We love our furry friends. We don’t love when they leave scratches on the floor or snag a nail on fabric.

At ByMCK, we see pets as part of the family. Just ask our adorable mini schnauzer (and Chief Snack Officer) Kylo. 

But being pet-friendly doesn’t have to be a limitation. A well-designed and thoughtful home can account for both your needs and theirs.

Start With Surfaces

Flooring gets a lot of wear and tear, and pets can be another source of (super cute) daily paw traffic.  High-gloss finishes tend to highlight every scratch. Matte or satin finishes are far more forgiving.

In high-traffic zones, particularly during Chicago winters, durable materials like porcelain tile or quality luxury vinyl plank often outperform traditional hardwood. That said, warmth still matters. 

Layered rugs—placed where your pet naturally rests—help balance durability with comfort. Kylo loves to lay on a fur rug that doubles as a daybed.

Choose Materials That Age Well

The goal isn’t to prevent wear entirely. It’s to choose materials that still look good once they’ve been used.

Performance fabrics are one of the most impactful decisions you can make, especially in main living areas. They clean easily, resist stains, and maintain their structure over time. Tighter weaves also prevent snagging, which is key in homes with dogs.

Pro-tip: Scotchgard your furniture, especially if you have a puppy. Or if you just happen to enjoy a few glasses of red wine on the couch.

Don’t Forget Storage

Some pet-related frustration comes down to all that stuff you don’t always use but need to keep in the house. Leashes, toys, and food storage tend to accumulate quickly, especially in smaller Chicago layouts. 

When these elements are integrated into the design—whether through entry storage, concealed cabinetry, or built-in feeding areas—the home immediately feels more resolved. Not because there’s less, but because everything has a place. That’s why Kylo has his own storage cabinet in our entryway credenza. 

Create Defined Pet Zones

Without intention, pet items tend to drift. A bed gets placed wherever it fits. Bowls move around based on convenience.

Defining zones changes that. When a pet bed is anchored within a living space or a feeding station is aligned with kitchen flow, those elements feel integrated instead of temporary. Even small decisions—like placing a runner where traction is needed—make the home function more smoothly.

Design for Comfort from the Start

Pets will always find the most comfortable spot in the room. The goal is to make sure that moment works within the design.

Soft layers, durable upholstery, and thoughtful placement of textiles allow comfort to feel intentional (which you’ll appreciate, too). When it’s planned from the beginning, you avoid the visual disconnect that happens when pet items are added later.

Pet-Friendly Doesn’t Have to Mean Boring

Pet-friendly design is all about anticipating wear before it’s too late. When materials, layout, and storage are considered upfront, the result is a home that feels both elevated and easy to live in.

If you love your pets as much as we love ours, let’s work together. Keep scrolling to tell us more about your project.