homewithjaymee
Neutral tones • Warm textures • Maisonette
how we designed our living room to work for dogs, cats and people
8
our living room was designed for daily life with dogs from the start. comfort, movement, and easy cleaning mattered more than making the space look perfect. after we moved in, cats joined the household. instead of redesigning the room, we adjusted what was already there — and that’s where the original layout really proved its value. we kept walkways open and avoided over-furnishing the space. this made the room easier to clean and comfortable for dogs moving around throughout the day, while still feeling calm and uncluttered. 
the tv console was custom-built to fit the wall and provide closed storage, reducing visual clutter and the need for extra furniture. this made the space practical from day one, and even more useful once cats arrived and supplies needed to be stored neatly. 
when the cats came later, we didn’t overhaul the living room. we created a small pet corner near the sofa, keeping cat furniture contained instead of scattered. this simple adjustment allowed the room to stay organised while accommodating new routines. soft lighting and curtains help keep the room relaxed throughout the day. storage stays minimal and intentional, allowing the living room to handle real life with pets without constant tidying. by prioritising function from the beginning, the living room adapted easily as our household grew. it’s not a perfect space — but it’s one that works, every day, for both pets and people.
15 hours ago
