Being able to custom design your home interior is something that takes time and patience, with incredibly satisfying rewards. However, as soon as one mentions the idea of adding a pet into the mix, images of fur-covered furniture, destroyed floors and unfortunate smells immediately come to mind, to ruin that beautiful design. That said, having a pet can be one of the most fulfilling things in life, they become a member of the family and before you know it they’re comfortably nestled in your heart. We look at some basic requirements when considering a pet, and some stylish alternatives to bring together the two ideas of a designer home and a furry resident.
Licensing and Pet Ownership
Singapore has some strict laws regarding owning pets and these should be considered before you adjust your home’s interior design. For HDB homeowners, only one small pet from an approved list is allowed and that excludes cats and large dog breeds. While owners of non-HDB, private homes can have a maximum of 3 pets, from the same list; though special permission can be obtained to allow for more. Failure to comply could earn a fine of up to $4,000. It is possible to get certain breeds on the restricted list, however, even more, strict licensing and insurance cover is necessary
Once the pet has been selected, an owners license with proof of rabies control needs to be obtained, in order to avoid another fine of up to $5,000. Though permission from the HDB board is not required, being a responsible pet owner, including picking up after your pet, making sure it is not too noisy and generally being conscious of your neighbours, will ensure you do not have any problems there.
Pet-friendly Interior design
Once licensing has been taken care of, interior design with a focus on the pet can be considered. While it is not advised to design the home entirely around the pet, some thought and custom design elements are necessary to protect the furniture and avoid unwanted mess and clutter. There are also many pet-focused designers in Singapore and abroad now, who are creating thoughtful, stylish products, perfect to fit into the home of the discerning homeowner. With a little foresight, it is possible to design around your furry friend to make sure the space stays stylish yet pet-friendly.
Though good grooming is essential for any housebound pet, fur will still be found around the home. Create special spots that are designated for your dog to sit in each room, like a dog bed that has been designed to seamlessly integrate with the design theme of the home. When pets are allowed to sit on the furniture, an elegantly designed throw, made from a robust, washable fabric is a good way to protect the upholstery below and can be folded away when not in use.
Certain areas may be out of bounds for your dog, such as a babies nursery, or you may want to be able to keep them in certain areas during the day or night. Rather than fitting an unsightly off-the-shelf option, ask your interior design team to custom design a gate to suit your style requirements. This will ensure the design fits in, as well as being a more sturdy option, especially important for larger breeds.
The size of the dog should be considered here; while smaller dogs comfortably eat from a bowl on the floor, taller dogs may prefer a bowl stand that raises the food and creates an elegant, designated feeding area. Placing a mat under the bowls will prevent them from moving while being used, and it allows for easy cleaning afterwards. Also, food and water bowls are often an afterthought, however, there are many options including elegant ceramic dishes and customised stands in timber or stone. A pet’s bowls can easily be selected to suit the style of the room they are in, and even add a touch of flair.
Dogs that live in a home with no garden often have excess energy, and though walks are a must, toys are a good way to keep them entertained indoors. However, there is no need to let the toys take over the home, and adequate, integrated storage should be allocated to store not only the toys but leashes and other pet related items.
Welcome Your Pet with Style
