Episode Summary: Designing The Perfect Pet-friendly Home

Podcast: Dear Alice | Interior Design
Host/Authors: Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall
Episode: Designing The Perfect Pet-friendly Home
Release Date: April 24, 2025

In this engaging episode of Dear Alice, hosts Jessica Bennett and Suzanne Hall delve into the intricacies of designing a pet-friendly home. Drawing from their extensive experience at Alice Lane Interior Design, the duo shares personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical tips to create stylish and functional living spaces that accommodate beloved pets without compromising on aesthetics.

1. Personal Stories: Hosts' Pets

The episode opens with Jessica and Suzanne enthusiastically discussing their own pets, setting a relatable tone for pet owners. Jessica introduces her dog, Lady Bennett, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, and her cat, Tokyo Magic, highlighting the deep bond they share with their furry family members.

[01:26] Jessica: "Lady Bennett sleeps in bed with us, and she likes to sleep between our pillows. Nuzzle in. She likes to put her head on Adam's pillow and not on my pillow."

Suzanne shares her experience with her two cats, Fred and Larry, and her Great Dane, Betty, emphasizing the unique personalities and needs of different pets.

[02:09] Suzanne: "With Betty, you can't have her in your bed. There's not a king big enough."

2. Designing Pet-Friendly Spaces

Jessica and Suzanne transition into the core of the discussion: incorporating pet-friendly features into home design. They address common challenges and provide innovative solutions to seamlessly integrate pets into luxurious living environments.

a. Dog Washes

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the importance of dedicated dog washes. Jessica recounts the first project they undertook for Rachel Parcel, who needed a functional yet stylish area to bathe her dog, Dash.

[05:33] Jessica: "The first one that we ever did was Rachel Parcel's dog wash. She has a dog Dash, and she needed a spot to wash him after playing outside."

They describe the design elements, such as tiled walls, curbs to contain water, and appropriate faucet placements, ensuring ease of maintenance and comfort for both the pet and the owner.

b. Dog Doors

The conversation shifts to dog doors, with Jessica and Suzanne sharing their preferences and experiences. They discuss the merits of installing dog doors in walls versus doors, emphasizing the importance of location for convenience and aesthetics.

[16:52] Jessica: "If I was going to do it again, having a doggy door that is not in a door, like you cut out a panel of a door to put in a doggy door, I would do it in the wall somewhere so they just have their own access."

c. Textile Choices

Selecting the right fabrics is crucial for maintaining a beautiful home amidst pets and children. The hosts advocate for performance fabrics that are durable, easy to clean, and resistant to wear and tear.

[21:06] Jessica: "Use tight weaves that you can't catch with a claw or with your own nail. Just play with it."

They caution against fabrics with loose loops, which are susceptible to claw damage, and recommend conducting thorough fabric testing to ensure longevity.

d. Flooring and Rugs

Choosing appropriate flooring and rugs can significantly impact the pet-friendly nature of a home. Jessica and Suzanne discuss various options:

• Hardwood Floors: They recommend opting for engineered hardwood with a thicker base for durability and the possibility of refinishing. Medium stains are preferred over darker finishes to better conceal pet marks.

  [33:48] Jessica: "Leave the dark finishes for your case goods."

• Rugs: Natural materials like wool are ideal due to their resilience and ease of cleaning. Hand-knotted rugs are particularly praised for their longevity and aesthetic appeal.

  [35:11] Suzanne: "Hand-knotted rugs are sustainable and long-lasting, perfect for homes with pets and kids."

e. Litter Box Management

For cat owners, concealing litter boxes is essential for maintaining a clean and odor-free home. The hosts share their strategies:

• Dedicated Spaces: Suzanne describes transforming under-the-stairs areas into functional litter box rooms with modified doorways for easy access.

  [36:26] Suzanne: "We cut out the bottom rail in the door and reframed it to look finished, keeping the litter confined."

• Alternative Solutions: They suggest using stainless steel litter boxes for better odor control and aesthetic integration.

f. Storage Solutions

Effective storage for pet-related items helps keep the home organized. Jessica and Suzanne emphasize the importance of allocating space in mudrooms for dog food, leashes, and other essentials.

[48:37] Suzanne: "We have big deep drawers for leashes and extra food, ensuring everything is stored neatly."

3. Maintenance Tips for Pet-Friendly Homes

Maintaining a pristine home environment requires consistent effort. The hosts offer practical advice on cleaning and upkeep:

• Floor and Rug Care: Jessica highlights the importance of using Bissell cleaners without soap to preserve rug fibers and prevent discoloration.

  [40:32] Jessica: "Adam uses a Bissell cleaner with hot water only, ensuring the rug remains clean without soap residues."

• Odor Control: They advocate for natural deodorizing methods over chemical sprays, utilizing diffusers and candles to neutralize odors.

  [44:29] Suzanne: "We use diffusers and candles to neutralize odors instead of relying on harsher chemicals like Febreze."

• Regular Maintenance: Daily tasks like emptying litter boxes and rotating sofa cushions can prevent buildup of pet hair and odors.

  [46:00] Suzanne: "Mari empties the litter box daily, which is essential for keeping our home fresh."

4. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In wrapping up, Jessica and Suzanne reinforce the balance between loving pets and maintaining an elegant home. They encourage listeners to thoughtfully integrate pet-friendly features during the design phase, ensuring a harmonious living space for both humans and animals.

[48:00] Suzanne: "We love our animals and our space, and we can live together beautifully by balancing design and functionality."

The episode concludes with a brief mention of available resources and products designed to aid in creating pet-friendly homes, emphasizing their commitment to combining style with practicality.

Notable Quotes

• Jessica Bennett [01:26]: "Lady Bennett sleeps in bed with us, and she likes to sleep between our pillows."

• Suzanne Hall [16:52]: "I would do it in the wall somewhere so they just have their own access."

• Jessica Bennett [21:06]: "Use tight weaves that you can't catch with a claw or with your own nail. Just play with it."

• Suzanne Hall [35:11]: "Hand-knotted rugs are sustainable and long-lasting, perfect for homes with pets and kids."

• Suzanne Hall [36:26]: "We cut out the bottom rail in the door and reframed it to look finished, keeping the litter confined."

• Jessica Bennett [40:32]: "Adam uses a Bissell cleaner with hot water only, ensuring the rug remains clean without soap residues."

• Suzanne Hall [44:29]: "We use diffusers and candles to neutralize odors instead of relying on harsher chemicals like Febreze."

• Suzanne Hall [46:00]: "Mari empties the litter box daily, which is essential for keeping our home fresh."

• Suzanne Hall [48:00]: "We love our animals and our space, and we can live together beautifully by balancing design and functionality."

Key Takeaways

1. Integrate Pet Needs Early: Consider pet-friendly features during the initial design or remodeling stages to ensure seamless integration.

2. Choose Durable Materials: Opt for performance fabrics, tight-weave textiles, and resilient flooring to withstand pet-related wear and tear.

3. Functional Spaces: Allocate dedicated areas for pet care, such as dog washes and concealed litter boxes, to maintain cleanliness and organization.

4. Regular Maintenance: Implement routine cleaning practices to manage odors and maintain the aesthetic appeal of your home.

5. Storage Solutions: Invest in ample storage to keep pet supplies organized and out of sight, enhancing the overall functionality of living spaces.

6. Personalized Design: Tailor design elements to match the specific needs and behaviors of your pets, ensuring a comfortable and harmonious living environment for all.

This episode serves as an invaluable guide for pet owners seeking to harmonize their love for animals with sophisticated interior design. Jessica and Suzanne's expertise offers practical solutions and inspires listeners to create homes that are both beautiful and accommodating for their furry companions.