How to pet-proof the living room without sacrificing on decor and style
Last Sunday my friends Meera and Rohan rang me up in a panic. They'd just paid for a pale‑grey sofa, but their indie dog Bruno thinks every new cushion is an extra chew toy. 'How do we keep the living room looking good?' they asked.
The answer isn't to ban the dog from the sofa. It's to choose materials that forgive the occasional paw print and keep your style intact.
1. Pick strong Indian hardwoods
Skip soft pine. Go for teak, acacia, or rosewood. These woods have tight grains that shrug off claw marks. Because they're solid, a quick sand and a wipe of clear, low‑VOC polish can erase most scratches. Always ask your carpenter to round off sharp corners so teeth and tails do less damage.
2. Safe finishes, happy lungs
Old varnishes can smell like a paint factory. Water‑based, low‑VOC sealers are tougher than they look and kinder to everyone in the house. Choose a satin or matte look—tiny scratches blend right in.
3. Fabrics that forgive muddy paws
Look for tightly woven microfibre, canvas, cotton twill or chenille. Most spills bead up before they soak in. A quick spray of fabric protector once every six months adds an extra shield. Give cushions, sofas and even rugs a light mist and wipe up messes with a damp cloth.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
What the Market May Be Getting Wrong About Nvidia
Seeking Alpha
Read Now
Undo
Small patterns are your secret friend: herringbone, tweed or speckled boucle hide fur far better than flat colours. And zip‑off covers make laundry day simple—just toss and wash.
4. Décor tweaks that make life easier
• Toy control: Keep rattan or canvas baskets near the seating area so toys disappear in seconds.
• Food and water zone: Sit bowls on a pretty tray or a slim stone slab; spills stay contained and it looks intentional.
• Scratching instinct: Swap one side table for a rope‑wrapped post topped with a wooden tray.
Your cat gets a scratch spot and you keep the surface for coffee mugs.
• Throws on rotation: Keep two washable throws. When one's in the wash, the other covers the dog's favourite armrest.
That same fabric protector spray works on floor runners too—perfect under the dining table where gravy meets wagging tails.
5. Hardware and accents that don't quit
• Powder‑coated steel legs on tables shrug off teeth marks.
• Non‑tipping ceramic planters survive excited tails.
• Tempered‑glass tops handle the odd flying toy.
6. Expect a few scratches—and keep a tiny repair kit
Even with smart choices, life happens. Store a matching wood touch‑up pen, a scrap of spare fabric and a gentle cleaner. Fix what you can, laugh off what you can't, and remember the house is full of love, not museum pieces.
7. A quick look ahead
Designers are testing mushroom‑based 'leather' for stools—plant‑made and surprisingly claw‑resistant.
Modular chair arms you can clip off and swap after a chewing spree are almost here. Furniture is learning to adapt as fast as our pets find new mischief.
In all, pet-proofing chic isn't about plastic covers or endless 'No!' commands. It's choosing hardy Indian woods, safe finishes, stain-resistant fabrics, and décor accents that double as practical helpers. Build in forgiveness, keep a repair kit handy, and let the occasional scratch remind you that your home is full of life—and that's exactly how it should be.
By: Archana Kumari, Lead, Brand Marketing, Pepperfry
One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Girl the entirety of Detroit is waiting': Jared Goff's wife Christen Harper anticipates Baby Goff's arrival in a monochrome maternity photoshoot
(Image via Getty: Christen Harper and Jared Goff) That moment when life is colorless for a couple and only a baby can make it colorful again? That's what transpired in the realm of Detroit Lions' star quarterback Jared Goff and his model wife, Christen Harper Goff. The popular NFL WAG took to her Instagram to share monochromatic pictures from her maternity photoshoot and left a simple but heartfelt caption: Just waiting for our girl 🦋 The post acquired over 34K likes, and comments flew in from all over the globe. There was one comment that spoke just like the Entourage actress' IG caption - Girl the entirety of Detroit is waiting! Christen Harper and Jared Goff share five snapshots from their monochromatic maternity photoshoot The Auggie actress shared five snapshots from her monochromatic maternity photoshoot at the beachside and indoors, too. The first snapshot has Christen dressed in a grayscale buttoned-crop cardigan with grayscale jeans. Standing right beside her is Jared in a black-buttoned, full-sleeved, all-white T-shirt paired with Malibu Beige-colored, skinny-fit trousers. The cute expectant couple leans on the boundary wall grill in a grayscale maternity photoshoot. Jared and Christen both tenderly touch Harper's belly. Christen looks lost into hubby Goff's eyes, and Goff warmly looks at the baby under the belly. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ofertas Hotel PortAventura PortAventura World Compra ahora Undo Being a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, Christen Harper has been in love with beachside photoshoots for the longest time The second snapshot has the lovely couple on the golden sand with the blue sea in the background. Christen Harper has been in love with beachside photoshoots for the longest time. Remember her reaction to Jared Goff throwing a game-winning touchdown for the Detroit Lions' first win? Doesn't jog the memory? Check out this tweet! Soon-to-be parents Jared Goff and Christen Harper click unique pictures for their pregnancy photoshoot Snapshot No. 3 has Christen again dressed in a grayscale crop buttoned cardigan with grayscale jeans. But in this snap, she has one hand around Jared's neck and another holding his hand over her waist. The most surprising part of this snapshot? Jared's face is cropped off from the picture. And Harper? She's all smiles. Maybe the focus of the photo was on their baby girl. Snapshot No. 4 has the pregnant couple staring right into the camera! Christen is standing sideways and leaning onto Jared with her hands folded behind her back. And Goff has tilted his head to touch Harper's head. His hands? They're in his pockets. Somehow, this snapshot depicts they would be exceedingly connected through their baby girl for the days to come! Snapshot No. 5 is, again, a grayscale one! Jared drops a heart-melting kiss on Christen's forehead while she tenderly touches her belly. They look so ready for parenthood! Fans react to Christen Harper and Jared Goff's grayscale beachside maternity photoshoot These photos are incredible!!! So beautiful🤍 Y'all are going to make such a beautiful family!! 🩷 Baby Goff ! Baby Goff! Baby Goff! Just simply stunning! These pictures just tell such a love story. ❤️❤️ I can already feel the aura You two radiate love and I just know your baby girl feels it too! 💕 You look wonderful and radiating! Can't wait for baby Goff! The warmth in these photos 🥹💛 sooo cute! pic 3 🥹 Also Read: Frederick 'Fred' Smith, father of Pittsburgh Steelers OC Arthur Smith and minority owner of the Washington Commanders, passed away at the age of 80 | NFL News - Times of India Follow all the live updates, scores, and highlights from the India vs England Test match here . Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
India Today
an hour ago
- India Today
US woman says she traded ‘average life' in America for something extraordinary in India
An American woman said she left behind a comfortable but 'average' life in the US to pursue something more meaningful in India, and hasn't looked back since. Sharing a series of videos on Instagram, Kristen Fischer reflected on her decision to shift base from the United States to India. 'I knew I had control of which direction to take my life,' she said in the now-viral post, adding, 'I could choose an average life in the USA, or I could choose to do something bold and extraordinary.'advertisementFischer moved to India with her husband, Tim, and their three daughters in 2021. Since then, the family has been documenting their day-to-day life on Instagram, from cultural learnings to local food and small-town adventures. They recently adopted a girl child with special needs. In the post, she said the last four years in India have been nothing short of life-changing. 'I've met some amazing people, seen incredible places, had awesome food, and changed my heart forever. India has changed my life, and I will never be the same,' she the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristen Fischer (@kristenfischer3)Apart from the lifestyle shift, Fischer also offered insight into their professional decision in another video. She and her husband run a web development agency, and choosing to live in India, she said, made both emotional and financial earn in US dollars and spend in Indian rupees,' she explained in the video, adding, 'It's simply easier for someone from the West to move to a place like India, where the cost of living is lower. It allows us to stretch our earnings and grow our business.'She further said, 'Plus, we get to live in a country we love. Seems like a win-win to me.'Watch the video here: View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kristen Fischer (@kristenfischer3)The couple's videos have resonated with many, especially young families and digital entrepreneurs drawn to the idea of building a more intentional life abroad. With a mix of cultural appreciation and practical reasoning, Kristen and Tim Fischer's story shows how some people are choosing purpose over familiarity, and thriving because of Watch
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Sara Ali Khan is serving boss babe energy in a black power suit and we are taking notes
Sara Ali Khan is making waves with her summer-perfect looks while promoting her upcoming film, Metro…In Dino. Recently, she turned heads in a bold, black co-ord set from Brawny Mellow, featuring a one-shoulder blazer with a unique scarf-style neck wrap and straight-cut trousers. Sara Ali Khan is on a serious style streak, and we're here for all of it. As she gears up for the promotions of Metro…In Dino, the actress is giving us back-to-back summer-perfect looks with just the right mix of glam, comfort, and that signature Sara charm. Her latest outfit? A bold, black co-ord set that screams power and polish. Sara rocked a coal black one-shoulder blazer set from Brawny Mellow that turned heads instantly. The top came with an asymmetrical neckline, a fitted bodice, and a cool scarf-style neck wrap that gave it a unique twist. We loved the angular cut lines and the front button detail - structured but still super wearable. Plus, there was a belt at the back to cinch in the waist and bring that boss-lady vibe full circle. She paired the top with straight-cut trousers in the same shade, featuring slanted pockets and pleated detailing that added a touch of edge. The relaxed fit showed us one thing clearly, Sara's all about comfort without compromising on style. And honestly, we love that energy. To balance out the all-black ensemble, she slipped into shimmery silver heels that brought a playful contrast to her look. For accessories, she kept things chic and sharp - think silver studs, statement rings, and a cool pair of ear cuffs. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Eat 1 Teaspoon Every Night, See What Happens A Week Later [video] Health Benefits Undo Minimal, but definitely impactful. Her glam game was equally on point. With a fresh dewy base, a pop of blush, and soft highlighter to catch the light just right, Sara kept things glowy. Smokey, smudged eyes gave her look that little bit of drama, and nude lips sealed the deal. She pulled her hair back into a sleek low ponytail, keeping the focus on her outfit and those cheekbones. If there's one thing Sara loves, it's a good co-ord set. Earlier during the same promo tour, she slipped into a blue one-shoulder top with matching pants, serving another round of effortless style. A few gold bracelets, the same sleek ponytail, and a soft glam makeup look completed that one too and yes, we're still thinking about it. From romantic dresses to structured power dressing, Sara's clearly having a fashion moment. And if her current streak is anything to go by, we're more than ready to raid her closet. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
