Whether you are a devoted dog lover, a cat owner, or the proud carer of a rabbit or parrot, your home should be a place where everyone feels comfortable—including your pets. A thoughtfully designed interior can support daily routines, reduce mess, and create harmony between style and practicality. At Oraanj Interiors, we believe that pet-friendly homes can be just as elegant as they are functional.

Working with an experienced Interior Decorator London allows you to design interiors that reflect your personal aesthetic while accommodating the needs of your pets. From durable materials to clever layouts, pet-friendly design is about smart choices rather than compromise.

Below are our expert interior design ideas to help you create a home that is stylish, low-maintenance, and welcoming for both humans and animals.

A contemporary open-plan living and dining area with a grey sofa, glass coffee table, dining table with upholstered chairs, pendant lighting, wooden flooring, and minimalist wall décor. — A clean and modern open-plan interior that balances comfort and functionality through simple furnishings and warm wood finishes.

1. Durable and Pet-Safe Flooring

Let’s start from the ground up. Flooring plays a critical role in any pet-friendly home, as it needs to withstand daily wear, claws, shedding fur, and the occasional accident. Choosing the right surface will significantly reduce maintenance while preserving the visual appeal of your interiors.

Some of the most effective Flooring Options for pet owners include:

Luxury vinyl flooring: Highly durable, water-resistant, scratch-proof, and easy to clean, making it ideal for busy households.
Porcelain or ceramic tiles: Excellent for high-traffic areas such as hallways and kitchens, offering resistance to moisture, stains, and odours.
Sealed hardwood or engineered wood: When treated with a matte or satin finish, wood floors can still be practical while adding warmth and character.

Wall-to-wall carpeting is best avoided in areas your pets frequent, as it traps hair, allergens, and odours, making upkeep more demanding. Instead, layered rugs can offer softness without long-term maintenance issues.

2. Choose Upholstery That’s Easy to Clean

Your sofa, armchairs, and soft furnishings often become your pet’s favourite resting spots. Selecting upholstery that can handle fur, claws, and everyday use is essential to maintaining both comfort and appearance.

When considering Furniture Selections, opt for fabrics that balance durability with style:

Leather: Easy to wipe clean and resistant to odours, though it may scratch over time.
Microfibre or tightly woven fabrics: These materials resist claw snagging and are easier to maintain.
Indoor-outdoor fabrics: Originally designed for exterior use, they are now popular indoors due to their stain resistance and durability.

Removable and washable slipcovers are particularly useful, allowing you to refresh your furniture effortlessly while maintaining a polished look.

3. Built-In Pet Zones

Creating dedicated spaces for your pets helps keep your home organised and reduces visual clutter. Integrated pet zones allow animals to feel secure while ensuring their belongings don’t dominate shared living areas.

Thoughtfully designed pet zones might include:

Built-in benches with concealed pet beds
Custom cabinetry with pull-out feeding stations
Mudroom storage for leads, towels, and accessories

These bespoke solutions can be seamlessly integrated into your home’s layout, supporting both comfort and cohesion. Planning these elements early in the design phase ensures they complement your overall Interior Design London concept rather than appearing as afterthoughts.

4. Stylish Storage for Pet Essentials

Pets bring joy—and plenty of accessories. From toys and grooming tools to food containers and bedding, smart storage solutions are key to maintaining a tidy home.

Incorporating stylish storage ensures functionality without disrupting your interior aesthetic. Decorative baskets, lidded containers, and discreet cabinetry allow you to store essentials out of sight while keeping them easily accessible.

Design-led storage also plays an important role in visual balance. Through curated Mood Board Design, colours, textures, and finishes can be aligned with your interior scheme, ensuring that pet-related items blend seamlessly into the space.

A modern living room with a wall-mounted television above a linear fireplace, neutral-toned seating, a low wooden coffee table, glass side table, pendant lighting, and soft ambient illumination. — A sleek, contemporary living space that blends clean lines, neutral textures, and a modern fireplace for a refined and comfortable atmosphere.

5. Pet-Safe Plants and Decor

Plants add life, texture, and freshness to interiors, but pet owners must be mindful of safety. Many common houseplants are toxic to animals if ingested, so selecting pet-safe varieties is essential.

Safe plant choices include spider plants, areca palms, and calatheas, while lilies, pothos, and philodendrons should be avoided. In addition to plant selection, consider placing greenery in raised planters or wall-mounted holders to prevent accidental damage.

Decorative accessories should also be chosen with stability in mind. Weighted objects, low-profile décor, and securely anchored pieces reduce the risk of breakage from wagging tails or playful paws.

6. Washable Rugs and Throws

Rugs and throws are essential for adding warmth, texture, and comfort, but they must also be practical in pet-friendly homes. Washable rugs made from synthetic fibres or flat-weave designs are ideal, as they are easy to clean and less likely to trap fur.

Throws offer a stylish and flexible way to protect sofas and beds. Opt for darker tones or subtle patterns to disguise hair and marks between washes. Thoughtful Colour Consultation ensures these textiles complement your existing palette while remaining practical for everyday living.

7. Keep Claws in Mind: Wall Finishes and Paint

Walls are often overlooked in pet-friendly design, yet they can suffer from scratches and marks, particularly in corridors or near entrances. Choosing durable finishes helps preserve your home’s appearance with minimal effort.

Scrubbable paints in eggshell or satin finishes allow for easy cleaning without compromising colour depth. In high-impact areas, wall panelling or beadboard up to dado height offers both protection and decorative interest.

These design elements can elevate the interior while safeguarding surfaces, creating a balance between aesthetics and longevity.

A contemporary dining room with a long dining table, upholstered chairs, built-in shelving with decorative objects, soft ambient lighting, neutral wall finishes, and a refined symmetrical layout. — An elegant dining interior designed with clean lines, warm materials, and balanced lighting to create a sophisticated setting for formal gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Designing a pet-friendly home does not mean sacrificing elegance or personal style. With careful planning, durable materials, and thoughtful layouts, your home can be both beautiful and practical. The key lies in understanding your lifestyle and selecting design solutions that work seamlessly for everyone who lives there.

From smart storage to bespoke pet zones, professional guidance ensures that every detail is considered. Some clients even benefit from a Personal Shopper service, sourcing pet-friendly furnishings and accessories that align with their design vision while saving time and effort.

At Oraanj Interiors, we specialise in creating tailored interior solutions that reflect your lifestyle—including your furry and feathered family members. Get in touch to discover how we can help you design a stylish, pet-friendly home that you’ll all love living in.