Design Tips Guaranteed To Make You And Your Pet Happier And More Comfortable

Freeloading roommates can be a drag, but it's hard to say no to one that is fuzzy, cute, and always willing to show their love. As such, it might not be surprising that nearly 40% of American households include a beloved canine companion (via The American Veterinary Medical Foundation). However, while homeowners usually consider making changes to get their home ready for a new pet, they often fail to recognize some key design features that can improve their lives and that of their new fuzzy friend. Of course, maintaining a happy and comfortable lifestyle for your new dog isn't just about great nutrition, toys, and bedding, although these are often the first elements that come to mind.

In an exclusive interview with House Digest, Julio Arco, founder of Bark & Chase, gives his thoughts on building a comfortable home that supports both you and your dog. As an architect and designer with over 10 years of experience in the industry, he understands that creating an ideal arrangement requires careful planning and forethought. "Designing a dog-friendly interior requires a delicate balance between style and comfort that considers the psychological effects of the built environment on dogs and humans," Arco says. "It's not just about creating a visually pleasing space but creating a home environment that promotes the health and happiness of both dogs and their owners."

The influence of the great outdoors can't be ignored when establishing a comforting home for humans and pets. This makes floral themes and natural additions a crucial aspect of any living space. "The natural world has a profound impact on both humans and dogs. Research has proven that incorporating elements of nature into interior design can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost human productivity," Arco says. "For dogs, exposure to plants and nature has been shown to help reduce stress levels and enhance their health."

These design choices can make for a visually impactful home as well, meaning you won't have to sacrifice style in order to prioritize this important infusion of comfort. "To create an environment that promotes well-being for both humans and dogs, incorporating plants, using natural materials like wood, stone, or bamboo, and adding a water feature are effective ways to bring the calming effects of nature into the home," Arco suggests. "By merging the needs of both species, we can create a harmonious environment that benefits all."

Free space can make or break a home's overall comfort. A cramped environment is palpable, especially in areas where people (or pets) frequently mingle. "Personal space is a critical factor in interior design as it affects how people feel comfortable socializing. Typically, we like to keep about 18 inches of space between us and others," Arco notes. "Violating personal space can make us feel uncomfortable, anxious, and threatened. Dogs perceive personal space similarly."

Dogs love stretching out and rolling around on the floor, their bed, or even on the couch when given a chance. However, humans also require furniture that allows them to attain a natural, comfortable position. "Whether you're sitting in a chair or lounging in a recliner, having the flexibility to adjust your position can help you feel more relaxed and at ease. The height off the ground also plays a role in how you feel and interact with others," Arco says. "When you have the opportunity to stretch out and open up your body posture, it can give you a sense of power and confidence."

Of course, lighting comes into play when discussing a room's comfort. A dimmed room may put your mind at ease, but natural sunlight can improve your mood when you're feeling down. "Proper illumination in the built environment can affect emotions, communication, health, and brain activity in humans and animals," Arco says. "Evidence shows that both humans and dogs share similar brain chemistry and are impacted by hormones like melatonin and serotonin."

Fortunately, there are a few ways to ensure humans and their pets thrive thanks to their environment's lighting. "To provide adequate illumination for pets and humans, you can use blinds that allow natural light in and can be moved to the side for privacy. You can also choose warm light bulbs (around 2,700 K) for areas like living rooms, as research shows that this type of light helps improve mood compared to cooler light (around 6,000 K) found in offices. Additionally, creating areas for pets that allow them to choose whether to sit in the sun or not can help improve their mood," Arco explains.

Subtle design tricks can significantly improve your and your pets' quality of life. Color has long been a staple in interior design; unsurprisingly, minor updates to a space's color scheme can make a massive difference to one's mood. "Research shows that people respond positively to bright and highly saturated colors. At the same time, dogs perceive most colors in the gray range," Arco says.

"To create a harmonious environment that promotes well-being for you and your furry friend, choosing colors that create a calm and relaxed atmosphere is essential. Stick with colors in the visible spectrum for dogs, such as blues, greens, and purples, or choose a nature-inspired color scheme," Arco continues. "The association between green and tranquility is not limited to humans and can help both species feel relaxed." Therefore, selecting a few complementary shades that make your room dazzle can give your human guests a visual spectacle while ensuring your pet is provided with natural, calming tones.

Finally, tactile responses are crucial for rounding out the design of a comforting home. "Humans and dogs are sensitive to textures and patterns in the built environment, which can significantly impact their moods and well-being," Arco notes. "Research has shown that rich haptic surfaces, such as rough or natural textures, connect with us on a deeper level and can promote calm and relaxation."

It's important to remember that while you may traverse the floor in shoes, socks, or barefoot, your pet will always walk on the surface with the pads of their feet exposed. Providing your furry friend with a tactile sensation that promotes comfort should therefore be a priority. "However, not all textures are created equal," Arco explains. "Certain floorings, such as polished marble or sealed concrete, can be slippery and create anxiety and distress in dogs. Similarly, visually complex patterns can trigger anxiety and stress in both humans and dogs. Choosing natural, rough textures and simple patterns evoke a sense of tranquility."