Robert M. Luckey 
When interior designer Sarah Sham of Mumbai-based Atelier Essajees set out to work on a chef’s home in Kolkata during the pandemic, she had a clear goal: to design the interiors with mind the three dogs in the family. This meant several changes, big and small, in the design plan. As Sham says, “Dogs slip on marble floors and wood becomes very difficult to maintain. So we opted for a rough, matte finish, diagonal gray tiles for the majority of the spaces, and used wood only in the master bedroom and home office. Tiles are easy to maintain; they do not stain and are easy to clean. The upholstery has darker tones because dogs can leave paw prints.
Sham is not alone. These days, it’s common for architects and interior designers to receive requests for pet-friendly designs. Interior designer and stylist Sanjyt Syngh says he has several clients who want their homes designed with their four-legged friends in the picture. “Depending on the luxury of the space or the layout, the house can be designed in such a way that pets do not have access to formal spaces. You can also cover your furniture with stain-resistant fabric. Carpets can be covered with a fabric protector like Scotch Guard, and if space permits, an outdoor bathing area can be created for animals so they don’t run around the house with their fur wet.” explains Syngh.
Like Syngh and Sham, Meenu Agarwal, Founder and Lead Interior Designer at MADS Creations, Gurugram, also caters to the needs of pets. “One of my clients requested that the coffee table in the living room be designed so that his dog could sit under it. Another preferred that there be no rugs or carpets because the dog hair dog can be difficult to clean,” says Agarwal. Her advice for housewives is to use low-maintenance fabrics. “Experiment with patterns. They’re a great way to hide any stains your dog may leave. on the fabric.
Khushi Todi, founder of Cane Boutique, Bengaluru, says she receives many orders for custom pet furniture. “We get requests to make dog beds and kennels that sync with the rest of the decor and colors in the house. Opt for fabrics that are easy to care for,” explains Todi.
While there are many ways to make your home more pet-friendly, there are design missteps to watch out for. “The floor is a big no no; it will eventually get a lot of scratches,” says Syngh. Agarwal urges pet owners to avoid expensive wallpapers. “For easy maintenance, we recommend washable wall paint,” she says. Todi advises against filling the house space with lots of delicate/breakable items.
From water and food bowls to built-in dog beds and special pet wash stations, the sky’s the limit when it comes to making your pet feel at home. A good way to start is to meet your pet’s basic needs. Good design can not only simplify pet care, but also make home interiors pop.
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