Dear Culinary Connoisseurs and Pawsitively Pawsome Pet Owners!
If, like us, you find that everyone loiters in the kitchen, the layout is imperative to allow you to get on with whatever delightful meal you are preparing and still entertain family and guests. This is where kitchen islands become the star of the show, creating an anchor that draws all to it like a magnet.
Kitchen loitering isn’t just reserved for us humans though. Our pets love to hang out with us and especially so at the source of great aromas of teasing tendrils that set the olfactory organs to high alert. If you happen to reside with a Labrador, not much hoovering is usually required other than for his own continuous moulting that he’s oblivious to, creating an endless task. In this era of amazing technology, there is help at hand though in the form of natty little robots that will clean away whilst you carry on with far more interesting activities. As with most tech, there is a price and capability range so there is homework to be done to find the right robot for your needs and budget. A great example is the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuum. It can map your home, set zones and with WIFI connection, is compatible with My Dyson app, Alexa and Google Assistant, clever stuff!
So, with floor cleaning in hand (Labrador + robot in our case) pets can be liberated to roam your home at will and here are some ingenious little ideas and designs to help you along the way and cater for their demanding and busy little lives.
Pet Pantry –
Leashes, toys, treats, grooming essentials – they all deserve a designated spot. Integrate hooks, shelves or stylish baskets to keep pet paraphernalia within arm’s reach and if you have room for a pantry, great. We find customers often want a pet pantry built in the utility area or alongside the families coats, hats and shoes in the hall space or boot room.
Pet Shower –
For muddy little feet and faces, a shower dedicated to our furry friends is a gift from The Gods! Low level shower cubicles and specially designed reduced noise shower heads help you deal with all the muck and bullets that life throws at you. Not exclusive to pets, your kids can get a swift hose down also, win win!
Snooze Zones –
Your pet, will tell you, where he’d like to chill out. Unfortunately, the chosen area may not be agreeable to both parties and a battle of wills can ensue. To solve this anarchy, we find providing the challenger with their own loafing quarters usually does the trick and harmony is generally restored, pride and reputation intact. Incorporate pet sleeping areas and elevated feed stations into kitchen/utility design as animals love their own space and they’ll be no more tripping over the dog’s/cat’s bed!
Grand Entrance –
If cats are your chosen companions, then you will surely be well versed regarding their non-compromising independence and the need to come and go as they please. Should you wish to curtail this partying behaviour, another clever person has come up with a solution. If you would like a cat flap installed into your home, the top of the range version allows you to control whom gets to enter your house, how often or not at all. You can play master of the gateway remotely via microchip and phone app!
Window Safety Locks –
Adjustable locks that restrict the opening distance of windows so that the cat can get out, but the children cannot. The adjustability also ensures that nobody gets out if you live in a high rise or busy location.
Flooring –
Often overlooked where pets are concerned and applies more to dogs than cats. If you are fortunate enough to be starting a kitchen project from scratch, consider the flooring options early on. Slippery surfaces can be dangerous and quite worrying for dogs. Smooth laminate flooring and shiny vinyl are a definite no no as dogs struggle to gain traction and stability on these. Opt for textured varieties instead. Stone, natural wood, bamboo, carpet and grained vinyls are the best options and there are plenty to choose from. If you are already married to an unfriendly floor, consider placing grippy rug pathways so that Fido can move around happily and safely. We have found sisal rugs and Coir matting perfect for this.
So, as a nation of pet lovers, it’s estimated that around 51 million pets are owned in the UK, approximately 12 million dogs and 10 million cats. Many of us embrace the companionship that pets bring and invite them into our homes to coexist in harmony with our families. They are cherished contributors to everyday life and make us laugh, cry and lavish us with unconditional love, whatever the weather. It’s no wonder then that their presence influences our decision making in the home to accommodate their spending time with us and sharing their personalities that we as humans, find so endearing.
Speak with us –
Please feel free to contact us to discuss any of the above ideas further or any pet projects that you may have of your own. It’s now past 5’oclock and I’m being strongly reminded of my other duties that require me to stop writing and put on some walking boots! Enjoy your pets and your home.
