Living with pets brings plenty of joy, along with the occasional mess. Whether it’s muddy paws after walks, fur settling in corners, or everyday wear from playful claws and spills, our homes need to work harder. Choosing the right materials from the start makes maintaining a beautiful, pet-friendly home much easier.
Walls
Image by Hello Circus
Wallpaper might not seem the most sensible choice at first, but vinyl options can be surprisingly practical. “Vinyl is more durable than paper-based alternatives and better withstands everyday wear,” says Singhui Ng, co-founder of Hello Circus. “Most vinyl surfaces are wipeable, so paw prints and light smudges can be cleaned off easily with a damp cloth.” Their Heavy Duty Textured Vinyl wallpaper is also hard-wearing, more moisture-resistant, and finished with a subtle linen emboss effect.
Singhui adds that vinyl isn’t scratch-proof, so pets that like to claw at walls may still leave marks over time.
For walls that see plenty of action, Benjamin Moore’s SCUFF-X® Interior Paint is designed to withstand everyday bumps and frequent cleaning. Designed for outstanding scuff resistance and washability, it maintains a fresh look in high-traffic areas. Its low-VOC formula also promotes healthier indoor air quality.
Most of us don’t have gardens where our pets can roam freely, which makes indoor air quality even more important. AkzoNobel’s Dulux Ambiance All AirClean paint is designed with that in mind, using PureAir™ Technology to help absorb airborne pollutants such as formaldehyde and convert them into harmless water molecules. In certified testing, it was shown to remove more than 80 per cent of formaldehyde from the air, bringing extra peace of mind at home.
Flooring
Tiles are often the unanimous choice for pet-friendly flooring thanks to their durability and ease of cleaning. But what if you prefer something warmer underfoot?
Image by Floor Xpert
At Floor Xpert, their Hybrid Wood Flooring and Vinyl flooring collections are top picks.
“Most homeowners focus on scratch resistance, but the real challenge is water, which can ruin a floor seeping into the gaps,”
says Alan Toh, Managing Director at Floor Xpert. Their Belgian-made Quick-Step range features a patented Hydroseal layer that stays completely watertight, preventing spills from seeping in, while Scratch & Stain Guard and the Uniclic locking system add durability. The HDF core also provides a subtle grip for safer footing.
Countertops
Design by Erika Rugdee
When pets share your home, kitchen surfaces face more wear from fur, spills, heat, and cleaning. That’s where Dekton Entzo from Cosentino comes in. Designer Erika Rugdee selected it for the kitchen and island worktops and backsplashes in this Tampines flat, drawn to its durability and timeless appeal. Resistant to scratches, stains, and extreme temperatures, it suits busy kitchens while remaining easy to maintain. “The decision to use materials like Dekton stems from its low porosity, a key factor that simplifies cleaning and maintenance,” Erika shares.
“The Dekton Pietra surfaces blend the look of natural stone with exceptional durability. From muddy paws to spills and scratches, it handles everyday life effortlessly while still feeling refined and timeless.”
Patricia Lyon, Regional Marketing Lead, Cosentino Asia
Furniture
Image by Commune
Some pets simply like to stay close. This Paradiso Night Stand from Commune brings that sense of companionship into everyday living, pairing a green marble top with a fluted walnut-finished base in engineered wood. A practical drawer keeps essentials neatly stored, while a built-in pet nook below includes a soft fabric cushion, creating a cosy resting spot nearby.
“Pet-friendly design goes beyond durability. It’s about creating furniture that fits naturally into everyday life with pets, where thoughtful forms and forgiving materials become something both people and pets can truly live with.”
Commune Lifestyle Pte Ltd
Image by Soul & Table
The Boomerang Coffee Table from Soul & Tables is crafted from solid wood with softly curved edges that are safer for pets. Its oiled or varnished tabletop helps protect against spills and surface marks, and the brand’s lifetime maintenance means scratches or stains can be professionally treated.
Image by Cozmo
Choosing the right sofa fabric can make everyday living with pets far less stressful. Cozmo’s pet-friendly fabrics offer scratch-resistant, easy-to-clean surfaces that help sofas withstand fur, spills, and everyday wear. The brand’s changeable sofa covers, called “Jackets”, also make it easy to refresh your sofa or swap out covers if they get stained or damaged, a practical touch for shedding seasons and muddy paws.
Words: Disa Tan
