We all want a home that looks great, but when you have a dog, durability really matters. Can you have both? Interior designer Michelle "Meeshie" Fahmy says yes!
“People always think pet-friendly means ugly. But if you choose the right materials and plan smartly, you can have a home that’s both gorgeous and totally livable—with or without dogs.”
Michelle, founder and principal designer of Haus of Meeshie, is an expert at imagining and executing beautiful spaces. She was named one of Apartment Therapy’s Design Changemakers, a list of “the most talented and dynamic people in the design world,” and has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Architectural Digest, Apartment Therapy, Palm Springs Life and Tastemade Home.
We begged Meeshie to spill all of her best secrets on pet-friendly design and she delivered! But before we go into her expert tips, let's look at some of these beautiful spaces.
SO GOOD, right? We recommend scrolling through her Instagram for a quick hit of dopamine and design inspiration. Then come back here to see how you can bridge the gap between great design and dog friendly choices.
Keep reading to hear Meeshie walk us through how to select the right fabrics, how to hide your dog's gear in plain sight, and other bonus tips.
Plus, there's this:
The Best Fabrics for Dog Owners
This was our most burning question. What fabrics should we look into? We've all had the experience of living with a litttle too much dog hair. Meeshie gave us these guidelines:
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“If your couch is a fur magnet, the fabric is probably too loose or textured. Go for tightly woven fabrics like Crypton or Perennials—they’re stain-resistant and easy to clean.”
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“Don’t fear a pattern! A patterned couch hides everyday wear way better than a solid-colored one.”
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“Slipcovers are amazing. You can throw them in the wash, and they give your furniture extra longevity.”
Going off of her recommendations, here are few dog-friendly couches that could work in your space.
Crypton Couch
Patterned Sofa by Schoolhouse
Sixpenny Slipcover Couch
How Do You Keep White Couches Clean If You Have Dogs?
White and cream couches have been a major interior design trend for awhile now so naturally we had to ask if there is any way to get this look (and not have it be disgusting) while you have a dog.
Meeshie happens to have a cream couch and she gets this question a lot.
"We have a great couple of large, soft throws in the same color of the couch that I found at Home Goods that we use to cover it 90% of the time and it looks great!"
The trick here to keep a layer between your dog and the couch. You can always throw blankets in the wash. Couches are harder to clean.
Flooring That Stands Up to Paws
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Tile & engineered wood are best. They’re scratch-resistant and easy to clean.
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Avoid soft woods like pine—they can dent from dog nails.
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“Rugs? Choose low-pile or washable ones. They trap less fur and are way easier to maintain.”
Stuga Engineered Hardwood Floor
Ruggable Washable Rug
Making Dog Gear Look Good
One of the biggest challenges for a dog owner? Dog stuff everywhere. Meeshie says the trick is built-in storage and stylish organization. Here are her expert tips:
✔️ “A chic basket for dog toys blends right into your decor.”
✔️ “Treat jars can be cute! Look for ceramic or glass containers that match your kitchen.”
✔️ “If you have stairs, consider turning the space underneath into a cozy built-in crate or nook.”
✔️ “A drawer that pulls out to hold food bowls? Genius.”
And an expert tip for actually finding these pieces. "I like using targeted searches like "maximalist dog toy bin" that are specific enough to pull up unique options."
No such thing as too many baskets. Photo via Rectify Home
Imagine those jars are full of dog treats. They could be! Photo by Amber Interiors.
New rule: all stairs must have a pet nook. Photo by Happy Home Hour
Final Touches: Making a Home Feel Dog-Friendly
Meeshie says, “I love creating a little ‘zone’ for dogs, just like we do for people. A pet nook with a cute framed picture of them, maybe a pop of color with their bed—it makes them feel like part of the home.”
Designating and highlighting areas for your pets can be done easily with a coat of paint or a fun wallpaper for that area, Meeshie says.
"Framing a cute photo of your fur baby and hanging it above their sleep or dining area helps to create a space that involves them as part of the family (which anyone that has a fur baby knows, they absolutely are!). There is no reason you shouldn't have as much fun decorating for them as you would for yourself."
Wait, this is such a cute idea! And a great way to support a dog-loving small business. I'm imagining a tiny dog portrait hanging above your custom dog bowls.
via Hart Equestrian Etsy Shop
Custom dog bowls by Should We Go?
With a few thoughtful design choices, you can have a beautiful, functional home that works for both you and your dog.
Bringing It All Together: A Home You and Your Dog Will Love
Creating a dog-friendly home doesn’t mean sacrificing style. With a few smart choices—like durable fabrics, easy-to-clean flooring, and stylish storage solutions—you can have a space that works for both you and your pup.
Looking for the perfect finishing touches? Upgrade your dog's dining setup with stylish, functional essentials:
✔️ The Perfect Dish – A sleek, no-spill water bowl that fits seamlessly into any space. Shop Now >
✔️ Half Moon Mat – A pet mat that keeps your floors clean and looks good doing it. Shop Now >
✔️ Slow Feeder Bowls – Designed to match your home while promoting healthy eating. Shop Now >
Explore our pet-friendly essentials and create a home that works for everyone—pups included!