Once upon a time, pet-friendly decorating meant surrendering to the tyranny of beige. Beige walls, beige couches, beige rugs—all in the name of “hiding fur” and “being practical.” And sure, we love a good neutral moment, but if your home is starting to feel like a waiting room at a very sad vet’s office... it’s time for a refresh.
Good news: you can bring bold, beautiful color into a pet-friendly home without inviting disaster. The trick is choosing smart materials, thoughtful accents, and a vibe that feels like you—not a compromise.
Let’s break it down. Here’s how to add color, keep your space looking fresh, and still let your furry roommate live their best life (and yes, nap on the couch).
If you're designing a pet space from the ground up, my free Pet Room Starter Checklist is the perfect first step. Start with the basics, then come back and color it up.
Start with Washable Color, Not Permanent Color
If you want to experiment, don’t go painting your walls coral just yet. Start small with washable accents—throw pillows, slipcovers, curtains, and poufs that can either be tossed in the wash or easily replaced when your dog decides to “customize” them.
Hot tip: Patterned fabrics hide fur, drool, and mystery smudges better than solids, especially if you’ve got a pet that sheds in every color.
Choose Pet-Safe Paints and Finishes
If you’re going bold on walls or furniture, opt for non-toxic, low-VOC paints. Some brands even make pet-specific formulas. And when you’re painting furniture or floors, a satin or semi-gloss finish is easier to clean than matte—without turning your living room into a reflective nightmare.
Use Colorful Storage to Brighten the Room
You don’t need to invest in a giant blue cabinet or hot pink sideboard. Even small pops of color—like mustard-colored baskets, forest green bins, or a jewel-toned ottoman—can pull a room together while hiding the chaos (and the chew toys).
Add a Bold Rug That Works Hard
The right rug can anchor a colorful room and survive pet life. Look for:
- Machine washable options
- Low pile or flat weave (fewer hiding spots for fur)
- Patterned or darker tones to disguise wear
- A fun patterned rug makes it look like your dog belongs in the room—not like you’re just covering up the crime scene.
These are fantastic with lots of color options!
Upgrade Your Couch Game
If your couch has seen some things—scratches, drool, accidents—it’s time to upgrade with a pet-friendly slipcover or blanket in a bold color or print. Bonus: you can change it seasonally and pretend you're the type of person who decorates for fall.
Use Art, Decor, and Plants as a Colorful Punch
Wall art, framed prints, or painted shelves can add depth and personality without risking contact damage from paws or claws. If you’re adding greenery, just make sure it’s pet-safe. Snake plants and sago palms may look stunning, but your vet bill won’t.
Consider colorful leash hooks, bold pet food mats, or even a sleek water bowl stand in a standout shade.
What to Avoid: Color Pitfalls for Pet Parents
- Silk or velvet in light colors. It’s not “luxury”—it’s heartbreak waiting to happen.
- White rugs. Just don’t do it.
- Matte paint in high-traffic areas. You’ll scrub it once and regret every decision that brought you here.
Be Bold, Be Smart, Be Washable
Color doesn't have to be scary. With the right materials and a little planning, your home can be a vibrant, stylish reflection of you and still function as a haven for your pet. Let your home be joyful, colorful, and unapologetic—even if there’s fur on the furniture.
Want more tips like this, plus product recs and pet-home hacks? Grab the free checklist or dive deeper with my full guidebook to designing a pet-friendly space that’s as smart as it is stylish.
Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I actually use or would use in my own pet space.
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