| Pet owners face a unique challenge when it comes to | | | | pets sit or play on the rug, get one that's easy to |
| home decorating. Besides the obvious problems like | | | | maintain and clean. A patterned area rug can help |
| scratching furniture or knocking over vases, there's | | | | camouflage mud stains-you'll have to get it out |
| also the constant abuse they put on your floors, | | | | eventually, of course, but the pattern can hide it until |
| carpets, walls and upholstery. Many just give up on | | | | you have time to do the job. |
| decorating altogether and get dull pieces, so they don't | | | | Your furniture should be made to withstand pet play |
| feel too bad about it when the dog starts gnawing on | | | | as well. If you have a wooden chair or bench, make |
| them. But having a pet doesn't always mean giving up | | | | sure it's properly sealed. You can usually find an |
| style. | | | | anti-scratch coat from the hardware store; just ask for |
| The first thing you need to consider is your flooring. | | | | one that's non-toxic and safe to use on furniture. |
| Dogs and cats spend a lot of time on the floor, | | | | Protect your upholstery buy getting slipcovers-just |
| whether walking around, curled up, or playing with the | | | | drape them over the furniture and your pet can get on |
| kids. Your best bet is to choose a sturdy, | | | | anytime. |
| low-maintenance floor such as tile or marble. But if you | | | | Finally, consider the layout of your home. If you have |
| already have flooring installed, or if you're not up to | | | | anything breakable, such as a vase or a shelf with a |
| installing new floors, you can simply lay out a rug or | | | | glass door, keep it flushed to the walls. This will make it |
| carpet to protect the surface. | | | | less likely to fall over when your pet gets a little rough. |
| Of course, the coverings themselves have to be | | | | Identify your pet's favorite playing areas and design it |
| pet-friendly as well. Carpets and area rugs tend to | | | | so that nothing breaks, and give him his own toys to |
| gather the hairs when animals shed, so they'll need | | | | play with so they don't grab anything delicate. |
| regular vacuuming to keep them clean. If you let the | | | | |