Pets, a Londoner’s closest friend in the home

Walk through Chelsea and it is obvious that a dog is a Londoner’s closest friend. Shops and cafes take every kind of pedigree, from small sausage dogs to big huskies. If the dog matters that much outside, it should shape the house too.

Here is a compilation of things any home owner owning a dog, or any pet for that matter, should think about if remodelling.

Creatively placed beds. Adding a bit of flare and personality to your home shouldn’t stop with a boring pet bed or blanket. A bed built into the space under the stairs gives the dog a room of its own. Another idea is placing the bed in one of the work counters of the kitchen. Your friend will always be beside you while cooking the dinner and entertaining guests.

Clean surfaces. For any dog owner, we all know that even in London, they will find the one muddy puddle and then shake it over the sofa. However, there are ways to minimise the permanent dirt. Vinyl wallpapers have improved a great deal, and an exposed brick feature wall works for the same reason. Both wipe down.

Concrete flooring is becoming more common in London houses. It is smooth, hard wearing and easy to clean. If you want the warmth a carpet would have given you, underfloor heating is the answer, and it costs far less than most people expect for a small room. Wooden floors and tiles are equally practical.

Artificial grass. Everyone likes their gardens to be presentable and tidy. But let’s face it, trying to fit a lawnmower into a London home is wasted space. Artificial grass is becoming more and more common in London terraced home gardens, and the cleaning of artificial grass is very simple and efficient. It is also a great solution to stop your pooch from digging!

Clever pet entrances. As much as we don’t want to leave our furry companions at home while we go to work, sometimes it is the only option. Cat flaps and dog entrances are now able to be placed into glass wall panels to make it easier for pets to come in and out without having a door open. In addition, modern pet doors now have a fob system where, in essence, your pet has its own key to enter and exit the house, no unwanted house guests allowed!

Furniture is a friend, not food. To a teething puppy, a wooden chair leg looks like a chew toy. Instead, opt for metals and chromes, sleek and industrial design is back in style and with soft furnishings, a room can still have a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The dog and the house are both worth looking after. Plan for one while you are working on the other.

Call NU Projects on 020 7731 6841, or tell us about your renovation.