Creating Pet-Friendly Bathrooms and Kitchens
While our furry friends may not exactly be the ones footing the bills, their happiness plays a role in many decisions that homeowners and renters alike make when it comes to their home. Creating a pet-friendly environment is not only great for resale value, but also attracting renters with pets (which happens to be an incredible 72%, according to the Humane Society). Small but impactful additions like handheld showerheads in bathrooms can make a big difference for pet owners. Let’s explore some thoughtful pet-forward designs that will enhance multifamily housing as well as single-family homes.
Durable and Easy-to-Clean Surfaces are Non-Negotiable
Even though pets can be messy, a home doesn’t have to be! Choosing durable surfaces for countertops, flooring and fixture finishes not only makes cleaning up accidents a breeze, but keeps scratches and other damage to a minimum. For the homeowner or complex owner/manager it’s a valuable selling point. Like with many items, what is pet-friendly is also usually child-friendly, as an additional bonus. The most stain resistant countertops are non-porous naturally or synthetically. These include quartz, Corian and granite. Quartz doesn’t need a sealant, so it tops the list. Some materials to avoid are tile with grout (as grout stains easily), unsealed concrete, butcher block and laminate. For resistance to scratching, tile is excellent, but due to high-maintenance grout, you may want to consider quartz and granite. The more wall space you can cover with a hard surface, the better, as drywall is easily damaged and stained. Washable walls make for an impactful pet friendly selling point.
Pet-Friendly Finishes
For faucets and other kitchen and bathroom fixture finishes, a stain- and scratch-resistant UV coating can’t be beat. These also make cleaning up easier. The most pet-friendly finish is a brushed finish, such as Pioneer’s brushed nickel and brushed gold with the industry’s best coating. The striations in a vintage oil-rubbed bronze are quite similar. Chrome can also be a good choice, but the coating is even more important there. Matte black is the least pet-friendly choice.
Built-in Pet Feeding Areas
Beyond durability, incorporating a designated space in the kitchen for pet-feeding is a great way to keep them top of mind in a design. Install pull-out specially made drawers for food and water bowls making mealtime easy, and concealing them even easier when it’s not dinner time. If that’s not an option, having a layout that plans for pet bowls is a must. Bowls that are a tripping hazard or an eye-sore are best avoided.
Pet-Washing Stations
Not only is it ideal to have a detachable showerhead to help wash your pup, but having a separate pet washing station in a mudroom takes the idea to the next level. Fido is likely to be quite dirty quite often; pet parents always appreciate an easy clean-up option before he drags mud through the entire house. Modular options are an easy drop-in to any laundry area or bathroom, but a low, deep and wide sink with a handheld showerhead is also perfect for washing a pet with ease, and prevents wear and tear on traditional tubs and sinks. See the end of this article for our handheld showerhead choices that will turn any tub, shower or large sink into a pet washing station.
Cabinetry and Flooring That Hide Wear and Tear
Installing cabinetry and flooring with a tough finish helps to conceal scratches. Try incorporating patterned tiles to better hide shedding and for easy clean up. High traffic areas also pose an issue for pet owners, as they accumulate more wear and tear than the average household, so opt for low-maintenance materials that will last. These are the best options for pet lovers.
All in all, even if you are not currently a pet owner, keeping them in mind as a homeowner or especially in multifamily housing design, is a smart and unique way to increase property value and rental potential. Thoughtful additions like durable surfaces, pet feeding stations, easy washing areas, and using colors and surfaces that hide wear and tear are easy ways to keep pets in mind
Pioneer, Olympia and Central Brass
As a trusted supplier of faucets and fixtures for over 100 years, Pioneer, Central Brass, and Olympia are here for you. Embrace the benefits of quality, availability, and speed by partnering with Pioneer, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your project is in good hands. Transform your project or home with these beautiful and exceptionally durable faucets and accessories. All are backed by a best-in-the-industry warranty, are easy to install, and will stand the test of time.
We’ll Save You Money and Time
There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multifamily housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.
Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money. Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.
Some of our luxury finishes picks:
