to the lived-in chaos of family homes. And let me tell you, navigating the needs of humans and their furry (or feathery) companions is no easy feat. But after years of experience, I’ve learned that with a little creativity and a whole lot of flexibility, it’s possible to create living spaces that cater to both the two-legged and four-legged members of the household.
Scaling New Heights: Vertical Solutions for Feline Friends
Growing up, my family’s cats had the run of the great outdoors. But when my husband, Michael, and I moved into our cozy Philadelphia townhouse, we knew our fur babies would need to adjust to a more confined lifestyle. Inspired by a late-night cat food commercial, we decided to take matters into our own hands and build a custom cat staircase.
Over the course of a single weekend, we transformed a 4-by-8-foot panel of fiberboard into a bright yellow architectural marvel. By cutting the panel into 7-inch-wide strips and topping it with remnants of industrial carpeting, we created a vertical pathway that allowed our kitties to explore the upper reaches of our home without encroaching too much on our living space. The project was a labor of love, but the payoff was worth it – our cats now have their own elevated highways, and we get to enjoy their playful antics from a whole new angle.
Elevating the Everyday: Customized Feeding Stations
Of course, pet-friendly design isn’t just about providing entertainment – it’s also about making the practical aspects of pet ownership more seamless. Take, for example, the age-old dilemma of where to place the food and water bowls. When our dog, Boo, started helping himself to the cats’ meals, I knew I had to come up with a solution that kept everything tidy and out of reach.
Inspiration struck when a neighbor gifted us an old secretary desk. With a few simple modifications – removing the hatched door, bottom drawers, and an interior shelf – I was able to create a custom feeding station that kept the pets’ dishes neatly tucked away. I cut out three holes to accommodate the cats’ bowls on the top shelf and the dog’s bowls on the bottom, then topped it off with a cozy foam-and-down cushion for Boo. The whole project took just two weekends and $80, and the end result was a functional and visually appealing addition to our kitchen.
Thinking Outside the (Litter) Box: Concealing the Essentials
Of course, no discussion of pet-friendly design would be complete without addressing the ever-present challenge of the litter box. When my husband, Joe, and I decided to renovate our bathroom in Osterville, Massachusetts, we knew we had to find a discreet solution for our cat, Aslan’s, personal business.
Working closely with our contractor, Britton of Artisan Kitchens, we came up with a plan to tuck the litter box into a custom-built cubbyhole in the wall. The small space was lined with galvanized sheet metal to make cleanup a breeze, and the joints were soldered to prevent any accidental leaks. But the real genius of the design was in the ventilation – Britton expanded the bathroom’s exhaust system to include a dedicated vent just for Aslan’s lavatory, ensuring that any lingering odors would be quickly whisked away.
The best part? The entire setup cost us less than $200 to implement, and it blended seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the room. Now, Aslan can do his business in peace, and we can enjoy our newly renovated bathroom without any unwelcome surprises.
Crafting Canine Comfort: Bespoke Beds for Big Pups
Of course, pets come in all shapes and sizes, and their design needs can be just as diverse. Take, for instance, the conundrum faced by my friend Kasie and her partner, Ron, who share their 660-square-foot San Francisco home with a 160-pound Great Dane named Ben.
When it came to finding the perfect bed for their gentle giant, the couple quickly discovered that off-the-shelf options just wouldn’t cut it. “It’s always been a big deal finding bedding that’s got enough structure for a Great Dane’s weight and joints,” Kasie told me. After experimenting with a few foam options, they turned to their friend Susan Schroder, the owner of Cushion Works, a custom maker of cushions and pillows.
Together, they designed a 48-by-48-by-103-inch corner bed that not only provided the necessary support for Ben’s aching frame but also seamlessly integrated into the overall decor of their small space. Made with high-density foam and a removable, washable flax linen cover, this custom-built masterpiece has been a lifesaver for the past three years, proving that true luxury can come in unexpected packages.
Embracing the Chaos: Creating a Pet-Friendly Haven
At the end of the day, the key to successful pet-friendly design is embracing the chaos. As my friend Kasie so eloquently put it, “When I tell people how many animals live in my tiny space, they always think they’re going to walk in and be overpowered.” But the truth is, with a little creativity and a lot of flexibility, it’s possible to create a harmonious home that caters to the needs of both humans and their furry (or feathery) companions.
From vertical cat playgrounds to custom feeding stations and concealed litter boxes, the possibilities are endless. And by thinking outside the box and tapping into our inner MacGyver, we can transform our living spaces into true sanctuaries for the whole family – two-legged and four-legged alike.
So, if you’re ready to embark on your own pet-friendly design journey, I say dive in headfirst. The rewards – in the form of unconditional love, endless entertainment, and a home that truly reflects your family’s unique dynamic – are well worth the effort.
