In Lily Spindle's opinion, life is bigger, kinder, funnier, more compassionate and selfless when it's shared with our furry friends. But, let's admit it - life with animals is also messier, hairier, and smellier. We make concessions in order to share our lives and homes, sofas and beds with these cozy, stinky creatures we've deemed irreplaceable members of our family, so here are seven quick tips to living well with our beloved beasts, from the right kind of rugs to the very best all-organic odor eliminator I always keep on hand.
And feel free to share your own tips with us at info@lilyspindle.com!
xx - Rebecca
image source: flickr/rachelmargaret
#1 - GET YOUR BED SORTED ::
I know there are mixed opinions as to whether or not we should let our darling, hairy quadrupeds sleep in our beds with us, but, hey, we're not ones to argue against it. Some are able to train their pets to, at the very least, sleep on top of the covers, at the foot of the bed. I've no idea what that's like, personally, but bravo to them! Washable cotton sheets are best, especially if they've got a bit of a pattern to hide the pet hair. Duvet covers are excellent, as you can keep your comforter protected and just keep washing up the duvet, but I personally swear by a cotton coverlet with texture and color, as it's usually super durable and can withstand not only countless washings but the day in/day out of pet life! I had a gorgeous one from Matteo, but it conked out after less than a year; Pine Cone Hill's matelasses are awesome, however, as are Area Home's
image source: Getty
#2 - STAIN RESISTANT UPHOLSTERIES RULE THE ROOST ::
Forego the silks, satins, and velvets and err on the side of caution and durability when it comes to upholstery. Leather (or pleather) is truly the hardiest, but I've been told many, many times over that microfiber is a miraculous fabric. That said, I've yet to find one I love, but never say never! With cotton/poly/linen mix upholsteries, gravitate towards the tightly woven, more dense fabrics, preferably with texture and pattern to camouflage the hair accumulation and inevitable accidents. William Wegman created a line of dog-proof Crypton fabrics I've heard are incredible, too, and if the king of the Weimaraners says his upholstery is dog-proof, it most likely is!
PRO TIP: I am absolutely in love with the Clean and Green Odor Eliminator Spray. The opposite of Febreez, which makes me gag forever and ever, this stuff is toxin-free and simply REMOVES the scent of pups, kitties, et cetera. Your furniture will smell like NOTHING after you've sprayed it - no cover-up scent and no poisonous chemicals! I buy mine at Rainbow Acres in Culver City, though they're oftentimes sold out, so you can get it online here
image source: LA Dog Co
#3 - HARD FLOORS ARE THE WAY TO GO ::
I think it's clear that wall-to-wall carpeting is a bad idea pretty muchall of the time, but it's most regrettable when animals are involved. Hardwood floors are best, as they're timeless, warm, and easy to adorn with accent rugs; concrete is good,as well, and terrazzo and brick is pretty spectacular; cork is lovely, too, but is vulnerable to the tearing and ripping from the claws of both cats and dogs. Ceramic tile is totally impervious to animal life - easy to wash up and animals love it, as it's always cooler in temperature.
#4 - SUCK IT UP ::
Get a vacuum you love so that it doesn't feel like an irritating hassle of a chore because having pets means lots of vacuuming - it's that simple. Your vacuum should be powerful, fast, and simple to navigate around your pad. I love our Dyson Ball, but have heard a zillion good things about the Dyson Animal. And it can't hurt to get an air purifier to collect all those allergens, pollutants, and animal dander.
Our clients' own adorables, Mack and Baxter, perched by their new dining room kilim, patiently watching and waiting for their Mum to get home.
#5 - RUGGIN' IT ::
Cowhides are pretty much the easiest, most durable things to adorn your hardwood floor, but we have lots of vegan clients who understandably can't imagine throwing animal hides on their floors, so your next best bet is a low-pile wool kilim -- you can shake 'em out, vacuum them up, and spot-cleaning is a breeze. Sisals and jutes are challenging, as they're quite porous and break down quickly (and have you ever tried to clean cat vomit from the grip of a jute rug? It's impossible!). The newfangled synthetic sisals and seagrasses are totally stain-resistant, can be scrubbed with most household cleaners, and are able to be steam-cleaned, to boot!
image source: Pinterest/Bloglovin'
#6 - THROWS + COVERS TO SHAKE AND REPLACE ::
Our friend in real life and on Instagram, @harperleescorcese, shares her own well-honed hound tip: "Cotton toddler blankets from Restoration Hardware, for example, can be thrown in the wash repeatedly and are excellent for protecting chairs, sofa arms, et cetera. Really great in the car, too. You can just shake out the dog hair." Bonus points on this tip? When they're on their last leg and are in need of replacing, bring those bad boys down to your local shelter - blankets and towels are a hugely appreciated and much-needed donation.
Harper on her pile of blankets, freshly laundered and folded.
#7 - GROOM THOSE GREMLINS :: Get your hounds groomed on the regular! Easier to scrub those furry bodies and trim those nails than to roll up your Persian rug and bring it to the cleaners or steam clean your sofas and chairs every other week, right?
image source: JESS RONA GROOMING - she's spectacular and you can read all about her in last month's SHAPER interview!
