Yes, you can have a beautiful interior without compromising the happiness of your four-legged friend.
Living in the city is fantastic: the energy, the culture, everything within easy reach. You've carefully decorated your apartment to reflect your personal style. And then there's your most loyal housemate: your dog. The source of unconditional love, coziness... and yes, sometimes also muddy paws, scattered toys, and a stray furball on your designer sofa.
The big myth is that you have to choose between a stylish interior and a happy dog. We at DesignPaws say: nonsense! The secret isn't "less dog," but "smarter design."
With this guide, you can transform your city apartment into an oasis of peace and style, for both you and your four-legged friend.
1. The Basics: Floor and Wall Choices That Are 'Vandal-Proof'
In a (often more compact) city apartment, every square meter is used intensively. So the foundation needs to be able to withstand a few knocks.
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Floors: Soft carpet or delicate wood flooring? That's asking for trouble. Choose materials that are scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Think high-quality PVC, vinyl, laminate with a durable top layer, or modern poured flooring. Tiles are also an option, but they can feel cold. Pro tip: Choose a floor with a light texture or a mottled pattern; you won't see every hair or dried water spot on it.
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Walls: A wagging tail (especially after a walk in the rain) can quickly transform a white wall into an abstract work of art. Choose a high-quality, washable wall paint. A darker, washable wainscoting on the lower part of the wall can also work wonders and look super chic.
2. Smart Furniture: Food for Thought
Your sofa is probably the focal point of your living room. It's also your dog's favorite sleeping spot (even though it might not be allowed).
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The Right Fabric: Avoid fabrics that can snag claws (like bouclé) or attract hair magnetically (like velvet). What works? Tightly woven fabrics, microfiber, (faux) leather (easy to clean), or special "performance fabrics" that are stain- and water-resistant.
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The Color: A bright white sofa with a black Labrador is a full-time job. Coordinate the color of your largest furniture pieces with your dog's coat. This doesn't mean everything has to be beige; a mottled gray fabric, for example, can work wonders.
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On Legs: Choose furniture (sofas, cabinets, dressers) that stand on legs. This not only gives your apartment a more airy, spacious feel, but also makes it easy to vacuum underneath. No more gathering places for dust and hair!
3. Create a 'Doggy Den' (that doesn't clash with your interior)
Your dog needs its own safe space. But that doesn't have to be an eyesore.
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The Basket 2.0: Skip the clunky plastic baskets. Invest in a dog bed or cushion with a washable cover and a fabric and color that complement your interior style. There are beautiful designer baskets that blend seamlessly into your decor.
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Integrated Space: Think outside the box. Could the crate (if you use one) double as a side table with a nice tabletop? Does the bed fit perfectly in an unused corner or under a wall shelf? By integrating your dog's space, it feels like a natural part of the house.
4. Tidy is Neat: Smart Storage Solutions
Nothing screams "chaos" like dog toys, leashes, and food bags scattered about. Especially in an apartment, storage space is paramount.
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Stylish Baskets: Use beautiful, dense baskets made of felt, wicker, or metal to store toys. Place one next to the sofa. In the evening, simply throw everything inside, and peace and quiet will be restored.
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The Hallway: Designate one drawer or cabinet in the hallway for all your walking gear. Leashes, poop bags, paw towels—everything out of sight but still within easy reach.
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Food bowls: Choose a stylish food bowl stand that matches your kitchen, instead of loose bowls that slide around the room.
5. The Finishing Touch: Art and Personality
This is where your style—and that of DesignPaws—truly comes to life. Your home doesn't have to be a sterile showroom. It can be alive!
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"Above the Tail" Decor: Place fragile items wisely. Large floor vases or low side tables full of breakables are risky with an enthusiastic dog. Focus your decor on wall shelves, dressers, and of course, the walls.
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Show Your Love: A dog-friendly home doesn't mean you have to hide your love for your pet. Quite the opposite! But instead of a photo collage full of grainy phone snaps, you can approach this in a much more stylish way.
This is your chance to show your personality. A beautiful, abstract artwork of a dog (or cat!) on the wall is the perfect conversation starter. It showcases your love for design and your pet in a refined, modern way.
Conclusion: Design is not a Choice, it's a Lifestyle
Living with a dog in the city requires a smarter approach, not a compromise on style. By choosing sustainable materials, smart furniture, and stylish storage solutions, you can create a home that works for everyone.
And that finishing touch? You'll find it with us. Because your love for your pet deserves to be seen.
Call to Action (CTA):
Ready to give your interior (and wardrobe!) that unique, artistic touch that celebrates your love of design and your four-legged friend?
Discover our collection of unique clothing and accessories featuring abstract dog and cat art at www.designpaws.nl and show who you are!
