Cindy Aplanalp Interiors.... By Design

I used to have a little chihuahua named Honey.  Now, Honey might not have been the sweetest dog I ever had, but she made me really think about how pets and animals change our living spaces.  The furriest members of our families often get overlooked when it comes to interior design.  There are some simple design solutions that can be done during a remodel or new construction to make our pets' lives better and our care-giving to them much easier. 

Problem 1.  Almost everyone has encountered the new puppy phase; you get your family an adorable new labradoodle and then you come home to accidents on the new carpet, holes chewed in our favorite sofa, or toilet paper shards littering the entire home.  

Simple solution - Install a temporary gate in strategic doorways to enclose pets on hard flooring surfaces.  While functional, these gates are often not very visually appealing.  

The Better Solution - During a remodel or new construction, install pocket doors in strategic doorways that are only 36" of 42" high.  Pocket door designs can be beautiful and add another design element to your space.  The door hides in the wall cavity when you don't need them or can be securely locked closed when you leave the house keeping your pets contained in the most desired areas.   

Problem 2.  Water and food dishes are often placed on the floor in the kitchen or laundry room serving well as trip hazards or laundry collectors....I can't tell you how many times I've dropped a sock in my dog's water dish!  

Simple Solution - Place a place mat or rug under the dishes or purchase pretty good looking dishes that almost serve as decor.

The Better Solution - During a kitchen or laundry remodel or new construction, include a built-in area in your lower cabinetry for food and water dishes.  It can be located on the end of a cabinet run, have open bookshelves above and be perfectly incorporated into your kitchen!

Problem 3.  Although Houston isn't known for its cold weather, there are lots of people who snuggle with their pets at night.  

Simple Solution - Purchase fluffy pet beds and try to entice your pets to sleep in them.

The Better Solution - During a remodel or new construction, add ambient heating to your kitchen or laundry room flooring.  Instead of wanting to snuggle in your cozy bed, you'll find your pets sprawled out on the warm floors.