Everybody wants the American dream – the job, the partner, and the house. Decorating is something homeowners take seriously because it impacts lives. Living in a dark, dingy property is bound to make you miserable. Likewise, renovating every other week and spending a small fortune on repair won’t help your stress levels. You want a dream home, and that means the interior has to be perfect.

Unfortunately, as a pet owner, this isn’t always easy. As well as being cuddly and adorable, dogs are messy and can cause havoc. One minute they’re chilling and the next they’re chewing anything in sight. Even when pooches are happy and relaxed, the hair from their fur cramps your home’s style. Yep, it isn’t straightforward to be an animal lover and a fashionista at the same time. But, with home décor dos and don’ts for dogs, you can finally live in peace without fear of coming home to a scratched-up sofa. Here’s what to do and what not to do:

Don’t: Splurge Too Much

It’s nice to splurge on furniture or rugs; it helps to turn the house into a home. The problem, is that dogs aren’t clean freaks and they will tread things through the house, especially in the winter. What you’re left with is a permanently stained armchair or shag rug, which will be marked forever. No matter what you do, nothing will lift the stain so it’s money down the drain.

Cheap alternatives might not look as good but they are easier to replace. Plus, the fabrics aren’t as thick or deep so the marks tend to come out with the help of baking soda and warm, soapy water. If you do buy something expensive that you want to preserve, make sure it comes with a guarantee.

Of course, you can spend money on features that are expensive yet don’t have the same risk. Tiles are perfect examples. High-quality tiles are costly and instantly boost the appeal of a home, and they don’t leave permanent stains. Thanks to the texture, dirt and grime are straightforward to wipe off with a little bit of elbow grease.

Do: Put Breakables Out Of Reach

Most homes have things that are fancy and expensive. They are also fragile and break at the slightest touch. With a canine jumping up and down, they are perilous objects to decorate with unless they are in a safe place. That means, putting them out of reach where nobody, not even a playful Labrador, can get to them.

First, place breakable items on shelves. As long as the shelves are a couple of feet from the ground, they should be secure yet still in your eye line. Another option, is to hang them from the walls. Hanging art is the new thing for pet owners as they create a dramatic feel and are out of your pet’s reach. https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20160718/midtown/hang-heavy-pictures-mirrors-objects-how has more.

Last but not least, don’t forget about cabinets. Because they’re sturdy, they’re hard to push over or knock down. But, thanks to the glass, you can still put your delicate features on display so that the interior doesn’t take a hit. Put one in the corner of the room up against a wall to make it doubly safe from energetic canines.

Don’t: Leave Furniture Uncovered

Furniture is often the focal point of any room. Walk into the kitchen, living room, or bathroom and the first thing you’ll notice are the fixtures. So, it’s imperative that they are in as good a condition as physically possible for a long time. Furniture doesn’t come cheap and homeowners don’t want to replace them regularly. The good news, is that covers are available which prevent dogs from making a mess.

Slipcovers aren’t the most attractive accessories in the world, but they do make a difference. From scratches to marks to bodily functions, the plastic sheet bears the brunt of the damage. Owners whose pooches suffer from a lack of bladder training might want to check out https://petparentsbrand.com/products/dog-belly-bands. There are some things slipcovers can’t prevent that doggie diapers can.

To spruce things up, you can swap slipcovers for throws and blankets. As long as they don’t potty everywhere, a throw is a perfect protector. Plus, it’s machine-washable so you don’t have to throw it out when it gets dirty. Put it in the washing machine and it will come out as good as new. Https://www.thespruce.com/great-pet-friendly-fabrics-1976777 is an excellent source of inspiration if you need it.

Do: Be The Boss

Although there are ways to limit the damage, the best course of action is to take control. As the owner, the dog should listen to your commands. This doesn’t mean you need to be a dictator; more you should set rules they have to follow. There is still some flexibility as long as they are in the right place. Take a doggy corner as an example. Choose a part of the room where it doesn’t matter if they molt and get fur on the floor or mark with their muddy paws. A pet-zone gives you and your dog the ability to relax without always thinking about the furniture. Pick somewhere with a hardwood or laminate floor to avoid stains.

With a pet, there are precautions you have to take to maintain the décor in your home. Use the tips above to get your place chic AND pet friendly.